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Useful information MauritiusTime Zone GMT +4 Getting there The flight time is 12 hours from London with direct flights from British Airways, Virgin and Air Mauritius. Weather Hottest time of year is December to March where temperatures can be 35°C but lower humidity. Tropical storms can occur during this period. The western and northern regions are warmer and drier than the South and the East. July and August are cooler with temperatures around 25°C and can be chilly at night. Rain showers do occur in Mauritius but tend to be short. Currency Currency is Mauritian Rupee. You can only change money on the Island. The exchange rate for travelers cheques is much better than for cash. There are banks at the airport and it is wise to change money on arrival as some areas do not have banks Vaccination For most people vaccinations are not required as Mauritius is free of malaria, yellow fever and cholera. Please check with your GP before travelling. Language Most Mauritians speak both English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment with oriental languages a further variety. Safety A tourist police is active on the island to ensure the safety of visitors and provided that you follow a common sense approach to safeguarding yourself and your valuables, then you should not experience any difficulty. Driving and Getting Around Drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Taxis are cheap in Mauritius and daily rates can often be negotiated direct with your driver Always agree your fare with driver in advance, no matter how many times you have made the same trip. What to wear What you wear very much depends on where you stay. In the smarter hotels take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some extra clothes for the cool evenings. Take care on the beach as nudity and topless sunbathing are not welcomed. Visas A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival. You must have the full address of where you are staying On the Water Mauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing and the warm waters are so inviting but please do take care to observe any no swimming signs, remembering that there may be a good reason why the beach is deserted. Boat trips Please use a common sense approach to ensuring that the boat has all of the safety equipment that you expect to see, many will be fishing boats offering trips to visitors as the locals are very industrious. Food Mauritian cooking is a unique blend that reflects the wide profile of the population. Be ready to sample Creole, Chinese, Indian or Muslim food. Water The water can be used to clean or brush your teeth but we recommend you drink bottled water. Shopping Leave some space in the suitcase as clothes are far cheaper with major designer brands being manufactured on the island including Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver and Levis. Several of the manufacturers have retail outlets. A visit to the market in Port Louis may be an experience, particularly if you are fond of spices but may be a little daunting as it is under cover and dimly lit. Healthcare Hospitals are free of charge even to visitors. There are a number of private clinics which you do have to pay for – check you travel insurance to see what it covers. Mosquitoes Take a mosquito repellent Sun screen The sun is very strong on Mauritius. Make sure you use a good sun screen even on cloudy days Electricity 240 volts. Square 3 pin plugs and round 2 pin plugs. You will need an adaptor |
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