Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 liters of spirits, 2 liters of wine, ale or beer, one quarter liters of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml.
A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant materials including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.
It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro organisms and invertebrate animals. All imported animals and all other agricultural products require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.
Drug trafficking carries very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunitions require import permits and must be declared upon arrival.
Money & Banking
Banks are open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Banking Hours
Monday to Thursday: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm,
Friday – 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays
Credit Cards
Banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops accept credit cards.
Medical Services
Free public medical facilities are widely available at hospitals and regional health centers. Private clinics provide paying medical services.
Shopping Hours
Shopping hours in our main cities are from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday – Saturday). Some shops open until noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centers offer a wide choice of products. Please note that shops open only half-days on Thursdays in Rose-hill, Vacoas, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes.
International License
In Mauritius, driving is on the left side of the road and drivers have to give way to traffic from the right. Visitors with a driving license issued by a competent authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
Tipping
Tipping is common but not compulsory.
Nudism
Nudism is not allowed.
Personal Safety
A good way of preventing untoward occurrences is to ensure that:
Valuables and money are kept in the hotel safe.
Cars are properly locked when parked.
Parking is done in a well-lit area.
No valuable items are left on display inside the car.
On going out shopping, always remember to keep your purse safe at all times.
Avoid displaying large sums of cash in public places.
Carry your passport only when you need it.
When on sightseeing tours, never leave your vehicle unattended.
Emergency Numbers are at hand
Precautions
There are no poisonous reptiles or dangerous animals on the island. But nature being what it is, some small creatures can inflict painful stings. Some individuals can be allergic to wasp’s tings.
Contact a Chemist or a doctor in case of several stings particularly on the head and on the face.
There are a few fishes namely sea urchins, stonefish, and lionfish, which are harmful, and it’s advisable to enquire of their existence. Be careful not to step on them. Some swimmers wear shoes.
Never drink alcohol during or just before swimming, boating or water-skiing.
Whenever young children are swimming, playing or bathing, make sure an adult is constantly watching them.
To prevent choking, never eat food or chew gum while swimming, diving or playing in water.
If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore. Once you are out of the current, swim towards the shore.
Use approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) when boating, regardless of distance to be travelled, size of boat, or swimming ability of boaters.
Road Safety
Have your driving license endorsed at the Traffic Branch at Line Barracks, Port- Louis.
Always keep on the left side of the road whenever you are on your bike, auto cycle or any type of vehicle
At roundabouts, always give way to traffic on your right.
The ignition key is always removed when you leave the car.
Fasten your safety belt.
Kids under the age of 10 years are not allowed to occupy the front passenger’s seat.
Parking coupons should be displayed in paid slots.
