Visiting
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 9.00 m to 5.00pm, some until 7.30 pm, Monday to Saturday and half day on Sunday and public holidays. Shops in towns such as Rose Hill, Vacoas, Curepipe and Quatre Bornes close half day on Thursdays whereas shops in Port Louis generally do not open on Sundays.
Public holidays 2017
January 01-02 |
New Year |
January 28 |
Chinese Spring Festival |
February 01 |
Abolition of Slavery |
February 09 |
Thaipoosam Cavadee |
February 24 |
Maha Shivaratree |
February 19 |
Chinese Spring Festival |
March 12 |
National Day |
March 29 |
Ougadi |
May 01 |
Labour Day |
June 26 |
Eid-Ul-Fitr |
August 26 |
Ganesh Chaturthi |
October 19 |
Diwali |
November 01 |
All Saints Day |
November 02 |
Arrival of Indentured Labourers |
December 25 |
Christmas |
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 ranges 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.
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.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The monetary unit is the Mauritian rupee (Rs or MUR), which is divided into 100 cents.
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.
Find out more about Australian area codes or international dialing codes.
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.
While water distributed to households is treated and potable, it is advisable for visitors from overseas to consume bottled water, as the overall physical state of the water distribution pipeline is questionable.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Tourism Mauritius
Mauritius Voyaz.com
Please note: This list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only. The content is for information and carries no warranty; as such, the addressee must exercise their own discretion in its use. Australia’s anti-bribery laws apply overseas and Austrade will not provide business related services to any party who breaches the law and will report credible evidence of any breach. For further information, please see foreign bribery information and awareness pack.