Money:
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR), which is
divided into 100 cents. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and larger hotels.
Travellers cheques usually exchange at a better rate than cash.
ATMs are widely available in most towns and hotels, restaurants and
large retailers accept major credit cards.
Time:
Electricity:
230 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs and round
two-pin plugs are commonly used.
Language:
English is the official language of Mauritius, but the
most widely used is French and the local dialect, Creole. Hindi,
Urdu and Chinese are also spoken.
Health:
No vaccination certificates are required for entry into
Mauritius, unless travelling from a country infected by yellow
fever or where yellow fever is classified as endemic. It's a good
idea to pack shoes that can be worn in the sea to protect against
sharp coral, sea urchins and stonefish. Stonefish stings are
uncommon but can in some cases be fatal. You should obtain urgent
medical attention if stung; many hotels stock anti-venom serum.
Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites, as there
have been several cases of the Chikungunya virus, which is spread
by mosquito bites, although this is more common from October to
May. Travellers should stick to bottled water. Medical facilities
are good and free in public hospitals, but private clinics are
expensive and medical insurance is recommended.
Tipping:
Tipping in Mauritius is discretionary. However, some extra money
paid for services, such as a taxi ride, waitering or cleaning is
appreciated. In the hotels travellers can add around 5% of their
incidental expenses when paying the bill on departure, if service
has been good. Government tax is added to all hotel and restaurant
bills and this is included in the basic price. However, all
incidental hotel expenses will incur a 12% tax, which is generally
included in the price quoted.
Safety:
A holiday in Mauritius is usually trouble free, however petty
crime can be a problem and it is not wise to wander alone at night
outside the grounds of hotels. Visitors should be aware of pick
pocketing in the central market in Port Louis. Care should be taken
of bags and valuables when visiting popular tourist areas such as
Pereybere, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac and Tamarin. There has been an
increase in break-ins in self-catering accommodation and visitors
are advised to only rent accommodation from registered proprietors.
Cyclone season is from November to May.
Customs:
Homosexuality is illegal in Mauritius. Penalties for drug
trafficking and use are severe, and any personal medicinal drugs
should be covered by a prescription. Scheduled drugs, such as
tranquillisers, morphine and other strong painkillers require by
law, authorisation before import.
Business:
Port Louis is the main business hub of Mauritius. Standard
business practice applies to the island: punctuality and politeness
is important, handshakes and the exchanging of business cards takes
place at meetings and business attire is worn. It is however
possible to be somewhat more casual in terms of dress and visitors
can take the cue from their hosts. Lightweight materials are
recommended due to the tropical climate. Business hours can vary
though are usually from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with some
businesses open for a half-day on Saturdays.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Mauritius over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 2
litres of wine, ale or beer; perfume and eau de toilette for
personal use. Prohibited items include sugarcane and fresh fruit
from parts of Asia. No dogs or cats from a 62-mile (100km) radius
where rabies has occurred in the past 12 months are allowed into
the country.
Communications:
The international access code for Mauritius is +230. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001
for the United States). City/area codes are not required. The whole
island is covered by the mobile network; the local mobile phone
operators use GSM networks, which are compatible with most
international operators. Handsets and SIM cards can be hired at the
airport. Internet cafes are widely available.