The practical basics for a first trip to Mauritius: money, phones, plugs, health, safety and the numbers to call in an emergency. For entry rules and the arrival form, see Getting to Mauritius.

Money

The currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR, written Rs). As a rough guide, the Bank of Mauritius' indicative rates in early October 2026 were about Rs 47 to 49 to the US dollar, Rs 53 to 55 to the euro and Rs 62 to 65 to the pound. Rates move, so check the current rate before you change money.

  • ATMs are at the airport and in the main tourist areas. They only give out rupees.
  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at resorts and are widely used in towns and tourist areas. Smaller places, market stalls and roadside food stands often take only cash, so carry some rupees.
  • Dollars and euros are accepted at some large hotels and shops, but you'll usually get a better deal paying in rupees.
  • If you carry more than Rs 500,000 in cash (or the same in foreign currency), you must declare it to customs on arrival and departure.

Phones, SIM cards and internet

Mobile coverage is good across the main island, though some remote areas have gaps. You can buy a tourist SIM at the airport or at the operators' shops in malls and towns. By law every SIM must be registered, so bring your passport and the address where you are staying. One operator, my.t, also lets visitors book a physical SIM or an eSIM online before arrival. If you plan to use your home SIM, check your provider's roaming charges first.

Plugs and electricity

Mauritius uses 230 volts at 50 Hz. You will find two kinds of socket: the British three-pin type (Type G) and the European two-round-pin type (Types C and E). Many hotels have both. Pack a universal adapter if your plugs are a different type. Devices from countries with 110–120 V supplies, such as the US, need to be dual-voltage, which most phone and laptop chargers are.

Time zone and language

  • Time: Mauritius Time is UTC+4 all year. There is no daylight saving time.
  • Language: English is the language of government and road signs, and French is widely spoken and used in the media. Most Mauritians speak Mauritian Creole at home. You will manage fine in English at hotels, restaurants and shops, and a few words of French or Creole are appreciated.

Health

  • Tap water: The US government advises visitors not to drink tap water. Drink sealed bottled water, and ask for drinks without ice if you want to be careful. Hotels may serve tap water unless you ask for bottled.
  • Mosquitoes: Dengue and chikungunya are both spread by mosquitoes that bite during the day. Use repellent and cover up when you can. Check the TravelHealthPro page for current vaccination and health advice.
  • Stonefish: Stings are rare, but they can be fatal. If you are stung, get urgent medical help: many hotels keep anti-venom.
  • Medicines: If you carry prescription medicines, bring the prescription and keep them in their original packaging. Some medicines that are legal at home are controlled in Mauritius. The Ministry of Health and Wellness can tell you if yours needs approval.
  • Healthcare: Good private clinics exist, but they are expensive, and serious cases may be flown to Réunion or South Africa. Travel insurance with medical cover is essential.

Staying safe

Most crime against visitors is petty and non-violent: theft of bags left unattended, pickpocketing in crowded places and break-ins at holiday villas. It is most common in busy tourist areas such as Port Louis, Grand Baie and Flic en Flac.

  • Keep your passport and valuables in the hotel safe, and don't leave bags unattended on the beach.
  • Avoid walking alone at night on beaches and in dark streets, including the back streets of Port Louis' business district.
  • Agree taxi fares before you get in, and be wary of high "tourist prices" from beach sellers and street vendors.
  • Rent holiday homes only if they are registered with the Tourism Authority.
  • Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry long prison sentences. Cigarette papers are also illegal to import or carry.

In the sea. The surf can be dangerous where it breaks over shallow coral reefs, and visitors have been seriously hurt diving, parasailing and hiking. Ask your hotel where it is safe to swim, and follow local advice. On boat trips, check that the operator holds a Tourism Ministry permit, that there are enough life jackets, and that the captain can contact the coastguard.

Cyclones. From November to May, a cyclone can disrupt a few days of your trip. Follow the warnings and your hotel's advice. Best time to visit Mauritius explains the warning classes.

Emergency numbers

  • Police: 999 (also for the tourist police)
  • Ambulance (public SAMU): 114
  • Fire: 115
  • Weather and cyclone updates: 171

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