Country guides Africa
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs and round two-pin plugs are commonly used.
Language
English is the official language of Mauritius, but the most widely used language is French and the local dialect, Creole. Hindi, Urdu, and Chinese are also spoken.
Money
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee (MUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and larger hotels. ATMs are widely available in most big towns and some hotels, and major restaurants and large retailers accept major credit cards.
Tipping
Tipping in Mauritius is discretionary, though some extra money paid for services, such as a taxi ride, waitering or cleaning, is appreciated. In the hotels travellers can add around five 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 tax, which is generally included in the price quoted.
Health
No vaccination certificates are required for entry into Mauritius, though vaccinations are usually recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. It's also a good idea to pack shoes that can be worn in the sea to protect against sharp coral, sea urchins and stonefish. Stonefish stings are uncommon but can in some cases be fatal. Visitors should seek 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; malaria medication may also be necessary for those visiting rural areas. Travellers should stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are good and free in public hospitals, but private clinics are expensive and medical insurance is recommended.
Medications are usually easily available but, for peace of mind, it is better that travellers bring any prescription medication with them, in its original packaging, with a signed and dated note from their doctor detailing what it is and why they need it. Visitors can bring common medicines for personal use into the country but must carry a copy of the prescription and proof that the drugs have been obtained legally. Other drugs such as tranquillisers, hypnotics, narcotics, and other strong painkillers will require prior authorisation.
Safety
Mauritus is generally regarded as a safe country but visitors should take regular precautions against petty crime. They should avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night and keep valuables out of sight at all times. 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.
Local customs
Homosexuality is not technically illegal in Mauritius, but sodomy is and it is best to exercise discretion, as the locals are sometimes conservative. Penalties for drug trafficking and use are severe, and any personal medicinal drugs should be covered by a prescription. By law, scheduled drugs such as tranquillisers, morphine, and other strong painkillers require authorisation before import.
Doing business
Port Louis is the main business hub of Mauritius. Standard business practice applies to the island: punctuality and politeness are important, handshakes and the exchanging of business cards take place at meetings, and business attire is worn.
It is, however, possible to be somewhat more casual in terms of dress and visitors can take the cue from their hosts. Lightweight materials are recommended due to the tropical climate. Business hours vary, but most businesses are open at least from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses open for a half-day on Saturdays.
Duty free
Travellers to Mauritius over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 2 litres of wine, ale or beer; perfume and eau de toilette for personal use. Prohibited items include sugarcane and fresh fruit from parts of Asia.
Communications
The international access code for Mauritius is +230. International roaming and local SIM cards are available; WiFi connections are widespread in hotels, resorts and guesthouses.
Passport & Visa
All foreign passengers to Mauritius must hold a confirmed booking for accommodation in Mauritius, return or onward tickets to their country of origin or residence, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Mauritius. On arrival, passports will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Mauritius. On arrival, passports will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Mauritius. On arrival, passports will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Mauritius. On arrival, passports will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Mauritius. On arrival, passports will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Mauritius. On arrival, passports will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Mauritius. On arrival, passports will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days.
Useful contacts
Mauritius Tourism Website: www.tourism-mauritius.mu
Emergencies: 999 or 112Embassies / consulates in other countries
Mauritius Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 244 1491.
Mauritius Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7581 0294.
Mauritius Honorary Consulate, Ottawa, Canada: +1 416 754 2747.
High Commission for the Republic of Mauritius, Melbourne, Australia: +(613) 9484 4242.
Mauritius High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 1283.
Embassies / consulates in Mauritius
United States Embassy, Port Louis: +230 202 4400.
British High Commission, Port Louis: +230 202 9400.
Canadian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Mauritius): +27 (0)12 422 3000.
Australian High Commission, Port Louis: +230 202 0160.
South African High Commission, Port Louis: +230 212 6925.
New Zealand Consulate, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Mauritius): +27 12 435 9000.