Travel Essentials

Mauritius: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Mauritius?

Police: 999, Ambulance: 114, Fire: 995

Plugs: Type C and G, 230 V. Emergency: Police 999, Ambulance 114, Fire 995. Tipping: Not required; 10 percent is welcome in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tap water: Tap water is generally treated, but bottled water is advised for visitors.

Open The Mauritius Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Type C and G, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

Police	999
Ambulance	114
Fire	995

Tipping

Not required; 10 percent is welcome in restaurants if no service charge is added.

Water And Health

Tap water: Tap water is generally treated, but bottled water is advised for visitors
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid
Malaria: None on the main island

Apps To Download Before You Go

Juice by MCB: The Mauritius Commercial Bank's mobile wallet, widely accepted by shops and for QR payments and money transfers.
my.t money: Mauritius Telecom's mobile money service, useful for paying bills and shops.
Yugo: The local taxi and ride-hailing app, handy because street taxis often need negotiation.
WhatsApp: Hotels, tour guides and drivers all take bookings and send directions by WhatsApp.
Air Mauritius: Book international flights, plus the short flights to Rodrigues Island.
Airbnb: Many villas, bungalows and guesthouses along the coast are listed here.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A handshake is standard with everyone. Friends and family often kiss on the cheek, and some Hindus may greet with namaste (palms together) and Muslims with "Salaam"; follow the other person's lead.

Shoes at temples and homes. Remove your shoes before entering a Hindu temple, mosque or someone's home.

Dress in sacred places. Cover shoulders and knees at temples, mosques and churches; beachwear is for the beach.

Respect for all faiths. With many religions sharing public life, avoid jokes about religion and ask before photographing worshippers.

Safety And Scams

Mauritius is one of the safest countries in Africa; the main risks are petty theft and rough water at some beaches.

Taxi overcharging. Unmarked taxis may quote inflated prices; agree the fare first or use an app or a hotel taxi.

Beach touts. Some touts sell overpriced boat trips or gifts; book through your hotel or a licensed operator.

Women travelers. Generally safe for women; dress modestly away from the beach and be careful on quiet beaches after dark.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Use Caution

Same-sex relations were decriminalized by the supreme court in 2023 and there is no marriage recognition. Public attitudes are mixed and discretion is wise outside Port Louis and the resorts.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	MUR 120	$2.70
Local bus or metro ride	MUR 35	$0.80
Mid-range restaurant meal	MUR 600	$13
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	MUR 1,200	$27
Mid-range hotel (night)	MUR 5,500	$120
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	MUR 4,500	$100

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

May to December is the drier, cooler season and the best time to visit; January to March is hot, humid and the cyclone season.

Phrases

Basic Mauritian Creole phrases · Basic English phrases · Basic French phrases · Basic Bhojpuri phrases