Guide

Time

Mauritius located in the GMT+4 time zone.

Money

The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are available in denominations of MUR 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25. Travellers Cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and larger hotels. ATMs are available and all major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

Tipping in Mauritius is entirely discretionary. However, as a general guide, anything between 50 and 100 rupees for services, such as a taxi ride, 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.

Security

Mauritius is a safe destination. You are however advised to respect the same security rules as anywhere else in the world. We advise you not to wear any jewelry or take huge sums of money when traveling on the island, especially in the main towns such as Grand Bay and Port Louis. Photocopy your identity papers and keep the original in the hotel safe.

Currency

The local currency is the Mauritian rupee, divided by 100 cents. Most of the commercial boutiques accept a credit card (American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club). The traveller’s cheque (preferably pound sterling or euro) can be used in the big hotel chains and can be exchanged in any banks.

Communication

The island has an excellent telecommunications system. The calling code is + 230. To call international countries from Mauritius, you have to dial the 020, the calling code of the country you wish to call and the telephone number. Most of the hotels are equipped with an internet and fax connection.

Clothing

For a trip in Mauritius, it is useful to bring along casual and light clothing (cotton). It is also advised to protect yourself against the sun: hat, sunglasses and solar cream.

Bring along smart clothing for the restaurants as well as warm clothes for the evening outings. Nudism is prohibited in Mauritius; the monokini is to be avoided on the public beaches as it might shock the local population. In mosques and temples, you will have to take off your shoes and wear a decent outfit (avoid the low neckline, the shorts and the bare shoulders).