To make the most of your trip to Mauritius, be it for business or leisure, with this short guide to essential information for visitors.

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  Banking Hours

  Monday to Thursday: 9.00 to 15.00
  Friday: 9.00 to 17.00
  Closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays

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  Weather

  Mauritius enjoys a relatively mild climate, with moderate temperatures throughout the year and occasional rainfall. The most pleasant times to visit the island are between April and June, and between September and December.
  For information about the weather forecast and climate in Mauritius: visit the official website of the Mauritius Meteorological Services.

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  Credit Cards

  Banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops accept the major international credit cards, such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

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  Currency

  The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). The denominations for notes are MUR 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25, and for coins MUR 20, 10, 5 and 1, plus 20 and 5 cent coins (100 cents = MUR 1).

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  Customs

  For full information concerning duty free allowances on entering Mauritius, import permits and restrictions, and other customs regulations, visit the official site of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).

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  International Driving Licence

  In Mauritius, driving is on the left-hand side of the road and drivers have to give way to traffic from the right. Visitors with a valid driving licence issued by a competent authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.

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  Language

  English and French are spoken throughout the island. Some Mauritians also speak other international languages such as German, Italian and Mandarin.

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  Places to see and visit

  Access the official website of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
  Also, refer to Map of Mauritius of the Tax Tourist Refund brochure, which can viewed and downloaded on the following link.

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  Shopping Hours

  Shopping hours in Mauritius vary. In the town centres and villages the shops are open from 9.30 to 18.00, Mondays to Saturdays, with a half day (9.30 to 13.00) on either Wednesday or Thursday (Port Louis, Saturday). Some shops open until noon on Sundays and public holidays. The modern shopping malls, which offer a wide choice of products, are open 7 days a week, from 9.00 to 20.00 or later on Mondays to Saturdays, and 9.00 to 17.00 on Sundays and public holidays.

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  Visa

  For many countries, entry visas are no longer required for tourists. Please check whether you require a visa. For full details, visit the official website of the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office.

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  Consumer Advisory

  To have a pleasant shopping experience, compare prices, enquire about the refund policies and do check the receipts after each purchase.

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  Smoking in Mauritius

  Mauritius became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in most indoor public places. However, smoking is allowed in designated areas in some entertainment outlets and open-air eateries. Smoking is prohibited in outdoor areas of the following: health institutions, educational institutions, sports arenas and facilities, recreational places other than beaches to which the public has access, bus stands, and bus stations. 

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  Accessibility

  Mauritius caters to diverse tourist needs such as the elderly, wheelchair users and the visually or hearing-impaired tourists.

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  Useful Numbers

  Police – 999/112
  Fire Brigade- 115/995
  Service d`Aide Médicale Urgente
  (SAMU): 114
  Ambulance : 999