(Last updated: 1 Sep 2011)

Visas

Australians do not require a visa to enter Mauritius and can stay up to one month. However, you may request for your visa to be renewed for a longer period (total stay in Mauritius should not exceed six months) and produce your return ticket and a valid passport.

Contact details:

Passport & Immigration Office
Sterling House
Lislet Geoffroy Street
Port Louis
Tel: +230 210 9312
Fax: +230 210 9322

Climate

The climate in Mauritius is sub-tropical, with only two seasons – summer (roughly October to April) and winter (May to September). There is a cyclonic season that spans from November to March. The average temperature varies from 20°C–27°C with a variance of 3°C–5°C along the coast.

For weather details in Mauritius, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam (Plaisance) airport is about 48km from Port Louis. Travelling time by road to the capital is about an hour. An airport tax is payable on departure at the airport, but is included in the price of the air ticket.

Two Air Mauritius Bell-Jet Ranger helicopters are available for transfers between the airport and the hotels and for sightseeing tours.

Ground transport

Check with your travel agent for coach transfers from the airport to different hotels around the island.

Car hire companies are also represented at the airport and can be hired upon arrival. Taxis are also readily available from the airport. A trip from the airport to Port Louis centre should cost around A$40.

There is a bus service in Mauritius that covers the whole island. The hours of service are 5.30am to 8.00pm in towns, and 6.30am to 6.30pm in rural areas. More details are available online.

Taxis can be hired from hotels or taxi stands. They are also available for half-day or full-day tours. All taxis have a yellow square box indicating their route on their car doors and a 'Taxi' sign on top. You must always agree on the taxi fares before undertaking a journey. Tipping is not necessary.

Car rental is also available. Driving in certain parts of the island can be a challenging exercise as you may not find signs easily and roads are sometimes narrow (especially in remote areas).

Hotels

Mauritius offers excellent value for money in terms of accommodation and quality of service. Tourism is one of the pillars of Mauritian economy and so great care is taken to ensure that visitors are taken good care of. Prices of accommodation vary according to level of the establishment, location and facilities offered.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Mauritius. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

The level of personal security in Mauritius is good, as long as suitable precautions are taken. In the case of an emergency, the following numbers can be used:

• Ambulance - 999 or 114
• Police - 999

Health

If you are coming in from a region affected by yellow fever, a vaccination certificate is required. There is no risk of contracting malaria in Mauritius. Public hospital service is free, but you may also obtain treatment from a private clinic for a fee.

It is advisable to drink bottled mineral water.

Tipping

Tipping is around 10 per cent, but not necessary for taxis.

Time zones and time differences

Mauritius is six hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Mauritius, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Mauritius' country code is 230.

For calls to Mauritius from Australia dial: 0011 + 230 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Mauritius to Australia dial: 020 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

General business hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Government offices are open between 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Banks (main branches) are open between 9.00am to 3.15pm Monday to Friday and are closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Some banks are open until 5.00pm on Fridays.

Shops are usually open between 9.00am to 5.00pm, some until 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday and half day on Sunday and public holidays. Shops in towns such as Rose Hill, Vacoas, Curepipe and Quatre Bornes also close half day on Thursdays whereas shops in Port Louis generally do not open on Sundays.

Public holidays

January 1-2 – New Year
January 20 – Thaipoosam Cavadee
January 23 – Chinese Spring Festival
February 1 – Abolition of Slavery
February 7 – Cavadee
February 20 – Maha Shivaratree
March 12 – National Day
March 23 – Ougadi
May 1 – Labour Day
August 15 – Assumption
August 19 – Eid-Ul Fitr
August 29 – Ganesh Chaturthi
November 2 – Arrival of Indentured Labourers
November 13 – Divali
December 25 – Christmas

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The monetary unit is the Mauritian rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents.

Electricity and water

Mauritius’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The square three-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Eating out is a very popular pastime for Mauritians. The typical Mauritian cuisine is not easy to pinpoint, as there is such a mix of cultures and accompanying tastes. Styles to choose from include Chinese, Creole, Indian, Continental, Japanese, and fast food. Restaurants can be found in every corner of the island.