Money:
The Seychelles currency is the Rupee (SCR), divided into 100
cents. The country's foreign exchange regulations require visitors
to pay for all services provided by hotels, guesthouses and
self-catering enterprises, as well as things like car hire,
entrance fees to parks and reserves, scuba diving and boat charter,
in major foreign currency notes (Euros are the most widely used) or
by credit card. Taxis and restaurant bills (not connected to
hotels) are payable in foreign or Seychelles Rupees. Rupees can
only be used in local shops, markets, and bars. Credit cards are
widely welcomed throughout the Seychelles. Money can be exchanged
at banks and the airport on Mahé, or at hotels, and banks process
travellers cheques. To change Rupees back into foreign currency on
departure requires the official receipt from the initial
transaction. ATMs are available at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and
La Digue.
Time:
Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220-240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs
are of the English type, with three square pins.
Language:
Creole, English and French are all spoken in the
Seychelles.
Health:
Health regulations in the Seychelles require that travellers
from areas infected by yellow fever have a vaccination certificate.
Immunisation against hepatitis A and typhoid are highly
recommended. Visitors are advised to bring their own medication to
avert the risk of travellers' diarrhoea, as well as sun block and
insect repellent, local supplies being erratic and costly. During
the rainy season in particular visitors should take precautions
against mosquito bites due to the risk of dengue fever and the
Chikungunya virus spread by bites. There is a risk of
leptospirosis, and walking barefoot should be avoided on roads and
paths. Tap water meets WHO standards, but most visitors prefer to
drink bottled water, which is widely available. Fruit and
vegetables should be washed and peeled, and meat well cooked,
before being eaten. Medical facilities on the islands are limited,
but there is a government hospital in Victoria and some private
clinics. Medical insurance with full evacuation cover is
necessary.
Tipping:
Charges for most services include a service charge of between 5
and 10%, so tipping is therefore not obligatory. If service has
been exceptional a small tip on top of that would be warmly
welcomed.
Safety:
Safety is not generally an issue in the Seychelles; violent
crime is unlikely and most visits are trouble-free. There have been
some incidents of theft and assault, but these are targeted mainly
at residents. Visitors should be vigilant, particularly after dark
in Victoria and in isolated areas. Avoid taking valuables to the
beach, where they could be pilfered by petty thieves. Women should
avoid walking alone on isolated beaches.
Customs:
Homosexuality is illegal. Topless bathing is accepted on many,
but not all, beaches but nudism is unacceptable. Wearing camouflage
clothing is prohibited.
Business:
In the Seychelles, business is conducted relatively informally.
Men and women are not required to wear formal suits although a
smart appearance is advised. Business is usually conducted in
English or French. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday
to Friday.
Duty Free:
Travellers to the Seychelles over 18 years do not have to pay
duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1 litre of
spirits/wine; a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
Prohibited items include drugs, narcotics, firearms and
spear-fishing equipment. It is forbidden to export unprocessed coco
de mer, shells, fish and live tortoises. A permit is required for
processed coco de mer.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Seychelles is +248. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). Direct lines to most countries are
available at most hotels. There is excellent GSM 900/1800 coverage
for mobile telephones, and most hotels offer a postal service,
email and Internet connection. There are Internet cafes in
Victoria.