Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO) = 5 khoums. Notes are in denominations of MRO1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of MRO20, 10, 5 and 1, and 1 and 0.2 khoums.

Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited.

Currency declaration forms are issued on arrival and should be kept. Currencies can be exchanged at the airport or at the main banks in Nouakchott. It is illegal to exchange money on the black market.

Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted. American Express is accepted in a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. ATMs are not readily available.

Limited use. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Sun-Thurs 0800-1600.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	MRO525.75
$1.00=	MRO266.00
Eur;1.00=	MRO355.67

The following items can be imported into Mauritania by persons of 18 years of age and over without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 450g of tobacco (women – cigarettes only).
• 50g of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette.
• One still camera, one cinecamera and one wireless set; one projector (tourists only).

Note: Sporting guns require an import and gun licence, obtained prior to arrival from the Home Ministry.

Alcohol.