Planning a trip to Mauritius and looking for some helpful tips?
Below you’ll find the most frequently asked questions in the Mauritius Travel Planning Facebook Group as well as my top Mauritius travel tips.
***This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)
Read more about Mauritius:
- Top activities to do in Mauritius
- 8 Most scenic routes in Mauritius
- The best boat trips in Mauritius
Requirements to Visit Mauritius FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Mauritius?
Most people don’t need a visa or can obtain a visa on arrival to Mauritius while a few need to apply for a visa.
Go to the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office website to check whether you need a visa or not.
My passport will expire in less than 6 months. Can I still enter Mauritius?
Yes, your passport only needs to be valid beyond your intended period of stay.
Just double-check whether you’ll be able to go back home as other countries may require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months!
Where can I obtain the All in One form?
You need to fill out the All in One form a few days prior to arrival in Mauritius. This can be obtained on the Safe Mauritius website here.
After filling in all relevant info such as flight number, date of arrival, name, nationality, etc, you’ll receive a pdf file with a QR code.
You can then take a screenshot to show to the Health Officials when you land in Mauritius.
In case you forget to fill out the form prior to departure, you can request an Immigration Disembarkation Card from the cabin crew or Health Officials at the Mauritius Airport.
Do I need vaccination to travel to Mauritius?
No specific vaccination is required to visit Mauritius.
Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not mandatory to visit Mauritius.
Mauritius Trip Planning FAQ
When is the best time to visit Mauritius?
Be sure to read my guide to the best time to visit Mauritius Island for in-depth info about each month of the year. For now, here’s a quick summary:
There are only two seasons in Mauritius – summer and winter.
Summer runs from November to April and is quite hot and rainy with temperatures ranging between 24 and 31 degrees Celsius (or up to 34 degrees along the north and west coasts). Cyclones can also occur during these months but they generally last around 3-4 days.
Winter runs from May to October and tends to be cooler and drier. Expect 13-23 degrees Celsius in the central region and 22-28 degrees Celsius along the coasts.
With that said, the best time to visit Mauritius will actually depend on what you want out of your trip.
If you want to enjoy the beaches or go hiking, it’s best to travel between April and December.
For those wanting to take advantage of cheaper hotel rates, visit between May and October.
If you’re an avid surfer, plan your visit between June and November for the best wind conditions.
For the absolute best weather, I recommend visiting in October or November as they are generally the driest months of the year.
Which part of Mauritius has the best weather?
Mauritius has several microclimates so the weather is almost never the same in each part of the island.
For instance, the north and west are generally hotter and experience the least amount of rain while the east and southeast are slightly cooler as they are affected by the southeast trade winds (this is especially true between June and November).
The central region, on the other hand, is much cooler and wetter compared to the coastal regions.
How many days should I spend in Mauritius?
This is totally up to you but I recommend a minimum of one week for a proper introduction to the island. Check out my 7 day Mauritius itinerary for first-timers here.
If you prefer to stay longer, you can instead read this Mauritius itinerary for up to 2 weeks.
What are the best areas to stay in Mauritius?
Find out where to stay in my comprehensive guide to the best areas and hotels in Mauritius.
If it’s your first visit, I recommend staying in Grand Baie or Flic en Flac as they are the most developed and have lots of things to do.
If you prefer somewhere quieter, you may consider Belle Mare, Le Morne, or Bel Ombre.
Should I stay in one or more places during my trip to Mauritius?
If you’re planning a very short trip – 5 days – it’s best to stick to one place.
On the other hand, if you’re spending one week or more in Mauritius, it would make more sense to split your stay between two places.
That way, you won’t have to spend a lot of unnecessary time and money on transportation.
Mauritius Hotels FAQ
What are the best luxury hotels in Mauritius?
What are the best hotels for families with children?
- Trou aux Biches Beachcomber
- Preskil Island Resort
- Coin de Mire Attitude
- Heritage Awali
- Friday Attitude
For more details, read my guide to the best family-friendly hotels and resorts in Mauritius.
What are the best hotels adults-only hotels?
Read my guide to the best adults-only hotels in Mauritius for more details.
What are the best hotels with golf courses?
Arriving in Mauritius FAQ
How long does it take to get through the airport?
It takes around one hour or less to get through the airport. But if several flights have landed at the same time, it can take up to 2 hours.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Mauritius?
You can buy a tourist SIM card at the Mauritius Airport.
To save time, you can pre-book your SIM card online and collect it at the airport. The counters are found in the arrival hall, right after Customs.
