Mauritius Map
Mauritius Weather

Mauritius Weather

 
 
Practical Information
Credit Cards
Visa Credit cards are normally accepted by banks, hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.
Culture
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions The majority of the population being Hindu, Christianity and Islam are also major religions.
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. 42.
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, 250ml 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.
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.
Economy
The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism, Sugar and the Services industry.
Electricity
220 volts, 50HZ. Both square 3-pin and round 2-pin plugs are common used.
Emergency
Emergency services can be contacted by telephone on 999.
Flights
Mauritius has on airport called the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport. The national airline is Air Mauritius which operates between Mauritius and many destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Other many other airlines operate from this airport including British Airways, Virgin, Air France, Emirates.
Geography
Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres from the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 2040 sq km. Mauritius is approximately 45km in width and 65km in length.
Government
Mauritius is a democratic state and enjoys political stability.
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.
Language
The official language is English but French is also widely spoken together with the local dialect of Creole.
Medical services
Free public medical facilities are widely available throughout the island.
Newspapers
A Free Press operates in Mauritius. A variety of national and International Newspapers are available, mainly published in French or English.
Nudism
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.Public holidaysThere are 15 public holidays every year. Seven 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 whose dates vary from year to year.
Public holidays
There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven 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 whose dates vary from year to year.
Security
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 advise should be followed, especially in densely populated areas such as markets.
 
  • 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 a safe place such as a safe within your hotel.
  • 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.
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 many shops close Thursday afternoon.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory. A service charge will sometimes be added to bills in restaurants etc.
Time
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of mid-European Time.
TV channels
Local television station MBC broadcast programs in French, English and Hindi.Satellite TV is also available in most hotels.
VAT
A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills.
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 between two weeks to one month upon arrival, Passports issued by Taiwan, the Homelands of the Republic of South Africa and from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are not recognized by Mauritius. 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. Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel : (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax (230)210-9322. or visit the government website at www.gov.mu.
 
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