Climate

Mauritius has only two seasons, winter and summer. There is not much temperature differences. It is tropical with a warm, dry winter (May to November) and a hot, wet, humid summer (November to May); Tropical cyclones occur from November to April with most occurring from the end of Dec until March.

Accommodation

The majority of suitable expat housing is located on the west and north of the island. Requests for the east are becoming more frequent. There are many suitable free-standing homes monitored by personal security guards. Secure estates or “compounds” are also available and these have good security.

Schooling

There are 4 international schools, 2 of them are French curriculum and 2 English.

Healthcare

Public medical facilities are numerous and of a high standard and there are several inexpensive private clinics, mostly staffed by doctors educated in the west. Foreign visitors have to pay at state-run clinics and hospitals. Emergency evacuation health insurance is advised for those at serious risk. For travellers applying for a working visa or permanent residence, a HIV test will be required. It is important to use anti-mosquito protection at all times. Mosquitoes are more prevalent in rural areas but they can also inhabit the beach areas. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid are recommended however it is always advisable to check the current requirements with your GP or travel clinic.

Shops

Shopping centres are located at the Caudan Waterfront complex in Port Louis as well as in the smart resort town of Grand Baie The main supermarkets are Jumbo, Winners, London, Spar and Way. Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30-18:00.

Culture 

Historically, women have had subordinate roles in Maurition society. However, the Constitution specifically prohibits discrimination based on sex, and women now have access to education, employment, and governmental services. Traditionally, elders are honoured and respected by the rest of the community, although youth are increasingly challenging such customs as arranged marriages.

Money

The unit of currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). The easiest currencies to exchange are US dollars, UK pounds or euros. It is advisable to exchange these for the local currency as soon as possible. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted by most banks, hotels, restaurants and tourist shops followed by American Express and Diners Club. ATMs are widely available.

Hospitality 

Visitors should respect the traditions of their hosts, particularly when visiting a private house. The type of hospitality the visitor receives is determined by the religion and social customs of the host, which are closely related. It is appropriate to give a gift as a small token of appreciation if invited for a meal.

Transportation

Driving is on the left hand side of the road. One major highway runs north to south, otherwise a good network of paved, if sometimes narrow,
roads cover the island. A foreign licence is accepted.

Greetings

Mauritians usually shake hands when they meet. The French greeting Bonjour (Good day) is a commonly used term. Among the Hindu Indians, Namaste is the traditional greeting, especially in rural areas. A person places the palms together (hands upwards) in front of the chest or chin and says Namaste, sometimes bowing slightly. English greetings are also acceptable. Among friends and relatives, kissing on both cheeks and hugging is common.

Safety

Be alert for your own security in Mauritius. Exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would anywhere in the world. Crime levels in Mauritius are getting higher. Most crime against foreign tourists is petty crime, although incidents of murder, assault and rape occur. Avoid remote areas alone. Do not leave valuables in view in your car. Avoid unexpected offers of (seemingly free) guided tours. Ulterior motives are common. Do not patronise unlicensed taxis (taxi marrons). Some robbers use this trick to lure and attack their victims.