Money :
Réunion is an overseas département of France and therefore since 2002, the unit of currency is the Euro, divided into 100 cents. There are plenty of banks and ATMs on the island, and most shops and hotels accept major credit cards (though most require a minimum amount for payments). Travellers cheques are widely accepted, with Euros the preferred currency. Banks are open on weekdays from 8am to 4pm. Most businesses are required to display their prices in their windows and restaurants and hotels must have their rates visible from the exterior.
Time :
Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity :
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A round pin plug with male grounding pin is used.
Language :
French, as well as Runion Creole and some English is spoken.
Getting Around :
There are local buses on the island, as well as Car Jaune (yellow buses) that connect the island's principal towns. Car rental agencies are located at the airport, as well as in Saint Denis. Roads are well maintained, though traffic can be heavy during peak times. Taxis are available.
Health :
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.Visitors to Réunion should take precautions against mosquito bites due to illnesses such as dengue fever and the Chikungunya virus. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers arriving from an infected area. Réunion's medical and sanitary facilities are very good. Most towns have doctors and clinics, while the principal hospital is in Saint-Denis. Tap water is usually safe for drinking. Public water sources are unsafe if labelled 'Eau non potable'. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Tipping :
Tipping is customary and 10% or more of the bill is expected.
Safety :
As when travelling to any foreign destination, visitors should be vigilant of their personal belongings, not display signs of wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money, expensive jewellery) or walk around alone in an unknown area at night. Réunion is, however, relatively safe. Swimmers should be aware of currents and riptides, if unsure, ask the locals. The cyclone season is from November to April.
Customs :
Réunion follows French tradition and culture, influenced by its many different population groups. There is a mix of Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam on the island and visitors should respect the different religious groups and their customs.
Business :
Business procedures are quite relaxed in Reunion. Only the most formal of occasions will require suits. French is the language of business and an interpreter should be brought along if needed, as there are no professional interpreters on the island. Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Duty Free :
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years of age entering Réunion can bring in the following items duty-free: either 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, as well as 2 litres of either spirits or wine, 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette, gold jewellery not exceeding 500g, 500g coffee, 100g tea and other goods to the value of EUR175 per adult, or EUR90 for children under 15 years.
Communications :
The international access code for Réunion is +262. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not necessary. Three mobile phone companies provide service, although there are not many international roaming agreements. Internet cafes are available.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 17 (Police); 15/112 (Ambulance)
