Mauritius is a safe holiday destination, easily accessed by air with a lot of great experiences to live. We have gathered some useful information for your stay in Mauritius to take place in the best possible conditions.
General
- Languages: English (official), French, Creole
- Time zone: GMT/UTC +4
- Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR)
- Electricity: 220/230V, British three-square pin and two round pin plugs
- Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated
At the airport
- Taxis: Available, agree on fare before embarking.
- ATMs: Available for currency exchange and cash withdrawals.
Dress Up
- Casual wear accepted during the day (shorts, t-shirts, flip flops).
- Dress modestly when entering religious places.
- Check with hotels for evening dress codes (may require pants, no t-shirts/flip flops).
Accommodation
- Choose accommodation listed with the Mauritius Tourism Authority (https://mymauritius.travel/).
- Use the provided safe for valuables, passport, and money.
- Close all windows and doors when leaving your room.
At the beach
- Beware of unauthorized vendors. Ask for licenses and prices before purchase.
- Keep valuables out of sight and avoid bringing them to the beach.
- Public beaches are accessible to all, but private areas are restricted in front of residences and hotels.
Markets
- Bargaining is accepted.
- Always ask for the price before purchase.
Transportation
- Hitchhiking is not common.
- Agree on fares before confirming transport arranged with accommodation.
- Be cautious of taxi tours motivated by commissions.
Driving
- Cars drive on the left-hand side.
- Valid driver’s licenses are required.
Wildlife
- No dangerous or deadly animals, but some have painful stings (bees, wasps). Consult a doctor or pharmacist if stung.
- Lagoons are protected by reefs (no sharks). However, watch out for:
- Stonefish and lionfish (painful stings)
- Sea urchins
- Jellyfish (consult a doctor if stung)
Sea outings
- Ensure boats have a registration number starting with “PC” (commercial use).
- Follow instructions from skippers and staff.
- Wear life jackets and avoid riding on the bow of motorboats.
- Respect dolphins and whales while observing them.
Security in your place of residence
- Use the provided safe for valuables, passport, and money.
- Avoid taking electronics on outings.
- Report lost room keys immediately for deactivation.
- Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 999 or 112
- Fire Services: 995 or 115
- Ambulance: 114
- National Directory: 150
- Tourist Info: 152
- Weather: 171 (general), 96 (cyclone reports)