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Culture
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population
consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.
consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.
Money, Banking & ATM's
Credit Cards are accepted at most banks, established shops, restaurants and hotels. You will also find ATM's all around the Island at specific banking points. Look out for MCB, State Bank, Barclays and Banque des Mascareignes amongst others.
Banks open Monday to Thursday: 9.15 am - 3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am - 3.30 pm and Saturday: 9.15 am - 11.15 am. Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Airport.
Banks open Monday to Thursday: 9.15 am - 3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am - 3.30 pm and Saturday: 9.15 am - 11.15 am. Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Airport.
Climate and Weather
Mauritius has only two seasons: Summer and Winter. However, the winter in Mauritius might feel like summer to you... The temperature on the coastal areas is rarely cold and varies between 19°C to 25°C in winter, and 27° to 36° in summer.
Generally, the North and West Coasts are hotter and drier all year round, while the South and East coasts are cooler in the summer months and will carry more chance of wind and rain in the winter months from May to September.
Generally, the North and West Coasts are hotter and drier all year round, while the South and East coasts are cooler in the summer months and will carry more chance of wind and rain in the winter months from May to September.
Spoken Languages
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main spoken languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken. Although English is the official language of Mauritius, people generally prefer to speak French!
Passing through Customs
Mauritius Customs is a strange place. You have just arrived in Paradise, and the first people you encounter are very serious looking guys in suits. You might think "Where did the tropical shirts go?"
The main things to keep in mind are
1. You may need a visa
2. You need a return flight home
3. You will be required to produce the address & contact number of your villa in Mauritius.
Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, ale or beer, 250ml of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml. Stock up on wine and spirits if necessary at the duty free as alcohol can be rather expensive in the local shops.
The main things to keep in mind are
1. You may need a visa
2. You need a return flight home
3. You will be required to produce the address & contact number of your villa in Mauritius.
Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, ale or beer, 250ml of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml. Stock up on wine and spirits if necessary at the duty free as alcohol can be rather expensive in the local shops.
Driving in Mauritius
Driving in Mauritius is generally safe and a pleasant way to get around for short distances.Traffic however is intense when driving across the island and we advise that you leave longer trips or tours to a hired driver so that you avoid getting lost or being frustrated!
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right, although it may not always be apparent to the first time visitor!
Yes, you might have to dodge a few dogs, people, bicycles as well as other cars coming in your direction. Generally Mauritian roads are quite narrow in comparison to European and South African Standards, so drivers tend to "negotiate" their cars as best possible to avoid getting stick behind trucks, parked cars or other slow movers. Its only normal to see a car coming in your direction flashing its lights... It means, "Hold on please... I'm coming through!"
Another piece of advice is not to concentrate too much on the large ditches on the side of most roads, this is the roads drainage system and in no way intended to intimidate foreign visitors ;-)
Foreigners with a driving license issued by a competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right, although it may not always be apparent to the first time visitor!
Yes, you might have to dodge a few dogs, people, bicycles as well as other cars coming in your direction. Generally Mauritian roads are quite narrow in comparison to European and South African Standards, so drivers tend to "negotiate" their cars as best possible to avoid getting stick behind trucks, parked cars or other slow movers. Its only normal to see a car coming in your direction flashing its lights... It means, "Hold on please... I'm coming through!"
Another piece of advice is not to concentrate too much on the large ditches on the side of most roads, this is the roads drainage system and in no way intended to intimidate foreign visitors ;-)
Foreigners with a driving license issued by a competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
Electricity
Mauritius provides 220V of electricity with square "UK type plugs" Please bring your adapters!
Some villas may not have backup generators so it may be useful to bring along a little torch "just in case"
Some villas may not have backup generators so it may be useful to bring along a little torch "just in case"
Emergency Numbers
Police Ambulance: 999
Police: 208-7018/20
Fire Service: 995
Private Ambulance: (Samu): 114
Police: 208-7018/20
Fire Service: 995
Private Ambulance: (Samu): 114
Food and Cuisine
Mauritius is an island where people originate from a wide variety of places, the local cuisine is therefore a testament to the influence of this melting pot. This produces remarkable culinary results: in Mauritius, you can travel to all the gastronomical corners of the globe without leaving the table. Ask your maid to cook you an Indian "Curry" or a creole "Rougaille" and be enchanted by the local flavors.
Medical Care
For minor health issues, free public medical facilities are widely available in the local dispensaries, and quality of services is generally good. However, for anything more serious that may occur during your stay, we would recommend a private clinic as standards in the public hospitals are probably not near what you would be used to at home! Clinics such as Appollo or Clinique D'arné would be the best choices!
General Safety
Generally, Mauritius is a safe place to travel. By traveling responsibly and keeping safety precautions, you should have a safe, no-problem stay in Paradise. A few good ways of preventing unwanted occurrences is to ensure that:
Your valuables and money are kept in the villa's safe.
Cars are properly locked when parked.
You park your car in a well-lit area
Valuable items are not left on display inside the car.
When shopping, you remember to keep your wallet safe at all times.
You displaying large sums of cash in public places.
You carry your passport on you only when you need it.
When sightseeing, you never leave your vehicle unattended and unlocked.
You keep Emergency Numbers are at hand
At night, your villa is properly secured, leaving no windows or doors open.
Your valuables and money are kept in the villa's safe.
Cars are properly locked when parked.
You park your car in a well-lit area
Valuable items are not left on display inside the car.
When shopping, you remember to keep your wallet safe at all times.
You displaying large sums of cash in public places.
You carry your passport on you only when you need it.
When sightseeing, you never leave your vehicle unattended and unlocked.
You keep Emergency Numbers are at hand
At night, your villa is properly secured, leaving no windows or doors open.
Shopping Hours
Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops may remain open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Please note that there are no shops open in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on Thursday afternoon.
Tipping your Staff
Although it is highly appreciated; tipping is not compulsory in Mauritius. If tipping is customary to you, tip only to encourage good service. Your house staff will definitely appreciate a tip. For good service we recommend a tip for good service ranging from Rs 1,500 per week for a group of 4 people. Be generous!
Mauritian Visas
Some visitors require a visa to enter Mauritius and everyone requires a valid Passport. A visitors visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival to most holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the passport immigration office in Mauritius, or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate.
What to Bring!
Traveling to a Tropical Island requires a few extra items you may not think of first time. Remember that if you are in Europe and traveling in December, you are leaving the icy cold and entering a hot environment. The essential is not to bring too much!
Here is "our list" of some Mauritius essentials!
Swimming trunks / bikini's
Your trendiest sunglasses
30+ suncream
Suncream for the kids!
Sun hat or cap
Favorite T-shirt!
Ipod and Dock
Phone Charger
Electrical Adapter
Digital Camera + Battery Charger
Small Torch
Insect Repellant "You never know!"
Snorkeling Gear
Beach Sandals
Walking Shoes
A great book
Inflatable armbands for the Kids
DVD's in case of rain
A good sense of humour!
Here is "our list" of some Mauritius essentials!
Swimming trunks / bikini's
Your trendiest sunglasses
30+ suncream
Suncream for the kids!
Sun hat or cap
Favorite T-shirt!
Ipod and Dock
Phone Charger
Electrical Adapter
Digital Camera + Battery Charger
Small Torch
Insect Repellant "You never know!"
Snorkeling Gear
Beach Sandals
Walking Shoes
A great book
Inflatable armbands for the Kids
DVD's in case of rain
A good sense of humour!