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Mauritius

Visitor Information

CLIMATE

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.

Climate Chart for Port Louis

For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings
Canada - Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

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

Listing of MauritianTourist offices and/or embassies location around the world

MONEY

Official Currency: 1 Rupee=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

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.

Location of Visa ATM's
Barclays Bank Cash Machine Locations

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 0930-1430  Saturday: 0930-1130

Shops:    Monday to Friday: 0930-1700   Saturday: 0900-1200

Governmental Offices:    Monday to Friday: 0900-1600   Saturday: 0900-1200

LOCAL TIME

Mauritius is 4 hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:
International Fights to Mauritius

Click for flights from Europe with Air France Click for flights from Europe with BA.com

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.

Other Maps & Atlases for Sale

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.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Year's Day
2nd January
12th March	Independence Day
1st May	Labour Day
1st November	All Saints Day
25th December	Christmas Day
Variable holidays	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)

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug - view
Rectangular blade plug - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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.