Mauritius Flights and Travel Guide

Language

English is the official language of Mauritius, but the most widely used is French and the local dialect, Creole. Hindi, Urdu and Chinese are also spoken.

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Money

The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Travelers checks and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureau de change and larger hotels. Cash is usually exchanged at a poorer rate than travelers checks. ATMs are widely available in most towns and most hotels, restaurants and large retailers accept major credit cards.

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Communications

The international access code for Mauritius is +230. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are not required. The whole island is covered by the mobile network; the local mobile phone operators use GSM networks, which are compatible with mostinternational operators. Handsets and SIM cards can be hired at the airport. Internet cafes are widely available.

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Tipping

Tipping in Mauritius is entirely discretionary. However, some extra money paid for services, such as a taxi ride, is appreciated. In the hotels travelers can add around 5 percent of their incidental expenses when paying the bill on departure, if service has been good. Government tax is added to all hotel and restaurant bills and this is included in the basic price. However, all incidental hotel expenses will incur a 12 percent tax, which is generally included in the price quoted.

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Safety

A visit to Mauritius is usually trouble free, however, petty crime can be a problem and it is not wise to wander alone at night outside the grounds of hotels. Visitors should be aware of pick-pocketing in the central market in Port Louis. Care should be taken of bags and valuables when visiting popular tourist areas such as Pereybere, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac and Tamarin. There has been an increase in break-ins in self-catering accommodations and visitors are advised to only rent accommodations from registered proprietors. Cyclone season is from November to May.

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Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry into Mauritius, unless traveling from a country infected by yellow fever or where yellow fever is classified as endemic. Typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended. Stonefish stings are uncommon but can in some cases be fatal. You should obtain urgent medical attention if stung; many hotels stock anti-venom serum. Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites as there have been several cases of the Chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquito bites. Travelers should stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are good and free in public hospitals, but private clinics are expensive and medical insurance is recommended.

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Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs and round two-pin plugs are commonly used.

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