The central part of the island and an
average maximum day-time temperature of 20°C in August to about 26°C in
February. Along coastal areas, the temperatures are generally 3 to 5 degrees
higher. the western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than
the East and South. Tropical storms are frequent during the cyclone season from
December to March.
Visas are required by
all except nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU countries, Japan,
Scandinavia, and the USA. All visitors need to have an outward bound ticket and
proof of sufficient funds to support their stay. Passports are required by all
and must have at least 6 months to the expiry date
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visas are
widely accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted and exchanged throughout the
country but commissions are charged are varying rates.
Domestic Flights within Mauritius Air Mauritius
operates daily flights which connect Plaisance Airport to Rodrigues
Island.
Boats: There is a boat service sailing
once a week to and from Rodrigues Island and the trip takes about 24 hours.
There is also a service to Reunion from Port Louis. Advance bookings are
advisable.
Mauritius Shipping Co Ltd Nova
Building, 1 Militaire Road, Port-Louis Tel: +(230) 2425255
Fax: +(230) 2425245
Public Transport: Buses
connect every part of the island . Taxis are numerous and are recognisable by
white registration plates with black figures. (private cars have black number
plates with white figures). All taxis should have meters.
There is a good network of sealed roads. Driving is on
the left hand side and an International Driving Licence is recommended,
although a valid foreign licence is often acceptable.
The Africa Guide's recommended
Map
Mauritius Tourist Map(Maps
Worldwide) Published by Institut Geographique National A tourist
road map of Mauritius with altitude shading for hills.
Good Friday, Easter Monday plus
religious festivals of various population groups and the dates vary from
year to year including: Thaipoosam Cavadee (Jan/Feb); Chinese Spring
Festival (Jan/Feb); Maha Shivaratree (Feb); Ougadi (March);
Id-El-Fitr; Ganesh Chaturthi (Sept); Divali (Oct/Nov)
If you need medical care whilst in
Mauritius, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away.
- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line....
Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.