Mauritius travel tips

Visa basics

Many nationalities, including French, other EU, UK and South African passport holders, can visit Mauritius for a holiday without applying for a visa in advance. Indian passport holders can also visit for tourism under current rules.

Usually you need a passport valid for your whole stay, a return or onward ticket and your accommodation address. Rules can change, so always check the official Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office website before you travel.

Money

The currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR, often written Rs). ATMs are easy to find in towns and shopping centres. Hotels, supermarkets and most restaurants accept cards; markets, street food and small shops prefer cash.

Tipping is not compulsory, but leaving something for good service is appreciated.

Getting around

Buses are cheap and go almost everywhere, but they are slow and stop early in the evening. The Metro Express light rail links Port Louis, Rose Hill and Curepipe.

Taxis are easy to find: agree on the price before you get in. For day trips, many travellers book a driver for the day.

Driving on the left

Mauritius drives on the LEFT, like the UK and South Africa. Cars are right-hand drive, and roundabouts go clockwise.

Roads are narrow and busy, with buses, scooters and people walking on the side. Avoid driving at night outside towns if you are not used to it, and avoid rush hour around Port Louis.

Check with your rental company which documents they need. An International Driving Permit alongside your licence is a safe choice.

Driving in Mauritius

Safety

Mauritius is generally a safe and friendly destination. Use normal common sense: do not leave valuables on the beach or in the car, and use hotel safes.

In the sea: swim inside the lagoon, wear reef shoes to protect your feet from sea urchins and stonefish, and respect red flags. Do not swim on the wild south coast (for example at Gris Gris), where there is no reef.

The sun is strong all year: use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and drink plenty of water. Use mosquito repellent, especially in the evening.

Plugs and power

Mauritius uses 230 V. You will find both European two-pin sockets (type C) and British three-pin sockets (type G), sometimes in the same room. A universal adapter solves everything.

Weather in short

Mauritius is in the southern hemisphere. Summer (November to April) is hot and humid, with tropical rain and the cyclone season. Winter (May to October) is drier and fresher, with more wind on the east and south coasts.

Month-by-month weather

Good to know

Time zone: UTC+4 all year (no daylight saving). Languages: English is the official language of administration, French is widely spoken, and Mauritian Creole (Kreol Morisien) is what you hear in the street.

Beaches are public in Mauritius. Topless sunbathing is not culturally accepted on public beaches; cover up when you leave the beach, and when visiting temples, mosques and churches.

Emergency numbers

Save these numbers in your phone. Your hotel reception can also help in any emergency. Mauritius emergency numbers