A tourist SIM card costs 15 EUR and includes 200 GB, local calls, and SMS valid for 30 days.
The two main providers are MyT and Emtel. I personally use MyT as they have the best coverage.
Are there ATMs at the Mauritius Airport?
Yes, there are ATMs at the airport.
Is there luggage storage at the Mauritius Airport?
Unfortunately, no but most hotels can store your luggage for free before your flight.
Money FAQ
What currency is used in Mauritius?
We use the Mauritian Rupees (Rs or MUR) although a few local operators may sometimes accept payment in USD or EUR.
Is it cheaper to exchange currency in Mauritius or abroad?
It’s usually cheaper to exchange currency in Mauritius rather than abroad.
You’ll find several currency exchange desks at the airport arrival hall, all of which offer the same rate.
Note: The exchange rate is pretty consistent all over the island so you can simply exchange at the airport to save time. The only place I don’t recommend exchanging currency is at hotels as they offer the worst rates!
Do I need cash or can I use my debit/credit card in Mauritius?
Debit/credit cards are widely accepted in Mauritius. You can also use Wise, Revolut, or Monzo.
You’ll only need cash when buying at the local markets and smaller shops/restaurants.
Do I need to tip in Mauritius?
Tipping isn’t required but always appreciated.
Mauritius Transportation FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The fastest and most convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel is by taxi. You can pre-book your airport transfer on GetYourGuide for around 50 USD.
If you’re on a super tight budget and want to take the bus, then you’ll need a lot of patience!
For example, you’ll need to take three buses to get from the airport to Grand Baie, which would take you around 3 hours in total.
You’ll also need to travel light as the buses in Mauritius don’t have luggage compartments.
Should I rent a car in Mauritius?
Yes! Hiring a car will give you more flexibility and the ability to explore off the beaten path, especially since some attractions aren’t easily accessible by bus.
It’s also much cheaper than hiring a taxi for the day, making it the perfect way to get around for budget travelers.
Where can I hire a car in Mauritius?
I recommend hiring a car through Discover Cars, which is an aggregator that compares the rates of both local and international car rental companies so you get the best price.
They also offer full coverage insurance (at an extra cost) to cover for excess charges like theft, towing, etc.
How much does it cost to rent a car?
The cost of hiring a car starts at Rs 1,000 per day for a small economy car. If you prefer a bigger car, expect to pay around Rs 1,500-3,000 per day.
The full coverage insurance offered by Discover Cars costs an additional USD 9 per day.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Mauritius?
Most visitors don’t need an IDP to drive in Mauritius. For example, licenses issued by the UK, France, and South Africa are recognized in Mauritius.
If your driver’s license isn’t written in Latin letters, it’s recommended to apply for an IDP.
Is it safe to drive in Mauritius?
It’s relatively safe to drive in Mauritius as the roads are in good condition and most people follow the speed limitations.
Just remember that driving is on the left here. Also, make sure to always wear your seat belt, avoid drinking alcohol, and using a handheld phone while driving.
Be sure to read my guide to driving in Mauritius for even more helpful tips so you’re well-prepared before your trip.
How can I find a private driver/taxi in Mauritius?
Hiring a private driver who doesn’t have a taxi/commercial driving license is illegal in Mauritius.
Traveling in the so-called “taxi marron” (aka unregistered taxi) in Mauritius may incur a fine if you get stopped by the police.
Registered taxis will have a yellow taxi sign on the roof and a yellow sticker on the door.
Some companies also offer taxi services. Those will have a blue sticker on the front and side of the vehicle saying “Contract Bus Tourist”.
To ensure that you’re hiring a registered taxi driver, it’s best to book through your hotel or online platforms like GetYourGuide.
How much does it cost to hire a private taxi for the day?
A private taxi costs anywhere between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 per day, depending on the distance covered.
Are there toll roads in Mauritius?
There are no toll roads in Mauritius.
More Mauritius Travel Tips & FAQs
What are the must-see attractions in Mauritius?
- Le Morne
- 7 Cascades (Tamarind Falls)
- Flic en Flac
- Black River Gorges National Park
- Chamarel Seven Colored Earth
- Blue Bay Marine Park
- Belle Mare
- Macondé Viewpoint
- Grand Baie
- Port Louis
- Ile aux Cerfs
For a more comprehensive list, read my guide to the best things to do in Mauritius.
What are the best beaches in Mauritius?
Some of the best beaches include Le Morne, La Cuvette, Pereybere, Belle Mare, Flic en Flac, Gris Gris, Blue Bay, Mont Choisy, and Trou aux Biches.
