|
Tourist Information
|
|
What to wear |
Take your best beach and casual wear.
In the winter months (June -September), carry some
light woolen 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. |
|
Climate |
|
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between
22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea
temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the
central part of the island, the maximum daytime
temperature varies from about 19°C in August to
about 26°C in February. The western and northern
regions are warmer and relatively drier than the
East and the South. |
|
Credit Cards |
|
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most
hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. |
|
Culture |
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and
religions. The population
consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and
Europeans. |
|
Electricity |
|
220 volts. |
|
Emergency |
Police(ambulance ) :999, Police : 208-7018/20
Fire : 995, Samu : 114 |
|
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.
Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever
vaccination certificate is required for travelers
over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where
yellow fever cases are reported. |
|
Health |
|
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever
vaccination certificate is required for travelers
over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where
yellow fever cases are reported. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Medical services |
|
Free public medical facilities are widely available.
Private clinics provide medical services for a fee. |
|
Nudism |
|
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on
our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing
on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes
tolerated. |
|
Safety |
A tourist police service has been set up to ensure
security in tourist zones.
An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed. A
specific law relating to all tourist activities and
corrupt practices has also been voted. |
|
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.
- (For trips or purchases) use only recognised operators or
suppliers.
- 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.
- During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible
for the boat house.
- Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden. |
|
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. 30 |
|
VAT |
|
A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and
services including hotel and restaurant bills. |
 |
|
|
