Mauritania is a vast West African country where mobile internet is essential for communication and navigation. While fixed broadband is limited, prepaid SIM cards provide the most convenient and affordable way to stay connected for residents and tourists. Mobile data prices are relatively low, and SIM cards are widely available in cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
This guide explains everything about prepaid SIM cards in Mauritania, including mobile operators, frequencies, coverage, prices, activation codes, and tourist options.
Basics Information
Mauritania has three main mobile network operators providing prepaid SIM services:
- Mauritel (Moov Mauritel / El-Jawal)
- Mattel Mauritania
- Chinguitel (often associated with Orange-branded services)
All networks offer 2G and 3G nationwide, with limited 4G LTE available mainly in major cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Internet speeds are modest compared with global standards, typically below 10–15 Mbps in most areas.
Mobile country code: +222
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are easy to obtain throughout Mauritania.
You can buy them from:
- Official operator stores
- Mobile phone shops
- Airport kiosks
- Street vendors
- Supermarkets and electronics stores
SIM cards are normally activated immediately after registration.
Where to Buy
Common places to buy a SIM card in Mauritania include:
- Nouakchott International Airport
- Operator of retail stores
- Shopping malls
- Electronics shops
- Small roadside telecom stalls
Tourists can purchase SIM cards using a passport for identification.
Mobile Network Frequencies
Most unlocked smartphones will work in Mauritania because the country uses standard GSM and UMTS bands.
| Technology | Frequency Bands |
|---|---|
| 2G GSM | 900 MHz, 1800 MHz |
| 3G UMTS | 2100 MHz |
| 4G LTE | 700 MHz (B28), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2600 MHz (B7) |
These frequencies are used by Mauritanian operators for mobile communication.
Coverage & Speed
| Operator | Technology | Coverage | Average Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritel / Moov | 2G / 3G / limited 4G | Best national coverage | 5–15 Mbps |
| Mattel | 2G / 3G / 4G in cities | Good in urban areas | 5–12 Mbps |
| Chinguitel | 2G / 3G | Moderate | 3–10 Mbps |
Mauritel generally provides the widest coverage across the country including many rural areas.
At a Glance Comparison
| Operator | Best For | Coverage | Typical Data Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritel / Moov | Overall coverage | Excellent | Cheap |
| Mattel | Urban speeds | Good | Cheap |
| Chinguitel | Budget plans | Moderate | Very cheap |
Biometric User Registration
SIM card registration is mandatory in Mauritania.
Required documents:
- Passport (for foreigners)
- National ID (for residents)
Registration usually includes:
- Copy of ID
- SIM card linked to identity
- Instant activation
Device Registration
Currently, Mauritania does not strictly enforce IMEI device registration for tourists. Most unlocked phones work immediately once the SIM card is inserted.
SIM Card Price
Typical SIM card price:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| SIM card | 50–200 MRU ($1–$5) |
| Tourist SIM | 200–500 MRU |
Data packages start around 100 MRU ($2.5) for several gigabytes.
Top-Up Methods
You can recharge your prepaid balance using:
- Scratch recharge cards
- Mobile money
- Operator apps
- USSD recharge codes
- Retail shops
- Street vendors
Recharge cards are widely sold in grocery stores and kiosks.
Mauritel / El-Jawal Prepaid SIM
Mauritel operates the El-Jawal prepaid service, widely used across the country.
El-Jawal Data Add-Ons
| Data | Validity | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 GB | 7 days | 100 MRU | *100# |
| 6 GB | 30 days | 200 MRU | *100# |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 300 MRU | *100# |
| 20 GB | 30 days | 500 MRU | *100# |
Mauritel often provides the strongest signal outside major cities.
Orange / Chinguitel Prepaid Plans
Chinguitel is another operator offering prepaid mobile services.
Data Add-Ons
| Data | Validity | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | 30 days | 100 MRU | *140# |
| 4 GB | 30 days | 200 MRU | *140# |
| 7 GB | 30 days | 300 MRU | *140# |
These plans are popular among budget users.
Mattel Prepaid Plans
Mattel Mauritania is known for good coverage in cities.
Data Packages
| Data | Validity | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 GB | 7 days | 100 MRU | *130# |
| 6 GB | 30 days | 200 MRU | *130# |
| 15 GB | 30 days | 400 MRU | *130# |
Moov Mauritel Data Plans
Moov Mauritel operates under Mauritel’s infrastructure.
Data Add-Ons
| Data | Validity | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 GB | 7 days | 100 MRU | *555# |
| 6 GB | 30 days | 200 MRU | *555# |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 300 MRU | *555# |
| 20 GB | 30 days | 500 MRU | *555# |
These are some of the cheapest mobile data bundles in West Africa.
How to Check the Remaining Balance
Typical USSD codes:
| Operator | Balance Check |
|---|---|
| Mauritel | *100# |
| Mattel | *130# |
| Chinguitel | *140# |
The code shows:
- Data remaining
- Credit balance
- Validity
Official Websites
- Mauritel – https://www.mauritel.mr
- Mattel Mauritania – https://www.mattel.mr
- Chinguitel – https://www.chinguitel.mr
Mobile Apps
Most operators provide mobile apps for account management.
| Operator | App |
|---|---|
| Mauritel | Mauritel App |
| Mattel | Mattel App |
| Chinguitel | Chinguitel App |
Available on:
- Google Play
- Apple App Store
How to Check SIM Number
You can check your SIM number using USSD codes:
| Operator | Code |
|---|---|
| Mauritel | *100# |
| Mattel | *130# |
| Chinguitel | *140# |
Alternatively, call another phone to display your number.
Tourist SIM Cards
Tourists can easily buy prepaid SIM cards.
Requirements:
- Passport
- Quick registration
- Local currency (MRU)
Typical tourist bundles:
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 GB | 7 days | 100–150 MRU |
| 10–20 GB | 30 days | 300–500 MRU |
Roaming Data
International roaming is available but expensive.
Example roaming charges:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Data roaming | $5–$15 per MB |
| Incoming call | $1–$3 per minute |
Using a local SIM card is much cheaper.
Digital eSIM Providers
Travel eSIM providers that work in Mauritania include:
- Airalo
- Nomad eSIM
- Holafly
Typical prices:
| Data | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 GB | $15 |
| 3 GB | $30 |
eSIMs are convenient but more expensive than local SIM cards.
Other Options
Alternative internet options include:
- Pocket WiFi devices
- Hotel WiFi
- Internet cafés
- Satellite internet in remote areas
However, prepaid SIM cards remain the most practical option.
SIM Activation
Steps to activate your SIM card:
- Insert the SIM card into your phone
- Register with ID/passport
- Receive activation SMS
- Recharge balance
- Activate a data package
Activation usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Customer Service / Helpline Numbers
| Operator | Helpline |
|---|---|
| Mauritel | 111 |
| Mattel | 133 |
| Chinguitel | 123 |
Conclusion
Prepaid SIM cards are the best and most affordable way to stay connected in Mauritania. With prices starting from just a few dollars for several gigabytes of data, travelers can easily access mobile internet across major cities and towns.
Among the available networks, Mauritel (Moov) generally offers the best nationwide coverage, while Mattel performs well in urban areas. Chinguitel remains a budget-friendly alternative.
Before traveling to Mauritania, make sure your phone supports GSM 900/1800 MHz and UMTS 2100 MHz bands. Once you arrive, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card takes only a few minutes and will keep you connected throughout your journey.