Mauritius Travel Tips

The official currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR), with coins available in denominations of: 1, 5 and 10 rupees; and banknotes available in denominations of: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000.

Currency can be exchanged at banks around the country, with interest rates varying. Many people prefer to simply use ATM machines while in Mauritius, with cash machines being widespread and accepting most major credit cards and Cirrus. While larger shopping centres accept credit cards as payment, you may find that smaller outlets and some restaurants only accept cash payment, making it wise to always carry some cash on you. Money wiring services are also available, but usually involve hefty transfer fees. Traveller’s cheques often provide a better exchange rate than cash.

Monday to Thursday: 09:15 to 15:15; Fridays: 09:15 to 15:30; Saturdays: 09:15 to 11:15 (some banks only).

There is no limit on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Visitors over the age of 16 years can import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre of eau de toilette and a quantity of perfume not exceeding 10cl. Plants and plant material cannot be imported without a plant import permit, obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture.

230V/50Hz (European or UK plug)

Visitors to Mauritius are at risk of becoming infected with dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The only preventative available is to protect yourself from being bitten therefore it is essential that you wear insect repellent and cover susceptible areas. Sleeping under a mosquito net is also advised. There is also a risk of becoming infected with the viral illness Chickungunya, also carried by mosquitoes.

Travellers are advised to get immunised against hepatitis A, following an endemic here in 1989. Visitors should also be up-to-date with other essential vaccinations such as tetanus.

If you intend to eat seafood while you are here, be aware that certain reef fish contain ciguatoxin including sea bass, snapper, mullet and grouper. If you eat these coral fish, do not mix your meal with peanuts or alcohol, and do not eat any of the intestines. Some consumers react badly to the toxins, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.

Visitors arriving from a malaria-endemic country may be subject to blood screening by the government health service.

Mauritius is considered a safe holiday destination however visitors should exercise common sense with their belongings. The larger centres are not devoid of petty crime, making it essential that you keep valuables and travel documents in a safe place at all times.

There have been incidents of rape and robbery, mainly at night in deserted beach areas. Women should never walk alone in secluded areas or on city streets. The highest levels of crime are in Port Louis, Grand Bay, Pereybere, Flic en Flac and Tamarin. It is also necessary that you lock your bungalow, villa or hotel room every time you leave it, with theft from accommodation being common.

Mauritius is almost entirely encircled by coral reefs and visitors will be impressed by the abundant ocean life. While the maritime creatures here are fascinating to observe, visitors should be aware of the risks and dangers some of them pose and should seek medical attention immediately if they are stung or cut by coral.

Travel insurance is essential so that you are covered in case of emergency. Travellers should check that their insurance covers them for all sports and activities that they intend to participate in. 

Tourist Police (Police du Tourisme): +230 213 2818

With both French and English acting as official languages, most visitors will find themselves easily understood here.

As a multicultural society, with Christianity sitting alongside Hinduism and Islam, Mauritius is tolerant of different beliefs and ethnicities. However, it is important that you show respect when visiting a religious site and never enter a religious building when a service is in process. There are also various rules associated with each religion, such as the prohibition of wearing shoes inside a mosque, which must also be respected. Visitors may also be lucky enough to witness one of the island’s many religious festivals, such as Ramadan, when Muslims refrain from eating from dawn to dusk.

Tipping is optional, but normally considered unnecessary if the usual 12 per cent tax has already been added to the bill. While taxi drivers do not expect a tip, airport and hotel porters often do.

The country code for Mauritius is: +230. Internet shops are available in the main centres across the island and at most luxury hotels. Wireless internet is also becoming more popular at accommodation establishments.

UTC+4

Upon entry, visitors are required to provide details regarding their accommodation to the immigration service. Failure to do so may result in you not being allowed entry.
All visitors must have a passport and onward ticket. Visas valid for 90 days are issued to most visitors on arrival; however, we recommend you contact a Mauritian embassy prior to your visit.