MAURITIUS
- General Information
SITUATED:
Located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2000 kilometres east of mainland Africa, the island of Mauritius is an oblong mass of coral reefs born out of a primeval volcanic eruption.
The island enjoys a great tropical climate with mild temperature all year round. This tiny island, only 36 miles long by 25 miles at its widest point, is situated in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, 1,265 miles from the coast of Africa to the west, and with nothing between it and Australia to the east.
CAPITAL:
Port-Louis
TIME:
GMT +4
Sunset: 17h30 in winter, 18h30 in summer
COMMUNICATIONS:
Telephone country code: 230
Internet country code: .mu
LANGUAGE:
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English is the official language and understood throughout the island. French is also a principal language and Creole is spoken by all locals. Oriental and Indian languages are also spoken.
ELECTRICITY:
230 volts, 50Hz. Continental 2-pin plugs are most common, but 3-pin round and flat plugs have been noted. Take a travel plug.
CURRENCY:
1 Mauritian Rupee = 100 cents. Travel with Rupees or EURO traveller's cheques. There is no restriction on foreign or local currency brought into the country. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. The airport bank will exchange Rupees into foreign currency on departure. Credit cards accepted are American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard. Main hotels will exchange traveller's cheques and bank notes.
CREDIT CARDS:
MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express are widely accepted.
TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:
May be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorised dealers.
CLIMATE:
The climate is tropical; the constant south east winds temper the heat of the summer (October to April), and provide that vital ingredient for sailing and wind-surfing, two of the most popular water sports.
Winter lasts from May to October with a temperature range of 17 ºC to 23 ºC and summer from November to April with temperatures ranging from 23 ºC to 33 ºC.
| TEMPERATURES |
| |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
| Maximum |
31 |
31 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
27 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
30 |
31 |
| Minimum |
24 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
21 |
20 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
22 |
23 |
BUSINESS HOURS:
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(Times may vary)
Private Sector (office hours) Monday to Friday: 09h30 – 17h00
Shopping Monday to Friday: 09h30 – 17h00Saturday: 09h30 - 11h30 Many shops close on Thursday or Sunday afternoons.
Markets Monday to Saturday: 06h00 – 18h00Sunday: 06h00 – 12h00
Banks Monday to Thursday: 09h15 - 15h15Friday: 09h15 – 17h30Saturday: 09h15 -11h15ATMs are available 24 Hours.
| PUBLIC
HOLIDAYS |
| 01 January |
New Year's Day |
| 02 January |
Day after Year New |
| 22nd January |
Chinese New Year |
| 1st February |
Abolition of Slavery / Thaipoosam Cavadee |
| 18th February |
Maha Srivatri |
| * (See Below) |
Good Friday |
| 1st May |
Labour Day |
| 15th August |
Assumption |
| 18th September |
Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 1st November |
All Saint's Day |
| 2nd November |
Arrival of Indentured Labourers |
| 12th November |
Deepavali |
| 14th November |
End of Ramadan |
| 25th December |
Christmas Day |
| * Easter
weekends from 2006: |
| Year |
Good Friday |
| 2006 |
14 April |
| 2007 |
06 April |
| 2008 |
21 March |
| 2009 |
10 April |
| 2010 |
02 April |
HEALTH:
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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.
The risk of Malaria exists in a harmless form (P.Virax) in certain areas of the island but not in Rodrigues.
SAFETY:
A tourist police service has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones.
An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed. A specific law relating to all tourist activities and corrupt practices has also been voted.
The following essential pieces of advice are meant for you:
- Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
- Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
- Do not leave anything inside your car.
- For trips or purchases use only recognised operators or suppliers.
- Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
- For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
- During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.
- Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.
SHOPPING:
Saris; Silk Shirts; Indian Fabrics; Basketwork; Knitwear; Hand-Embroidered Tablecloths; Macramé Work; Wood Carvings; Pottery; Model Boats, Diamonds, Jewellery; Casual Wear. (Low Prices Limited Bargaining)
NUDISM:
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Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
More than half the population is Hindu, so respect their traditions and religion. Dress appropriately when visiting religious shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts, etc.) and remove shoes when entering mosques and temples. Clothing is beachwear by day and casual wear at night.
TIPS & GRATUITIES:
A 10 percent Government Tax is added to all hotel and restaurant bills. Tipping is not compulsory and remains a gesture of appreciation left to the guest's discretion. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.
CLOTHING:
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months of June, July, August and
September carry some light woollies for the cool evenings. More than half the population
is Hindu, respect their traditions and religion. Dress appropriately when visiting
religious shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts etc.) and remove shoes when entering mosques
and temples.
VAT
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A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills.
· First hand, first rate Information
· Efficient travel consulting & booking services
· Excellent value for money
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Mauritius
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| SERVICES &
SUPPORT |
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Itinerary Planning |
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Quotations & Preparations |
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Bookings & Confirmations |
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Ground Handling |
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Invoicing & Administration |
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Vouchers & Documentation |
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Meet & Assist Services |
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24/7 Emergency Support |
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