Banks
Banks are found in all the major cities and villages. They offer better exchange rates for notes and travellers cheques than the hotels.
Cash withdrawal at ATM• MAURITIUS COMMERCIAL BANK: MasterCard, Diners, Visa
• BARCLAYS BANK: Visa
Bathing
Bathing shoes or slippers in rocky areas are recommended. In order to respect the different ethnic groups and local customs, swimming costumes or bikinis are a must on public beaches and nudity is absolutely forbidden. ‘Topless’ sunbathing is normally tolerated within the privacy of the hotel grounds or beaches.
Beach Hawkers
Beach sellers must display licenses from the Ministry of Tourism. Be aware and check prices. Never buy any kind of seafood from them.
Car RentalWe deal only with serious and experienced companies. Driving is on the left hand side.
Clothing & Etiquette During the day: informal. Evenings: smart casual Visitors are requested to dress properly when visiting religious shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts, etc) and to remove their shoes when entering mosques and temples.
Electricity220 volts, where British three-pin (square) and European two-pin sockets are used.
EmergenciesIn case of an emergency, please contact our agency: Connections (Telephone: 696 99 33), or your representative, or ask the reception of the hotel for any further assistance.
Markets
• Port Louis: Monday - Sunday
• Curepipe: Wednesday & Saturday
• Quatre Bornes: Thursday & Sunday
• Mahebourg: Monday
• Centre de Flacq: Wednesday & Sunday
Medical
Private Doctors can be called at any time through the hotel reception and there are some good private clinics.
News
Many European newspapers/magazines are available at your hotel or in the supermarkets.
Shops
• General opening hours:
• Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 17.00
• Saturday: 09.00 – 12.00
• Opening hours differ widely. Some shops are also open on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.Shopping
There are excellent shopping centres throughout the island. T-shirts, shirts, beach & swimwear, cashmere pullovers, sweaters, leather goods, handicraft, ship models and local jewellery are amongst the many items on sale. Numerous Duty Free Shops offer a large variety of jewellery, diamonds and watches (copies of passport and air tickets are required).
Sun
Use sun care products with high protection factors even when the sky is clouded. It is advisable to wear a hat and sunglasses throughout the day, as the sun is fierce even with cloudy skies. Wear a T-shirt when snorkelling.
Tap Water
Water from the tap is usually drinkable. However, to be on the safe side, we still recommend drinking bottled water.
TelephoneDirect dialling from the hotel room is possible in all major hotels.
Country code
• U.K.: 020 44
• France: 020 33
• Germany: 020 49
• Austria: 020 43
•Then dial the area code and the number
• The IDD access code for Mauritius is +230. There are no area codes on the island.
Telephone Cards
Available in many shops throughout the Island (Rs. 50, 100 & 200)
Time Difference
• Mauritian Time is 4 hours ahead of GMT.
• UK Time is 4 hours behind in winter and 3 hours in summer.
• Central Europe: 3 hours behind in winter and 2 hours in summer
• South Africa: 2 hours behind.
TippingIn restaurants, tipping is not compulsory and remains an appreciation of good service (5 - 10%).
ValuablesIt is highly recommended to deposit any valuables and money in the hotel safe.
WaterTap water is drinkable but we still recommend drinking bottled water.
Banks are found in all the major cities and villages. They offer better exchange rates for notes and travellers cheques than the hotels.
Cash withdrawal at ATM• MAURITIUS COMMERCIAL BANK: MasterCard, Diners, Visa
• BARCLAYS BANK: Visa
Bathing
Bathing shoes or slippers in rocky areas are recommended. In order to respect the different ethnic groups and local customs, swimming costumes or bikinis are a must on public beaches and nudity is absolutely forbidden. ‘Topless’ sunbathing is normally tolerated within the privacy of the hotel grounds or beaches.
Beach Hawkers
Beach sellers must display licenses from the Ministry of Tourism. Be aware and check prices. Never buy any kind of seafood from them.
Car RentalWe deal only with serious and experienced companies. Driving is on the left hand side.
Clothing & Etiquette During the day: informal. Evenings: smart casual Visitors are requested to dress properly when visiting religious shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts, etc) and to remove their shoes when entering mosques and temples.
Electricity220 volts, where British three-pin (square) and European two-pin sockets are used.
EmergenciesIn case of an emergency, please contact our agency: Connections (Telephone: 696 99 33), or your representative, or ask the reception of the hotel for any further assistance.
Markets
• Port Louis: Monday - Sunday
• Curepipe: Wednesday & Saturday
• Quatre Bornes: Thursday & Sunday
• Mahebourg: Monday
• Centre de Flacq: Wednesday & Sunday
Medical
Private Doctors can be called at any time through the hotel reception and there are some good private clinics.
News
Many European newspapers/magazines are available at your hotel or in the supermarkets.
Shops
• General opening hours:
• Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 17.00
• Saturday: 09.00 – 12.00
• Opening hours differ widely. Some shops are also open on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.Shopping
There are excellent shopping centres throughout the island. T-shirts, shirts, beach & swimwear, cashmere pullovers, sweaters, leather goods, handicraft, ship models and local jewellery are amongst the many items on sale. Numerous Duty Free Shops offer a large variety of jewellery, diamonds and watches (copies of passport and air tickets are required).
Sun
Use sun care products with high protection factors even when the sky is clouded. It is advisable to wear a hat and sunglasses throughout the day, as the sun is fierce even with cloudy skies. Wear a T-shirt when snorkelling.
Tap Water
Water from the tap is usually drinkable. However, to be on the safe side, we still recommend drinking bottled water.
TelephoneDirect dialling from the hotel room is possible in all major hotels.
Country code
• U.K.: 020 44
• France: 020 33
• Germany: 020 49
• Austria: 020 43
•Then dial the area code and the number
• The IDD access code for Mauritius is +230. There are no area codes on the island.
Telephone Cards
Available in many shops throughout the Island (Rs. 50, 100 & 200)
Time Difference
• Mauritian Time is 4 hours ahead of GMT.
• UK Time is 4 hours behind in winter and 3 hours in summer.
• Central Europe: 3 hours behind in winter and 2 hours in summer
• South Africa: 2 hours behind.
TippingIn restaurants, tipping is not compulsory and remains an appreciation of good service (5 - 10%).
ValuablesIt is highly recommended to deposit any valuables and money in the hotel safe.
WaterTap water is drinkable but we still recommend drinking bottled water.