The currency of the Seychelles is the rupee (SCR). One rupee is equal to 100 cents. Banknotes can be found in denominations of SCR100, 50, 25 and 10, while coins come in denominations of SCR5 and 1, and 25, 10 and 5 cents.

Exchange facilities are available at the airport banks as well as at regular banks, which can be found throughout the major islands. Currency exchange receipts should be kept in order to help with the re-exchange of currency on departure. Access, American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, with Diners Club of limited use here. ATMs are available in Mahe and Praslin. Travellers cheques are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops although you are advised to take cheques in either US dollars or pounds sterling.

Banks are open from 08:30 until 14:30, Monday to Friday and from 08:30 until 11:00 on Saturdays.

Local currency can be imported without any restrictions, but the export of it is limited to 2,000 Seychelles rupees. There are no restrictions on import or export of foreign currency.

The following items may be imported into the Seychelles without incurring any customs duty by those 18 years or older: 400 cigarettes; two litres of spirits or two litres of wine; 200ml of perfume; other items not exceeding SCR3,000; one video camera and one camera.

The import of non-prescribed drugs, firearms, plants and plant products, animals and animal products, radioactive substances and fireworks are prohibited unless previous permission has been granted. Shells, unprocessed coco-de-mer, processed or live fish and live tortoises may not be exported.

240 volts AC, 50Hz; British three-pin plugs are in use.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travellers arriving from infected areas. Typhoid occurs in rural areas and hepatitis A and B occur throughout. There are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever and other mosquito borne illnesses. It is therefore vital to protect yourself from getting bitten by using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers during dawn and dusk. Rabies may be present in certain areas.

The sun is extremely powerful in the Seychelles as it is so close to the equator. Even if the sun isn’t very bright, you can still burn quickly. It is essential to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Tap water is normally chlorinated and although relatively safe, it may cause mild stomach upsets so it is adviseable to only drink bottled water. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe to eat as well as local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables.

You will find a large hospital in Victoria and there are clinics elsewhere on La Digue, Mahe and Praslin, but medical facilities are somewhat limited. Visitors will be given emergency treatment for a basic consultancy fee, while any additional medical treatment could work out to be costly. It is recommended that you take out comprehensive medical insurance to cover any unforeseen situations. There are several pharmacies available in Victoria, but they are pretty sparse elsewhere. On other islands, government clinics are available, but treatment offered is not always up to international standards.

On 3 October 2006 there was a demonstration that resulted in the police using tear gas to disperse crowds. Further demonstrations are possible and because of this, travellers should avoid all demonstrations, rallies and large gatherings, especially in Victoria.

Violent crime is rare and most visits are trouble-free, but there has been a recent increase in petty crime such as pick-pocketing. There have also been a few separate incidents of assaults, although they were targeted mainly at residents. You should however be vigilant and avoid travelling by yourself at night and in isolated areas. Avoid taking valuables to the beach and always keep a close eye on your belongings.

The local people in the Seychelles live a simple and unsophisticated island life and tourism is carefully controlled so that the charm and natural beauty of the island is protected and undisturbed. Before the international airport opened in 1971, the islands could only be reached by sea and due to their isolated location; visitors were few and far between. The native people saw very little influence from the outside world and they developed their own language and culture which are completely unique. These customs should always be respected and in some cases, observed.

Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting for both men and women. Seychellois are very hospitable and enjoy inviting guests to their homes. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone’s house, taking a simple gift is the norm. Casual wear is essential, with formal clothes only being worn to church services. Swimwear and revealing clothes should only be worn on the beaches or by the pool.

Tips in restaurants and hotels as well as tips for taxi drivers and porters are usually included in all bills, as a 5 to 10 per cent addition. If however you are extremely happy with the service, an additional 5 or 10 per cent will be much appreciated. Tax-free shopping can be enjoyed at the international airport in Victoria.

The country code for the Seychelles is: +248. You will find a number of internet cafés on Mahe, while elsewhere the only place you are likely to find an internet connection is in your hotel.

GMT +4

A visa is not required by nationals of the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan as long as they have: an onward or return ticket; a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds. Organised accommodation for the duration of the stay can also be a requirement.

For nationals of these countries, a visitor's permit, which is valid for up to one month, is issued on arrival. This permit may be renewed, provided you hold a valid open return ticket and apply at least one week before the permit's expiry. Nationals of other countries are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.