Lize-Mari Ras
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Mauritius – Travel Guide

Facts to assist you while travelling to Mauritius.

 

Mauritian population

  • 3 million.

 

Capital and Largest City

  • Port Louis.

 

Official Language(s)

  • English, French.

 

Currency

  • Mauritian rupee.

 

Office Hours

  • 09:00 – 17:00.

 

Weekend

  • Saturday – Sunday.

 

Time Zone

  • UTC +4.

 

Calling Code

  • +230.

 

Tipping

  • If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

 

Embassies

  • Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

 

Government

  • Prithvirajsing Roopun is the president of Mauritius as of 2019. He is associated with the Militant Socialist Movement party.

 

Climate

  • The local climate of Mauritius is tropical, modified by southeast trade winds. There is a warm, dry winter from May to November and a hot, wet, and humid summer from November to May. Anti-cyclones affect the country during May to September. Cyclones affect Mauritius during November–April. Hollanda (1994) and Dina (2002) were the worst two last cyclones to have affected the island.

 

Transport

  • The main airport in Mauritius is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (Plaine Magnien). Transportation in Mauritius is characterized by the network of roadways, ports, and airports. There are currently no railways in Mauritius. The country has three main freeways: M1, M2, and M3. The bus network is quite extensive and is organised around Port Louis. Port Louis is the main port in Mauritius.

 

Economy

  • The main industries in Mauritius that contributes to its GDP include agriculture- largely sugar milling- textiles, clothing, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, and tourism.

 

Hospitality

  • Mauritians are conservative and humble. It is common for them to look down on anyone who acts inappropriately in public. The term ‘’sauvaze’ means ‘’savage’’ in old French and is used to refer to anyone acting out of turn- such as dressing immodestly, causing conflict, being loud and argumentative, or smoking and drinking on the street. This is not regarded as acceptable behavior for Mauritians, or anyone who visits their country. Regardless, the population is warm and welcoming, and many visitors have reported that Mauritians also have a playful and artistic nature.

 

Greetings

  • Greetings may vary depending on the person’s ethnic background. The most common, polite and widely acceptable greeting in Mauritius is a firm handshake. People who are friends or acquaintances will typically greet each other with the traditional French greeting of a kiss on both cheeks. Muslim Mauritians, however, may feel uncomfortable shaking hands with the opposite sex. Hindu Mauritians, on the other hand, might practice the traditional Indian greeting of pressing the palms of the hands together in front of the chest and saying ‘’Namaste.’’ In formal settings, however, the French greeting ‘‘Bon jour’’ (‘Good day’) is most appropriate.

 

Money

  • The Mauritian rupee (sign: Re/Rs) is there official currency of Mauritius. Several other currencies are also called rupee. One rupee is subdivided into 100 cents.

 

Transportation

  • If you want to discover the island by yourself at your own pace, the best thing is to rent a car, as many visitors tend to opt for this. The rental prices are quite affordable. Depending on the distance you intend to travel, you could also hire a scooter or a bicycle. Driving in Mauritius is on the left-hand side, and priority is given to those coming from the right. Mauritians are lovely people, so do not hesitate to ask people if you cannot find your way!

 

Safety

  • Mauritius is one of the safest locations to be, both for expats and for locals. Its crime rate is low, and the crimes that do occur are usually petty and non-violent crimes, most of which take place in the busier parts of the country’s capital. Mauritius is the safest country in Africa and even ranks higher than some European countries on the Global Peace Index.

 

Culture

  • Mauritius is home to multiple ethnic groups with different customs and rich cultures. The ancestral cultures of all the locals have been preserved for decades and centuries. Mauritius is famous for being a peaceful island, and this reputation is embedded in the identity and values of the locals. Mauritius has the third highest percentage of practicing Hindus, after India and Nepal. Nearly half of the population of Mauritius follows the Hindu faith, with smaller percentages following Christianity and Islam. The attire amongst locals is culturally dependent, but also quite conservative. Lightweight and brightly coloured fabrics are commonly worn. Inappropriate clothing, toplessness, nudity, and even provocative swimsuits are not condoned. Homosexuality is illegal in Mauritius and punishable with up to five years’ imprisonment.

 

Shops

  • Shopping experiences in Mauritius are said to be exciting! Mauritius has a reputation of being a shopping paradise. There is something for everyone- ranging from a relaxed atmosphere in large shopping centres for doing retail therapy, to exhilarating shopping experiences in craft markets, or buying things from hawkers on the beach or on streets.

 

 

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Written by Saudika Hendricks

Edited by Eloise Williams

Lize-Mari Ras
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From the Horse’s Mouth – Mauritius

Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of the African continent. The capital and largest city is Port Louis. Just off the coast of the country lie some 49 uninhabited islands and islets, of which several have been declared natural reserves for endangered species. Mauritius is home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals, but the arrival of humans in the 15th century introduced non-native species to the land which has threatened its indigenous flora and fauna. Mauritius is also the only known habitat of the extinct flightless Dodo bird.

How are birthdays celebrated?

Birthdays in Mauritius are always a special occasion, and mostly celebrated at home with family.

When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?

We normally offer a friendly handshake. Kisses are mostly kept for family members.

