Customs Formalities

Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes); one litre of spirits; two litres of wine, ale or beer; one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette; and perfume not exceeding 100 millilitres.

A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture prior to the introduction of plants and plant materials in to Mauritius, including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.

It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil microorganisms and invertebrate animals. All imported animals and all other agricultural products require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.

Drug trafficking carries very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunitions require import permits and must be declared upon arrival.

Money and Banking

Banks are open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.

Banking Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 9.00am - 3.00pm
• Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
• Closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays

Credit Cards

Banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops accept credit cards.

Medical Services

Free public medical facilities are widely available at hospitals and regional health centres. Private clinics provide payable medical services.

Shopping Hours

Shopping hours in Mauritius’ main cities run from 9.30am to 7.30pm (Monday to Saturday). Some shops open until noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centres offer a wide choice of products. Please note that shops only open for half-days on Thursdays in Rose-hill, Vacoas, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes.

International Driving Licence

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

Tipping

Tipping is common but not compulsory.

Nudism

Nudism is not allowed.

Personal Safety

A good way of preventing untoward occurrences is to ensure that:

• Valuables and money are kept in the hotel safe.
• Cars are properly locked when parked.
• Parking is undertaken in a well-lit area.
• No valuable items are left on display inside the car.
• Those planning a shopping trip always remember to keep their purse or wallet safe at all times.
• Visitors avoid displaying large sums of cash in public places.
• People only carry their passport when they need it.
• Those embarking on a sightseeing tour never leave their vehicle unattended.
• Emergency numbers are close at hand.

Precautions

• There are no poisonous reptiles or dangerous animals on the island. But nature being what it is, some small creatures can inflict painful stings. Some individuals can be allergic to wasp stings, for example.
• Contact a chemist or a doctor in case of several stings – particularly on the head and on the face.
• There are a few fish and invertebrates in Mauritian waters that are known to be harmful – namely sea urchins, stonefish and lionfish. It is advisable to enquire of their existence in the waters around a given resort. Be careful not to step on them, and consider wearing light shoes while swimming.
• Never drink alcohol during or just before swimming, boating or water-skiing.
• Whenever young children are swimming, playing or bathing, make sure an adult is constantly watching them.
• To prevent choking, never eat food or chew gum while swimming, diving or playing in water.
• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore. Once you are out of the current, swim towards the shore.
• Use approved personal flotation devices such as life jackets when boating – regardless of distance to be travelled, size of the boat, or swimming ability of the boaters.

Road Safety

• Remember that Mauritians drive on the left.
• Have your driving licence endorsed at the traffic branch at Line Barracks, Port Louis.
• Always keep on the left-hand side of the road whenever you are on a push bike, motorcycle or any other type of vehicle in Mauritius.
• At roundabouts, always give way to traffic on your right.
• Make sure the ignition key is always removed when you leave your car.
• Fasten your safety belt.
• Kids under the age of ten years are not allowed to occupy the front passenger’s seat.
• Parking coupons should be displayed in payable parking bays.
• Avoid using mobile phones whilst driving.
• Drink or drive, but never do both.