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 are normally accepted by most banks and hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

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.

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.

All imported animals including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.

Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties.

Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.

Other Tips Tricks Mauritius

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

Emergency:

Ambulance: 999; Police: 208-7018/20; Fire: 995

Flights from Europe:

Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the major European airports including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris. British Airways and Emirates operats daily flights.

Geography:

Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar. The country covers an area of 1865km with 330 kilometres of coastline.  Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.

Health:

No vaccinations are required, however, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 years of age arriving from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.

History:

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially «discovered» in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris.
On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Language:

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

Medical Services:

Free public medical facilities are widely available, however, it is advisable to seek attention through a private clinic and use of this service will constitute a fee.

Nudism:

Nude sunbathing is not permitted at hotels or on public beaches. Topless sunbathing is frowned upon on public beaches, however, is tolerated.

Public Holidays:

There are 15 public holidays every year, 7 of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals and these dates vary from year to year.

Security:

Police service have 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 implemented.

The following are essential pieces for you to bear in mind :

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.

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.

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.

Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. Visa extensions can be made in person at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis. Tel: 00 (230) 210 9312 Fax: 00 (230) 210 9322.

VAT:

A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills.

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 and wear appropriate clothing, remove leather shoes and belts when entering the premises.

Working Hours:

Private Sector: Monday to Friday:  08.30 - 16.15; Saturday: 09.00 – 12.00
Public Sector: Monday to Friday:  09.00 – 16.00; Saturday: 09.00 – 12.00 (skeleton service).