Useful information : When to go, Getting around...
- ID card
- When to go
- Formalities and useful addresses
- Money and budget
- Health and safety
- Practical info
- Getting around
ID card
English, French
When to go
The best times to visit Mauritius are from April to June and from September to November, which are the transition periods between the southern summer and winter. The temperatures are mild all year long, although it can rain at any time.
The southern winter, from May to October is the coolest season (particularly in August) and the driest. Surfers are particularly keen on June and August, the latter being the most crowded.
Conversely, the southern summer, from November to April, is hot and humid. It rains most along the eastern and southern coasts and in the centre of the island. Cyclones hit the island between December and March. You may do well to remember that prices can rise quite spectacularly at the end of the year during the holiday season.
Formalities and useful addresses
A 60 day visa is issued upon arrival.
Travellers will need to produce a valid passport, onward/return ticket and provide proof of sufficent funds.
Mauritius Tourism Board – https://www.tourism-mauritius.mu/fr
Money and budget
The Mauritian Rupee can only be bought on the island.
Banks are open Mon-Fri, from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Closed Saturdays.
All the main hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards.
Car rental per day (category A): MUR 1 000/1 800 (£20-35).
1 double room in a mid-range hotel: MUR 1 400/2 000 (£30/50).
1 meal at a small local restaurant: MUR 325/400 (£6/8).
1 meal in a mid-range restaurant: MUR 600/1 000 (£12/20).
1 museum ticket: MUR 150/350 (£3.15/7).
1 scuba diving session: 1 MUR 800/2 400 (£35/50).
Health and safety
Before leaving, be sure to consult the British or U.S Foreign Office websites for any last-minute information. www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/travel-abroad and https://travel.state.gov
Robberies have been reported in some villas for rent without custodians, mostly in the Grand Baie region. Don't leave your valuables in the car or on the beach.
Police: [TEL] 999 or 112
Fire Brigade: [TEL] 995 or 115
Medical Emergencies: [TEL] 114
Practical info
Current is 220 V and the plugs have 2 round or flat (British style) pins. An adaptor may be necessary.
Fixed Dates
January 1 and 2
Jan-Feb – Thaipoosam Cavadee; Chinese New Year
February 1 – Abolition of Slavery
Feb-Mar – Maha Shivaratree
March 12 – National Day
March – Ougadi (Hindu New Year)
May 1
Aug-Sep – Ganesh Chaturthi
Oct-Nov – Diwali
November 1
December 25 - Christmas
Moveable – Aïd-el-Fitr, end of Ramadan (according to the Muslim lunar calendar)
Post offices are open Mon-Fri from 8.15-11.15am and then from 12-4pm.
Getting around
SSR International Airport (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam) – http://mauritius-airport.atol.aero
Taxis are identifiable by their their licence plates, written in black on a white background, not to mistake with the ones from private vehicles which are written in white on a black background. An insignia on the car door indicates the town or hotel to which they are affiliated.