Tipping in Mauritania
MRU
Last reviewed · Sep 2026Sources & methodology
Tipping in Mauritania is soft and situational. At mid-range Nouakchott restaurants, leave 10% when no service charge appears. Local gargotes and collective taxis need no formal tip — a small MRU round-up is enough when service stood out.
Rounding commonQuick answer
Restaurant
Standard:10%
Exceptional:15%
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+Check the bill for a service line before tipping again
+Sit-down spots in Nouakchott: leave 10% when no charge appears
−Local gargotes and street stalls need only a small MRU round-up
Bar
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:Small extra
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+Round up the tab or leave small MRU change
−A full percentage is not expected at casual spots
Taxi
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:Small extra
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+Agree the fare before the ride; city taxis are rarely metered
−Shared taxis and bush taxis do not expect a percentage tip
How to tip in Mauritania
•Leave 10% in MRU when restaurant service is not already on the bill
•Carry ouguiya cash — cards fail outside a few Nouakchott hotels
•Tip desert guides and drivers at the end of the day — tip is not a hire fee
Quick tips
New ouguiya (MRU) replaced old MRO in 2018 — ignore 0s on outdated price talk
Tipping is soft: tip when you look like a tourist diner, not by obligation
Gargotes and shared taxis: no formal percentage tip
More tipping situations (8)
DeliveryRound up
Hairdresser / BarberRound up
Spa & MassageRound up
Hotel Staff20-50 MRU per bag
Tour guides200-400 MRU per day
Valet ParkingNot expected
Airport Services20-50 MRU per bag
Car Services / UberRound up
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Tipping questions in Mauritania
Sources & methodology
We cross-check tipping guidance across multiple independent sources, with local and official sources prioritized where available.
Sources reviewed for Mauritania