What languages are spoken in your country?

Most Mauritians are multilingual. Languages spoken on the islands of this country include Mauritian Creole, English, French, and Asian languages are the most common. English remains an administrative language and is also used as support in schools.

What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in Mauritius?

We drive on the left-hand side of the road. The most important thing to know when driving here is that most drivers believe that they are in possession of a racing car. The easy-going way of life and the friendliness of the Mauritians can, however, also be seen when they are driving. When asking a Mauritian for directions they might just go in front of you to make sure you do not get lost!

How important is punctuality?

Very few people in Mauritius know what punctuality is.

What types of music are popular? Who are some of your most popular musicians?

A great majority of Mauritians listen to Bollywood music, because 60% of Mauritians are Hindu. Most of the remaining 40% listen to European or mainstream music. Very few are actually fond of Sega, the local music. A few of our popular local musicians are:

 

Are there any traditional dances in your country?

The Sega remains the main traditional dance.

 

What traditional festivals are celebrated in your community?

That’s a long list. We celebrate almost all main Hindu, Chinese, Christian and Muslim festivals. We also celebrate some special occasions like the Abolition of Slavery and the first arrival of indentured Indian workers.

What are your seasons like?

There are two seasons in Mauritius: winter and summer. In recent years our summertimes are getting very, very hot and the winters more windy. In summer temperatures vary between 25°C – 32°C and in winter between 20°C – 27°C.

What are Mauritius’ major industries?

The main sectors that contribute to Mauritius’ economy are the agriculture, sugar, textiles, tobacco, tourism, and mining industries.

How do people spend their free time?

Mauritians spend their free time at beaches and engaged in all related sea and sand activities. Most men partake in football, social media for youngsters, and window-shopping which is quite a new thing with the new shopping malls opening in the last two years.

What do people drink?

People in Mauritius usually drink a lot of sodas like Coke and Fanta, but the spirits consumption curve is constantly climbing.

What is a popular local dish?

Traditionally, Mauritian food is spicy, with influences from Indian, Creole, African and Chinese cuisine. Many of the staple fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, and meats are grown or caught locally and there are dishes to suit all tastes. Curry is a favourite food and there are plenty of side dishes to choose from, including rice, roti, niouk nien (dumplings) or mine-frit (Chinese fried noodles.). Lentil or bean curries are popular, along with meat, fish or seafood varieties.

Rougaille is also a very popular traditional dish. Served hot, this Creole tomato dish also contains onions, chillies, garlic and spices.

With their French name but Indian origins, all visitors should try gateau piment. Made with split peas (dhal or dholl), they also contain red or green chillies, coriander, onions and cumin. Shaped into balls, gateau piment are then deep fried until golden brown.

What do you pay for?

In a restaurant, a cup of coffee usually costs: 100 Rs

  • A can of Coca Cola usually costs: 45 Rs
  • A 2-Course meal for 2 people at a midrange restaurant usually costs around: 1500 Rs
  • At a shop, a loaf of bread will usually costs: 30 Rs

 

What is the general safety and security like in Mauritius?

Average. Unfortunately, criminals are always on duty in some specific areas like the north and west. As everywhere though, despite a fairly strong police presence, one should be aware and careful, especially at night.

 

To read more exciting blogs, please click on the link below:

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Written by Eloise Williams

Edited by Saudika Hendricks

Contributions by Fontana Agathe

 

 

Sisipho Ntsabo
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Third Wave of COVID-19 infections hit Africa

In Africa, there is an alarming third wave as the vaccine rollout is hampered. In recent light of the vaccine rollout in all parts of the world, third world countries vaccine rollout seems to be stagnant, experts fearing that it may take decades to vaccinate their respective countries.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) regional office has reported that the third wave of Covid-19 cases is spreading faster in Africa. On Thursday, 17 June 2021, WHO regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti warned, “With a rapid increase in the number of cases and increasing reports of severe disease, the latest wave threatens to be the worst to date in Africa,”

According to the regional office, for five consecutive weeks, Africa has seen an increase in Covid-19 cases, signaling the beginning of the third wave in Africa. “As of 20 June—day 48 into the new wave—Africa had recorded around 474 000 new cases—a 21% increase compared with the first 48 days of the second wave.” As reported by WHO, the pandemic is resurging in 12 African countries and at the current rate of infections, the ongoing surge is set to surpass the previous one by early July.

18 African countries have already used over 80% of their COVAX vaccine supplies, 29 have administered over 50% of their suppliers, and eight have exhausted their vaccine supply. It is important to be aware that just over 1% of Africa’s population has been fully vaccinated. Globally, 2.7 billion doses have been administered, with just under 1.5% having been administered in Africa.

Dr Moeti is urging the international community to help Africa deal with the Covid-19 vaccine supply as the surge threatens to impair not only Africa’s economy but society.

 

 

Sisipho Ntsabo
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New Trained Consultants and New Locations

We are excited to announce that we have recruited and trained new consultants in Ivory Coast, Botswana and Mauritius. We have also added the locations: Democratic Republic of Congo and Djibouti to our destination.

Relocation Africa is alive and growing! For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.