Mauritius - Travel Guide - Relocation Africa

Facts to assist you while travelling to Mauritius.

Mauritian population

Capital and Largest City

Official Language(s)

Currency

Office Hours

Weekend

Time Zone

Calling Code

Tipping

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