Time
Mauritius is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +4) and 3 hours ahead of mid -European time.
Credit Cards
Credit cards (American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa, etc) are generally accepted by banks, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tourist shops.
Health Requirements
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age and coming from infected areas. Infected areas are those areas which the World Health Organisation includes in the endemic zones.
There is no malaria risk in Mauritius or Rodrigues Island.
VAT
A value added tax of 15% is included in all bills relating to goods and services, including hotel and restaurant bills (except when mentioned otherwise)
Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). Coins exist as: 1-rupee, 5-rupee, 10-rupee; 20 and 50-cent pieces. Notes exist in the following denominations: Rs 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000. There are no exchange controls in Mauritius.
International Airport
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, also known as Plaisance (code: MRU) is approximately 48 kms from the capital city, Port Louis. Facilities include VIP lounges, duty-free shops both on arrival and departure, restaurants, banks and a Post Office. More information available here.
Driving
Driving in Mauritius in on the left and an international driving license is required.
Electricity
Power supply throughout the island is 220 volts.
Customs
Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty free items: 250 grammes of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 10cl.
A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to introducing plants and plant materials including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds. All plants must be declared to Customs immediately on arrival and are subject to examination. It is prohibited to introduce sugar-cane and parts thereof, soil micro-organism and invertebrate animals. Facilities for examination and certification of plant materials are available at Le Réduit (Tel: +230-454-1091) and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport offices of the Plant Pathology Division. (Tel.: +230-637-3194).
All animals including animal products require an Import Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a Sanitary Certificate from the country of origin. All animals must be declared to the customs authorities immediately on arrival, and landing is allowed only if certificates issued by the veterinary authorities of the exporting country are in conformity with Import Permits. Dogs and cats undergo a six months' quarantine; birds and other animal/species up to 2 months.
Tobacco
It is forbidden to smoke in public areas. "Smoking" and "Non-smoking" corners are available in certain restaurants.
Nudism
Nudism and monokini are not welcome along our public beaches. No hotel allows nudism on beaches. Monokini is sometimes tolerated.
Drugs
Drug trafficking is illegal and carry very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunitions need Import Permits and must be declared on arrival.
Drug trafficking is severely punished by the law.
Security
Tourism police ensures security in tourist zones. An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed. It is advised to:
* Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
* Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
* Avoid leaving any valuables inside an unoccupied vehicle.
* Use recognised operators and suppliers for excursions and shopping trips.
* Keep passports, travel documents, valuables and large sums of money in the safe of your room.
* Rent boats with adequate security standards for sea excursions.
Radio and Television
Three private radio stations share the airwaves with the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). There are three Mauritian television channels and two satellite television companies.
Newspapers
The Mauritian press is among the most dynamic in Africa, including 3 main dailies and several weeklies.
