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Travel Advice to Mauritius
Before you leave for your dream holiday to Mauritius-the dreamland, there are few things you should know about this island country. Although people here are warmly friendly yet it helps if you know the grounds in advance.
Mauritius Working Hours
Private Sector: Monday to Friday: 8.30 amSaturday: 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am
Saturday : 9 am
Mauritius Banking Hours
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm
, Saturday:9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only)
. Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Mauritius Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.Mauritius Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 30.Mauritius Customs
- Passengers over 18 years of age may 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 perfume not exceeding 100 ml.
- A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.
- It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.
- All imported animals including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.
- Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.
Mauritius Driving
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.
Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
Mauritius Emergency
Police(ambulance ) :999, Police : 208-7018/20 Fire : 995, Samu : 114
Mauritius Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
Mauritius Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.
Mauritius Medical Services
Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.
Mauritius Nudism
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.
Mauritius Public Holidays
There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.
Mauritius Security
A tourist police service has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones.
An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed. A specific law relating to all tourist activities and corrupt practices has also been voted.
The following essential pieces of advice are meant for you :
- Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
- Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
- Do not leave anything inside your car.
- (For trips or purchases) use only recognised operators or suppliers.
- Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
- For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
- During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.
- Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.
Mauritius Shopping
Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. The island's reputation as a shopping paradise is enhanced by the diversity and quality of shopping opportunities. The number of tourists-only duty-free shops where passports and air tickets must be shown is on the increase.
Mauritius Time And Telecommunications
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time. Mauritius has international direct dialing facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.
What To Wear In Mauritius
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings.
Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.