Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot are recommended. Additionally, consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and potentially rabies if you’ll be in contact with animals. Yellow fever isn’t required unless you’re arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Western Sahara, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Western SaharaCulture & Customs
When visiting Western Sahara, respect Islamic customs: dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid public displays of affection. For greetings, a handshake is common, but wait for the local’s lead, especially with the opposite sex.
Always ask before photographing people.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is crucial as homosexuality is not legally accepted. Women should be cautious when traveling alone; it’s safer to stay in groups or tour with local guides.
Remember to remove shoes when entering homes if invited. Respect fasting during Ramadan by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Western Sahara.
- Camel Couscous: A staple dish often served during special occasions. It’s similar to traditional couscous but with camel meat, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and the significance of camels in the culture.
- Meifrisa: A hearty stew made with lamb or goat, vegetables, and spices, usually cooked over an open fire. It’s popular for its rich flavors and is a communal dish that brings people together.
- Shakshuka: A spicy tomato and egg dish, often enjoyed for breakfast. Its popularity comes from its simplicity and the way it showcases the region’s love for bold flavors.
- Mint Tea: Not exactly a dish, but an essential part of social life. Brewing and sharing mint tea is a symbol of hospitality and is deeply embedded in the culture.
Tap water in Western Sahara is generally not recommended for tourists. While locals might drink it, their digestive systems are accustomed to it. Travelers should stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues.
The main language in Western Sahara is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Western Sahara includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Western Sahara,
English is not widely spoken. The predominant languages are Arabic and Hassaniya, a dialect of Arabic spoken by the Sahrawi people. While French is also used due to historical ties with France, English is less common, especially in rural areas.
In urban centers like Laayoune, you may encounter some younger individuals or professionals who speak English, particularly in hotels, tourist services, and among those involved in international business. However, the overall proficiency is limited. Travelers are advised to learn basic Arabic phrases or use translation apps to facilitate communication.
In more remote areas, English speakers are rare, and knowledge of Arabic or French will be beneficial. Overall, while you might find some English speakers in Western Sahara, it’s not the primary language, so preparation is key for effective communication during your travels.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Western Sahara is MAD (م.د).
ATMs: You’ll find a few ATMs in larger towns like Laayoune, but don’t expect them to be everywhere. It’s wise to withdraw cash when you spot one, as smaller towns might be a cash-only zone.
Cash is King: While cards are handy, cash is your best friend here. Carry a mix of smaller and larger denominations. Vendors and smaller businesses often prefer cash, and you might even snag a better deal by avoiding card fees.
Dollars or Euros: Both are widely accepted for exchange, but euros tend to be slightly more favorable. Carry some if you can, as they might save you a few dirhams on exchange rates.
Card Acceptance: Major hotels and some restaurants in larger cities might take cards, but don’t count on it. Always check first to avoid any awkward bill scenarios. Cash is generally more reliable.
Exchanging Money: Exchange offices are your go-to for better rates, usually found in main towns. Avoid airport exchanges if you can—they tend to rip you off with poor rates. If you’re near the border with Morocco, you can exchange there too, but the rates might not be as competitive.
Tipping in Western Sahara isn’t a strict custom, but leaving small tips is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is considerate. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, a few dirhams can go a long way in showing gratitude.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.