Mauritius is a tropical island paradise situated in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The west coast resorts are renowned for great weather and offer some of the best diving and watersports in the world. They are also ideally situated should you want to explore. The east coast is more isolated and offers privacy to those seeking top-class hotels and superb beaches.

A Mauritius holiday is an unforgettable experience and with activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, golf, walking and sailing - you are guaranteed never to be short of things to do.

Flights from Europe
Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major
cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris.
British Airways operates four weekly flights, Emirates Airlines three and Condor one.

Visa & entry requirements
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel : (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax (230)210-9322.

Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.

Customs
- Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams 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 100 ml.
-  A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.
-  It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.
-  Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties.

Duty Free Procedures
Duty-free goods can be bought at accredited shops and will be delivered to the customs desk at the airport or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s desk. Visitors returning home can claim a VAT refund at the airport by showing a receipt and goods bought.

Firearms
Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival. Underwater Hunting is not allowed in mauritius.

Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English
and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

What to wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings.
Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.

Banking hours
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm , Saturday
:9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only). Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.

Credit Cards :
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 37. Other currencies

Culture :
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.

Driving
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.
Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.

Electricity:
220 volts. English and french plugs are both availlable in most rentals.

Emergency
Police(ambulance ) :999, Police : 208-7018/20
Fire : 995, Samu : 114

Medical services
Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.

Newspapers:

Besides a wide choice of local papers, the pick of the European and American press is available.

Nudism
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.

Population literacy rate
82.9%

Security
The following essential pieces of advice are meant for you :
- Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
- Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
- Do not leave anything inside your car.
- Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in  safe custody.
- For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
- Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.

Shopping
Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centres (Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products.
Please note that there are no shops open in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on thursday afternoon.

Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in mauritius, nor is it a custom over here

Time & Telecommunications
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time. Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.

TV channels
Local tv & radio are available in most of the tourist accomodations.

Working Hours
Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm
Saturday : 9 am - noon (Skeleton service).

Exchange Rates of the Mauritian Rupee versus other key currencies:

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