Do you need a travel adapter for Mauritania?

In most cases, no.

Mauritania uses three plug types:

• Type C: European plug with two round pins, the same as in the Netherlands
• Type E: French plug with two round pins plus an earth pin
• Type F: Schuko plug with two round pins and earth clips, the same as in the Netherlands

Type C and F fit directly into Dutch sockets and vice versa, so you can use your charger, laptop and other devices without an adapter. You may also come across type E (French), but Dutch plugs fit into it fine in most cases. However, some newer earthed appliances do not always fit into a type E socket, because the earth pin is in the socket instead of on the plug.

A travel adapter for Mauritania is only needed when you:

• bring sensitive earthed equipment that specifically requires a connection
• want certainty about all your connections
• travel on to neighbouring countries with other plug types

Which type of socket does Mauritania have?

Mauritania predominantly uses three plug types:

• Type C: two round pins, unearthed. The same type as in the Netherlands and most European countries
• Type E: two round pins plus a round earth pin. The same type as in France and Belgium
• Type F: two round pins plus earth clips. Identical to German and Dutch sockets

Due to the French colonial history (1903-1960), type E is the original standard, but in modern hotels and homes you often also come across type C and F. In Nouakchott and large cities the mix of types is greater. In remote desert areas such as the Adrar plateau and the oasis towns, the infrastructure can still be dated.

Otherwise there are few regional differences: whether you stay in the capital Nouakchott, in the port city of Nouadhibou or in a desert camp, you come across similar plug types.

When is a universal adapter still handy in Mauritania?

Although strictly speaking you do not need an adapter for Mauritania, a universal adapter is still handy in a number of situations.

If you travel on after Mauritania to neighbouring countries such as Senegal (type C, D, E and K), Mali (type C and E) or Morocco (type C and E), you will come across partly different plug types there. A universal adapter works in all these countries and offers extra USB ports so you can charge your phone, laptop and camera at the same time.

In addition, a universal adapter is handy in remote accommodations with older infrastructure, where your Dutch plug may fit loosely. The Remodius Universal Travel Adapter works in Mauritania and in 220+ other countries.

Power and voltage in Mauritania

The power supply in Mauritania differs slightly from the Netherlands.

• Voltage: 220 volts
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Compatible with Dutch appliances: yes

The voltage in Mauritania is 10 volts lower than in the Netherlands (230V), but this difference is negligible. Modern Dutch appliances and chargers work without problems on 220 volts. So you do not need a voltage converter.

It is important to know that power outages occur regularly in Mauritania, especially outside Nouakchott. In the Sahara, in oasis towns such as Chinguetti and Ouadâne, and in remote fishing villages, the power can go out for several hours a day. Many hotels and lodges use private generators or solar panels. A power bank and a headlamp with a rechargeable battery are smart additions to your travel kit.

When is a travel adapter for Mauritania essential?

An adapter is only essential in Mauritania in specific situations:

• when using earthed Dutch appliances in type E sockets
• in remote accommodations with dated infrastructure
• when travelling on to surrounding countries with other plug types
• as a safeguard for unexpected situations

For most travellers in Nouakchott or when staying in modern hotels, no adapter is needed.

Especially if you make a desert trek through the Sahara, visit the ancient caravan towns of Chinguetti and Ouadâne (UNESCO World Heritage), travel along the Atlantic coast or visit Banc d'Arguin National Park for birdwatching, a reliable power bank and possibly a universal adapter are handy to keep your equipment and cameras charged at all times, even during power outages.

Buying a travel adapter for Mauritania

Do you want to be prepared for all situations, including in remote accommodations or when travelling on? Then choose a reliable universal adapter suitable for both Mauritania and surrounding countries.

With a universal adapter you avoid loose connections, non-working appliances and unnecessary stress during your trip. Are you travelling on after Mauritania, for example to Senegal (type C, D, E and K), Mali (type C and E) or Morocco (type C and E)? Then a universal adapter covers all these types at once. The Remodius Universal Travel Adapter works in 220+ countries.