Electricity
The voltage is 220V, British-style three-pin sockets (type G) and the Continental two-pin variety (type C) are commonly used. Most accommodation in Mauritius has a minimum of French outlet plug. It is recommended that you bring a travel adapter even if you will be able to find them in most hotels.
Telephone
Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and Internet services. The island also offers some of the cheapest mobile-phone services in the world and the Coverage on Mauritius and Rodrigues is generally excellent.
If you have a GSM phone and it has been unlocked, you can keep costs down buying a local SIM CARD where you can also add a Data Package and roam around the island with peace of mind. When buying a SIM card you need to bring along your passport. To top up your credit you can buy prepaid cards almost anywhere.
When phoning Mauritius from abroad, you'll need to dial the international code for Mauritius (230), followed by the seven-digit local number (unless it's a mobile phone, which has eight digits and begins with '5').
Health and Vaccinations
In Mauritius, free public medical facilities are available in all the government hospitals whereas
Private clinics also provide medical services but for a fee unless you have stipulate your travel insurance.
Vaccination: Most visitors (especially EU Nationals) do not require any vaccinations prior to coming to Mauritius, and there are no major health concerns. A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for visitors who have lived more than 1 year in a contaminated area.
Medication: It is recommended to bring your own travel pharmacy kit even if most medicines are available in Mauritius. Pharmacies are available all around the island. Don't forget your sunscreen and your mosquito repellant as in some areas, during summer season, you may encounter them even if mosquitoes in Mauritius do not generally carry diseases. There are no venomous animals or other dangerous species on the island.
Time difference
Mauritian time is GMT +4Hours. We must add three hours to the Italian time during winter (austral summer) and two hours in summer (southern winter). The sun rises at about 05:30 am and sets at 07:00 pm from November to April. From May to October, it rises at 06:45 am and sets at 05:45 pm.
Currency
While many travellers may want to use their Euro or dollars (or another type of foreign currency) while being on holiday, we recommend to convert it in the local Mauritian currency, the Mauritian Rupee (Rs).
The currency consists of coins and notes and is available in the following denominations:
Notes: ₨ 25, ₨ 50, ₨ 100, ₨ 200, ₨ 500, ₨ 1,000, ₨ 2,000.
Coins: ₨ 1, ₨ 5, ₨ 10, ₨ 20.
For those who would like to exchange their money in local currency, this can be done at the arrival at the international airport, otherwise, all around the island are also present money exchanger offices and banks.
In addition, international credit cards such as: American Express, MasterCard and Visa are also accepted in most of hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and shops. It is possible to withdraw money at any ATM.
Valid passport is required for almost any transaction made in any of the banks, including: money withdrawals, money transfers, money exchange.
Approximate rates of exchange:
USD 1.00 = Rs 38.00
EUR 1.00 = Rs 45.00
Passport, Visa and Customs
Passport:
A valid Passport where the expiry date is beyond the intended period of stay is required.
Visa:
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa or may obtain a visa on arrival to Mauritius for tourism purpose. A tourist visa valid for three months will be issued on arrival. You only need to present to the immigration authorities a return ticket (or tickets to another destination) and a confirmed booking for accommodation – for example, a booking at a hotel or villa.
If the person travelling is being sponsored by a Mauritian citizen, they will need to produce evidence of sponsorship, stating their name, address, profession, relationship, national identity card number and telephone number. They may also ask you (in the extreme case) to prove that you have the financial means for the duration of your stay in Mauritius.
Customs:
When entering in Mauritius, passengers over 18 years old are allowed to the following duty-free :
• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigares or 250 g of tobacco;
• 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres for spirit under 22%, 2 litres of wine or beer;
Please note that all animals, fruits, vegetables, seeds and meat products are considered as restricted goods and are prohibited from entering the island.