Other Important Information
Currency
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.)
The currencies are: 5, 20 and 50 cents, and Rs.1, Rs.5 and Rs.10. The banknotes are: Rs.25, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.200, Rs.500, Rs.1000 and Rs.2000. The rate of exchange varies from day to day.
The following credit cards are accepted in Mauritius: American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa. Money changers operate throughout the island and at the airport. There also exist facilities for cashing travellers’ cheques.
Date of Independence
March 12, 1968
Culture
The Mauritian Society is made up of people from diverse cultures and religions. The population comprises people of European , African, Indian, and Chinese origin .
Language
English is the official language but most people in Mauritius are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French personates every day life and several oriental languages are also spoken such as Hindi ,Urdu, Telegu, Marathi, Mandarin and Bhojpuri.
Communication
The telephone network makes it possible to carry out international calls . It is possible to buy international prepaid cards at authorized retailers’ shops which can be used from public or private telephones, or by buying a local SIM card.
Driving
Mauritians drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to traffic from the right. Visitors with a national valid and international driving license are allowed to drive during their stay.
Health and Safety
No vaccinations are required and no endemic diseases exist in Mauritius. While being in a tropical island it is advised to use insect repellant which are also available in Mauritius. Travelers who come from risk zones require a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
Electricity Voltage
Voltage is 220 volts.
It is advisable to carry with you a 3 pin adaptor.
What to wear
During the summer time, wear light and beach clothes. During winter months, carry some light woolens for cool evenings. Visitors are requested to dress properly(no short ,mini skirts) when visiting religious buildings and to remove shoes when entering mosques and temples.
