What is the official currency in Mauritius?
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee (Rs), which can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. As of January 2024 the exchange rate is € 1 Euro = 48.71 MUR rupees.
The most commonly used credit cards are: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners. Most credit cards (debit cards are not accepted in Mauritius) and Euros are accepted in hotels, restaurants and stores.
The easiest way to exchange foreign currency is at the exchange offices on arrival at the international airport. You can also do it in banks or hotels.
Can I buy an E-SIM in Mauritius?
Yes, although most hotels have WIFI you can buy an E-SIM with enough data to surf the internet. Emtel, MyT or Chilli have E-SIM cards that you can buy at TelecomShop on your arrival at the airport or in the main towns and shopping centers. To call Mauritius: 00 230 + phone number.
Are the beaches of Mauritius public?
Indeed, all the beaches of Mauritius are public and accessible to everyone. However, in front of hotels or private residences the passage zone is restricted to the sandy area closest to the sea. That is why it is always advisable to keep an eye on our belongings, even if we are on the hotel beach.
How difficult is it to visit national parks?
All hiking trails are of easy level except for some of the routes such as the ascent to Le Morne Brabant (556m) historical mountain declared World Heritage of the UNECO or the mountain Le Pouce (The Thumb) that with 811 meters of altitude is positioned as the third highest mountain in Mauritius after the Piton de la Petite Riviere Noir of 828 meters (which we can also climb) and the Pieter Both, the iconic mountain with a rock formation at the top (820m). Also interesting routes are the trekking to the 7 Tamarin Waterfalls or hiking in the Gorges de la Rivière Noir.
How does the WI-FI connection work?
As for the WIFI connection, it is offered in practically all the hotels of superior category. Mauritius has fiber optics with an internet speed comparable to any European country. An upload speed of up to 80 Mbps (depending on the contract of course), the average is between 10 and 20 Mbps.
What is the time difference?
+4 GMT. From March to October +2 hours; from October to March +3 hours, with respect to Spain, for example.
How does electricity work in Mauritius?
Electricity is 220 volts, 50 Hz. British plug with 3 rectangular pins, although most of the lodgings also have a plug with two round pins. It is advisable to bring an adapter, since, although most hotels have them, some more modest establishments, restaurants or other infrastructures will be impossible to recharge our cell phones.
How do you measure weight, distances and temperatures in Mauritius?
As a consequence of its British colonial past, 8 ounces is 227 g, a pound is 454 g; for liquids, a pint is 0.57 l, a gallon is 4.55 l. Temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit: 32 for 0°C, 85 for 30°C. Distances are in miles: one mile is 1.61 km.
Can I communicate in English or French?
Yes, the Mauritian population is multilingual. Although Mauritian Creole is the mother tongue of the inhabitants of the archipelago, most of the citizens are fluent in English and French.
English is the administrative language, while French is the language used in the media and literature.
As in any country, pronouncing some words in their language will help us to establish contact with the local population. Here is a brief Mauritian Creole vocabulary.
| SPANISH |
MAURITIAN CREOLE |
| Good morning |
Bonzour |
| Good evening |
Bonswar |
| Goodbye |
orevawar |
| Thank you |
Mersi |
| Please |
Siouplé |
| I don't understand |
Mo pa kompran |
| Where is the hospital? |
Ki Koté lopital? |
| How are you doing? |
Ki manière? |
| How much is it worth, please? |
Komié siouplé |
| Yes |
Wi |
| No |
Non |
| Very nice |
Zoli zoli |
| Sorry |
Sori, exkize moi |
| Tomorrow |
Demen |
| Enjoy! |
Bon lapeti ! |
| Hotel |
Lotel |
| Water |
Say it |
| Beer |
Labier |
Is Mauritius a safe country?
Yes, Mauritius is a very safe country, although there have been cases of robberies on beaches taking advantage of the absent-mindedness while taking a dip so keep a close eye on your belongings while you are on the beach. Also take special care with your bag in popular tourist areas or in local markets. We advise you to use the safety deposit boxes in your room to store your valuables. It is not wise to flaunt money, jewelry or technological devices such as iPhones, etc. in public. We advise you to scan your passport, as well as other travel documents and save it in your email or cloud as it will be very useful in case of loss or theft.
What to buy in Mauritius?
Although handicrafts are not a strong point of the island, we can find baskets, table sets, carpets, trays, pot covers ... made with cow fiber (Pandanus utilis). Also famous is the Bois Chéri tea cultivated in the south of the island since 1892, we can visit the factory or the museum if we are interested. The KuanFu Tea, is another option of teas in Mauritius with an excellent ancestral black tea, the Ripe Black Tea and a beautiful packaging.
Demerara, muscovado or low GIsugar, unrefined with vanilla or licorice aromas. Sugar cane occupies 85% of the island's cultivated land, 72,000 hectares, and produces an average of 300,000 tons of sugar annually (700,000 tons were obtained in 1970, a record figure). Be sure to visit "la Aventure du Sucre" to understand the history of the island and its relationship with slavery.
Excellent Historic Marine ship models, Chamarel rum, cashmere, jewelry, promotional items with the famous Dodo, a large flightless bird endemic to the island extinct in 1662, textiles such as pashminas or a T-shirt of The Kreol Republic, you can find them in Le Rendez-vous, in the shopping center La Croisette and they are super original.
A CD of "Seggae", local music mixed with Jamaican and Sega influences, or Sega, a musical genre and traditional dance of the Indian islands, especially Mauritius, Seychelles and Reunion, although its origin is attributed to Madagascar, as it was the Malagasy slaves displaced to these islands who, with little means, made rudimentary instruments that allowed them to sing nostalgic ballads. Ravior's Hope bracelet, with a phrase engraved in Creole: Lamour, Lespwar, Linité (love, hope and unity).
I recommend the candles of Poivre D'Or, the Frangipane candle smells great J are in Belle Mare and also offer jams, honey, scented sugar, spices ...
Investing in a work of Creole art in some of the art galleries is always a good option. Like the works of the famous painter Pino Ragusa. As you can see, you will have no shortage of excuses to return home with Mauritian products.
Shopping malls such as Bagatelle Mall, La Croisette or the Caudan Waterfront are excellent shopping options. The Central Market of Port-Louis or the Quatre Bornes market are ideal for textiles, spices, etc...
Can I drive in Mauritius?
Yes, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for more than 3 years. An international driver's license is not necessary for stays of 4 weeks maximum. Remember that in Mauritius you drive on the left, but the priority is on the right. The main roads are limited to 80 km / h speed. In urban centers the speed is limited to 40 km/h. We recommend renting the vehicle with approved companies (yellow license plates).