Mauritius
Travel tips for Mauritius: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Carry some cash. While hotels and large supermarkets accept cards, recent travelers strongly advise carrying Mauritian rupees for buses, taxis, street food, and smaller shops, which often refuse cards to avoid merchant fees.
Try the food
- Dholl puri: A soft, thin flatbread stuffed with ground yellow split peas and served wrapped around bean curry, rougaille, and spicy pickles.
- Gateau piment (Gato pima): Crunchy, deep-fried fritters made from crushed yellow split peas, spring onions, and fiery green chilies.
- Boulettes: Mauritian-style steamed dumplings filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables, typically served in a warm, savory bouillon.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type C / Type G
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Usually safe
- Emergency
- 112 or 999 (Police), 114 (Ambulance), 115 or 995 (Fire)
- SIM tip
- Pick up a tourist SIM card from the Emtel or MyT kiosks located just outside the arrivals hall at SSR International Airport.
Etiquette
Tipping is not strictly expected, but leaving a 10 percent gratuity in restaurants or rounding up taxi fares is highly appreciated for good service.