For more info, you can read my comprehensive guide to the best beaches in Mauritius or this guide to the top 10 beaches for swimming.
What are the best boat trips to take in Mauritius?
- 5 Islands tour, including Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile au Phare, Ile de la Passe, and Ile aux Flamants.
- Catamaran cruise or speedboat to the 3 Northern Islands, including Ilot Gabriel, Flat Island, and Coin de Mire.
- Catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall.
- Snorkeling trip to Blue Bay Marine Park.
- Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock, including dolphin spotting along the way.
For more details, read my guide to the best boat tours in Mauritius.
What are the best tours in Mauritius?
- Southwest tour, including Chamarel Waterfall, Seven Colored Earth, Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, and Black River Gorges NP.
- Northern tour, including Port Louis, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, Mont Choisy Beach, and Cap Malheureux Church.
- Helicopter flight above the underwater waterfall
- Le Morne Brabant hiking tour
- 7 Cascades hiking tour
- Mauritius street food tour
- Instagram tour of Mauritius
For more details, read my guide to the best tours & excursions in Mauritius.
Do I need a guide to hike 7 Cascades?
A guide is not mandatory for hiking 7 Cascades. As long as you’re relatively fit and are an experienced hiker, it’s possible to hike independently.
If you want to hike on your own, you can refer to my guide: How to hike 7 Cascades here.
Just keep in mind that the trail can be a bit tricky to navigate as there aren’t that many markers.
The path can also get a bit flooded, especially during the rainy season so be careful if you plan to hike without a guide.
If you prefer having someone show you the way, you can hire a licensed guide here.
Do I need a guide to hike Le Morne Brabant?
A guide is not mandatory for hiking Le Morne Brabant.
The first section of the hike is relatively easy with only a gradual incline but the second half does require some rock climbing skills.
As long as you’re fit and aren’t afraid of heights, you can do the hike without a guide. Refer to my guide to hiking Le Morne Brabant for more info.
If you don’t feel confident hiking on your own, you can hire a licensed guide here.
Should I book activities and tours in advance?
While you can sometimes get away with booking certain boat trips and land excursions the day before, I highly recommend booking a few days/a week in advance to get your preferred dates.
Some tours do sell out fast though. For instance, the seaplane flight above the underwater waterfall tends to sell out one month in advance, so plan accordingly.
Where can I buy groceries in Mauritius?
For the best price/quality ratio, I recommend buying groceries from any Super U or Winners supermarket.
If you want to buy fresh produce, it’s best to do so from the local markets.
Some of the most popular ones are Port Louis Central Market (daily), Flacq Market (Wednesday and Sunday), and Mahebourg Market (Monday).
What is the language spoken in Mauritius?
The official language in Mauritius is English although the majority of the population speak Mauritian Creole, which is quite similar to French.
French is also widely spoken and mainly used in traditional media.
Below are some common Mauritian Creole words:
- Bonzour: Hello
- Bye: Goodbye
- Ki manier: How are you
- Mo bien/Korek: I’m good
- Comment to apeler: What’s your name
- Mo apel…: My name is…
- Merci: Thank you
- Oui: Yes
- Non: No
- Combien sa couter/Ki prix s’il-vous-plait: How much, please
Can I drink tap water in Mauritius?
Most locals drink tap water. The only time it’s not recommended to drink tap water is right after a heavy rain or cyclone.
Despite being a local myself, I prefer to boil or filter the water before drinking. That’s just my personal preference though.
If you have a low immune system, it’s best to boil water before drinking or simply buy bottled water.
What plug is used in Mauritius?
Mauritius uses the type G (UK 3-pin) and type C (EU 2-pin).
Do I need mosquito repellent in Mauritius?
Yes. There have been a few cases of dengue fever in the past, especially during periods of heavy rain, so it’s highly recommended to wear mosquito repellent.
In case you forgot to bring your own, you can buy from any supermarket or pharmacy. The most common mosquito repellent brands in Mauritius are Odomos and Peaceful Sleep.
Alternatively, you can buy a mosquito coil.
Is Mauritius safe for solo female travelers?
Mauritius is a safe destination even for solo female travelers.
I’ve explored Mauritius extensively both alone and with friends/families and never felt unsafe.
I’ve even done a few hikes alone with no issue. Just don’t go hiking alone at the lesser-known trails as it would be harder to get help if you twist your ankle, for example!
With that said, like anywhere else, petty thefts can happen so always be aware of your surroundings. Keep valuables out of sight, especially in crowded places, and avoid walking alone at night.