Useful Tips

Mauritius is a safe holiday destination, easily accessed by air with a lot of great experiences to live. We have gathered some useful information for your stay in Mauritius to take place in the best possible conditions.

General

• Although the official language is English, Mauritians are fluent in French and Creole.
• Time zone is Universal Time plus four hours (GMT/UTC +4).
• The national currency is the Mauritian rupee, split in 100 cents. One euro is equivalent to about 45 Mauritian rupees.
• The electrical plugs used are the British three-square pin and two round pin plugs. Voltage 220/230V.
• Tips are not mandatory but are welcome based on your appreciation.

At the airport

• If you do not have a pre-arranged transfer, you will easily find a taxi at the airport. Agree on the amount of the trip with the driver before embarking.
• ATMs are available for currency exchange and cash withdrawals.

Dress Up

• Casual outfits (shorts, t-shirts, flip flops) are generally accepted throughout the day. Nevertheless, please dress soberly as you enter places of worship. Before travelling, check with your hotel for evening attire – many have dress codes (pants, no T-shirts, no flip flops).

Accommodation

• When choosing your accommodation, make sure that it is listed with the Tourism Authority to ensure compliance with security standards and measures (http://www.tourismauthority.mu/en/)
• Please use the safe provided by hotels, guest rooms and other tourist residences to keep your valuables, passport and money.
• Be sure to close all room windows and doors when you go out.

At the beach

• Do not purchase products or services from unauthorised persons. If in doubt, ask for their operating licence.
• Always ask for the price before any purchase.
• Watch out for those that are too tenacious.
• Make sure your purse is out of sight and don’t bring valuables with you.
• Beaches are accessible to all in Mauritius, but in front of private residences and hotels, the public can only stand or walk within the high water mark.

Markets

• Always ask for the price before any purchase. Bargaining is accepted in markets.

Transportation

• Hitchhiking is not practised in Mauritius
• If you are organising a transport with your accommodation, agree on the rate before confirming your trip.
• Taxis offer tours, but be aware that some proposals may be motivated by commissions guaranteed by some traders.

Driving

• Cars drive on the left-hand side in Mauritius, giving way to vehicles coming from the right.
• Visitors holding a valid driver’s licence issued by the relevant authorities have the right to drive while staying in Mauritius.

Wildlife

• There are no dangerous or deadly poisonous animals in Mauritius. There are, however, some species with painful stings, and in some rare cases that cause allergies, such as wasps or bees. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist if this happens.
• The lagoons are protected by the reefs, so no shark attacks to fear. There are nevertheless a few creatures to watch out for, such as stone fish and lionfish whose stings are extremely painful, sea urchins, and jellyfish which are nastily itchy. The presence of these jellyfish is usually indicated as it happens occasionally. It is recommended to see a doctor in all cases.

Sea outings

• When you go out to sea, make sure that the boat you are taking has a registration number beginning with “PC” assigned to those used for commercial purposes.
• Follow the instructions of the skippers and accompanying staff. Wear the required lifejacket or other required equipment at all times and do not ride on the bow of motor boats.
• We are lucky to be able to watch dolphins and whales in our waters, respect them and the environment around when you go out to sea.

Security in your place of residence

• Use the safe provided at your accommodation to store your valuables, passport and money.
• Don’t take all your devices and other objects with you during your outings (computers and other electronics).
• If you misplace your room magnetic key, report it immediately to your place of residence for fast deactivation.
• And in general, don’t leave anything in plain view in your car.

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 999 or 112
• Fire Services: 995 or 115
• SAMU Ambulances: 114
• National Directory: 150
• Tourist Info: 152
• Weather: 171 and 96 for cyclone reports
• Airline information: 603 3030