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| Climate
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 30.
Customs
Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre 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 material 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 including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.
Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunition need import permits andmust be declared on arrival.
Driving
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
Duty Free Procedures
Duty-free goods can be bought at accredited shops and will be delivered to the customs desk at the airport or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s desk.Visitors returning home can claim a VAT refund at the airport by showing a receipt and goods bought.
Economy
The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism, Sugar and Services.
Electricity
220 volts
Emergency
Police(ambulance ) :999, Police : 208-7018/20
Fire : 995, Samu : 114
Flights from Europe
Air Mauritius operates over 25 weekly flights from several major European cities, mainly through France together with five direct weekly flights from the UK. British Airways operates three direct weekly flights from London and Emirates operates four weekly flights to Mauritius all travelling via Dubai.
Geography
Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascaron 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 1865km_ with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.
Government
Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability.
Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
Language
English is the official language but most people in Mauritius are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French predominate everyday life and several oriental languages are also spoken. You will hear Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telegu, Marathi, Mandarin and Bojpoori.
Medical services
Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.
Newspapers
Besides a wide choice of local papers, the pick of the European and American press is available.
Nudism
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.
Population
1.2 million (Year 2003)
Population literacy rate
82.9% |
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