Banking hours

Monday to Thursday: 9.15 am - 3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am - 3.30 pm, Saturday: 9.15 am -11.15 am (some banks only). Bank counters are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport. There are also several money changing agencies all over the island.

Climate

The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 33°C in summer. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.

Conferences

Almost all of our large hotels are equipped and ready to cater for conferences. The number of people that can be accommodated varies from 30 to 500. The International Conference Centre in Grand Bay, the Freeport Exhibition Centre in Mer Rouge and the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre close to the capital Port Louis can all easily accommodate between 600 and 1,000 people.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and shops

Currency

The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). It is freely convertible and there is no exchange control. At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 41

Customs

Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml. (a) A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds. (b) It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals. (c) All imported animals including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin. (d) Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.

Diving

Mauritius waters boast several diving spots of incomparable interest and beauty. PADI certified diving centres can be found all around the island and in most major beach hotels. The Mauritius Underwater Group (MUG) is a favourite meet among expatriate diving fans.

Driving

People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Non-nationals with a driving license issued by a competent authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius. Mauritius laws severely reprimand driving under the influence of alcohol.

Eating out

Mauritius has a wide choice of gourmet restaurants, serving exquisite local Creole food to a wide mix of fine international cuisine. They are generally competitively priced and the most reputable ones can get pretty packed at times. It is advisable to make a booking.

Economy

The Mauritian economy is one of the fastest growing in sub-Saharan Africa. In just three decades, the country has moved from a monocrop sugar-dominated economy to a sophisticated and diversified services oriented one. The services sector currently accounts for 70% of GDP.

Electricity

Stable and reliable all over the island at 220 volts, 50 Hz

Emergency

Police: Police: 999 Fire: 995 Ambulance: 114

Fitness centres

Well equipped and professionally maintained fitness centres are available all around the island. An entry fee and an annual subscription fee are normally charged.

Food

Fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits can be found easily in all the island’s main supermarkets, hypermarkets and specialty outlets. Meat is mostly imported. Vegetarians are also spoilt for choice.

Gambling

Gambling is permitted under Mauritian laws to individuals of legal age (18). Several casinos and gambling houses are available. Horse betting is popular during the racing season (between April and December). Horse racing occurs at the Champs de Mars in Port Louis

Geography

Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, at approximately 2000 kilometres off the southeastern coast of Africa, to the East of Madagascar. The country covers an area of 1865 square kilometers, with some 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius has kilometers of white sandy beaches, fringed by a safe, well preserved turquoise coloured lagoon.

Golf

Mauritius boasts a few professionally designed 18-hole golf courses with stunning views over the lagoon. Several golf clubs offer annual memberships. Many of the islands properties offered to non-nationals under the so-called Integrated Resort Scheme are built on golf estates.

Government

Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability. The head of state is the President and the Prime Minister heads the government and a Council of Ministers. Free elections are held every five years.

Green Mauritius

The Government has enacted strict environment protection legislation in several areas to preserve the natural beauty of the island and of its lagoon. Eco-living is strongly encouraged. The treasures of our hinterland lend themselves perfectly to a whole range of leisure and eco-tourism activities

Health

Health conditions are excellent in Mauritius. There are no specific vaccinations that are required when travelling to the country. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.

History

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially "discovered" in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Language

Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. While English is the official language, Creole and French are the languages most spoken in the everyday environment. Several oriental languages are also spoken.

Literacy rate

82.9%

Newspapers

Besides a wide choice of local papers, the pick of the European and American press is available.

Population

1.2 million (Last census, year 2003)

Pets

For dogs and cats, an application for import permit should be made with the Division of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agro- Industry and Fisheries. Formalities should start at least 3 months prior to the expected date of export to Mauritius to allow time for completion in the country of origin of all tests, treatments and inspections as specified in the import permit. An Export Health Certificate should be obtained from Official Veterinary Services of the exporting country. All animals will have to undergo a period of quarantine in Mauritius, the duration of which varies according to the country of origin.

Public holidays

There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year

Spas

The island boasts several internationally branded spas and wellness centres, offering a full range of western and oriental therapies in a tropical and exquisite environment.

Shopping

Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm, Monday through Saturday. Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. The island’s many duty free shops and modern shopping centres offer a wide choice of products. Many of the smaller shops in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes are closed on Thursday afternoons.

Smoking

Smoking in public areas is prohibited under recently introduced legislation. All government offices and a majority of private sector offices are smoking-free. The airport is entirely a nonsmoking area.

Tax

Corporate tax is currently at 15%. Value added tax is also at 15%. Personal income tax rate is as per the table below: On chargeable income relating to income other than interest income Chargeable income relating to interest income Income Year starting First Rs 500,000 Remainder Interest Income 1st July 2007 15% 20% 15% 1st July 2008 15% 17.5% 15% 1st July 2009 15% 15% 15% In addition, there is no tax on dividends, no capital gains tax, no estate nor stamp duty. Social contribution is as low as 6%. Mauritius also has double-taxation treaties with over thirty countries.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory.

Time & Telecommunications

Mauritius is four hours ahead of GMT. The country offers international direct dialling as well as broadband internet connections. Several local and international companies offer their services at competitive rates.

TV channels

Satellite TV and local TV & Radio are available all over the island.

Visas

A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted upon arrival for a period ranging from two weeks to one month to almost all holders of a valid passport, with a few exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. The visa can be extended upon request made to the Passport and Immigration Office in Port Louis

Water sports

Mauritius is a real paradise for water sports and the range of activities that can be indulged in is impressive. Waterskiing, sailing, snorkeling, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing, parasailing can be performed safely all year round.

What to wear

Light and casual in summer. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings. Business attire is rather formal however. Appropriate clothing should be worn when visiting religious places

Working Hours

Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.30 pm; Saturday : 9am - noon (Some offices) Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm; Saturday : 9 am - noon (skeleton service).