Banking Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, closed on Saturday, Saturday & public holidays. Bank are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.

Credit Cards
Banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops accept credit cards.

Current Working Hours
Private sector: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm. Saturday from 9:00 am to noon (Notall offices)

Public Sector:
Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00. Saturday from 9:00 am to noon (Skeleton service)

Conferences:
Almost all our large hotels are equipped to cater for conferences. They can accommodate from 30 to 500 people. The International Conference Centre in Grand Baie, the Freeport Exibition Centre at Mer Rouge and the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre at Pailles can handle from 800 to 5,000 people,depending on the configuration.

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 plant import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant materials including cutting, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds. It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil microorganisms and invertebrate animals. All imported animals and all other agricultural products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and health certificate from the country of origin. Drug trafficking carries very heavy penalties. Firearm and ammunitions need import permits and must be declared upon arrival.

Driving
In Mauritius, driving is on the left side of the road and drivers have to  give way to traffic from the right.Visitors with a driving license issued by a competent authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.

Air Access
Air Mauritius operates over 50flights weekly from Europe, Africa, South-East Asia, India, and Australia. Other airlines servicing Mauritius include British Airways, Air France, LTU, Emirates Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Air Seychelles.

Time & Telecommunications
Mauritius is four hours ahead of GMT.

Medical Services
Free public medical facilities are widely available at hospitals and regional health centers. Private  clinics provide paying medical services. 

Shopping Hours
Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (from Monday to Saturday). Some shops open until noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centres offer a wide choice of products.  Please note that shops close half-day on Thursdays in Rose Hill,Vacoas, Curepipe and Quatre Bornes.

Security Advice
A Tourism Police has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones. An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed.

The following essential pieces of advice are meant for you:

• Keep an eye on all your belonging at all times.
• Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash points.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry when in tours.
• Do not leave valuable belongings inside your car.
• Use only recognized and licensed operators when making sightseeing trips and sea cruises.
• Keep your passport, plane tickets, jewelry of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
• Do not swim in Areas where it is forbidden.

Tipping
Tipping in Mauritius is common, but not compulsory. 

Transport
Public transport is ensured by a number of bus companies throughout the island. Express bus services exist from Port Louis to the North, South and to the main town inland Taxis are available at the airport and at the hotels. For car renting, it is recommended to contact the recognized operators listed here

What to Wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September) light woolen clothing is recommended for the evenings. Please show due respect when visiting Hindu religious places. Wear appropriate clothing and remove leather shoes and belts when entering the temples.

Nudism
Nudism is not allowed in Mauritius.

Precautions
There are no poisonous reptiles or dangerous animals on the island. But nature being what it is, some small creatures can inflict painful stings. Some individuals can be allergic to wasp stings. Contact a Chemist or a doctor in case of several stings particularly on the head and on the face. There are a few fishes namely sea urchins, stonefish and lionfish which are harmful and it is advisable to enquire of their existence. be careful not to step on them. Some swimmers wear shoes.