Attraction Overview
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Old buildings and contemporary life blend beautifully past and present in Mauritius. Monuments, buildings and statues line the colourful avenues in Port Louis. The striking Place D’Armes is the focal palm-lined square that links Government House to the capital’s port. Fort Adelaide is a historic building that hosts shows and concerts. Tourists and other visitors are welcome into the city adorned with statues of diverse figures in Mauritian History. The 18th Century French Colonial buildings of Government House are further down the road.
Mauritian cuisine is diverse delectable fare from Indian, Chinese, Creole and European sources from 3 continents as is the origin of its people. Lovers of food will be thrilled with the wide variety of delicious fare. Each community has adapted and mixed each other's cuisine to their liking, which has resulted in the unique Mauritian cuisine.
Along the north and west coast of Mauritius visitors will find life buzzing at the lively nightclubs, pubs and restaurants. Most types of music are available as are Casinos around the local towns. Most hotels offer nightly entertainment.
The shopping variety is endless ranging from designer clothing and jewellery to souvenirs, T-shirts, fragrant spices, indigenous Mauritian basketry, glass and model ships, Chinese and Indian jade, silks etc. Cashmere is a particularly good buy. Duty-free shopping is very popular here - a huge saving can be made on perfumes, electrical goods, jewellery and textiles.
Being of volcanic origin Mauritius offers a haven of natural beauty. The magnificent mountains, nature reserves and wildlife parks offer for nature lovers 670 native species of flowering plants and over 100 species of birds. Mauritius marine life conceals an infinite sea treasure within its crystal clear lagoons and magnificent marine life.
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Business
Working hours: Private Sector Mon to Fri: 8.30am - 4.15pm.
Sat: 9am - noon (some offices). Public Sector Mon to Fri: 9am - 4pm.
Sat: 9am - noon (reduced staff).
Banking Hours: Mon to Thu: 9am - 3.15 pm. Fri 9.15 am - 5 pm. Banks also operate at the arrival and departure of international flights at the Airport.
Shopping Hours: Mon to Sat 9.30am - 6 pm. Some shops are open until 12pm on Sundays and public holidays. Markets usually close around 4pm. Shops in Rose Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes close on Thursday afternoons.
Climate
Located in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius' summer and winter months are opposite to European seasons. Temperatures are moderate throughout the year with rainfall now and then. Travel is recommended between the months of April and June and between September and December.
The cyclone season is generally between the months of November to May.
Communications
International Direct Dialing facilities are readily available. Internet services are easily available locally. Most hotels in Mauritius provide postal and internet services.
Customs
Imported animal products require a permit and health certificate from the country of origin.
Fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, bulbs and seeds must be declared (requiring a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture) as must firearms and ammunition.
Duty Free
Over 18s can import into Mauritius the following items without incurring customs duty:
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250ml of eau de toilette
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100ml of perfume for personal use
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200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco products or 50 cigars
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1 litre of spirits
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2 litres of wine or beer
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
UK type three pin plugs are commonly used in hotels.
Getting Around
Documentation: A British licence is accepted.
Car Hire / Taxi / Bicycles and motorbikes for hire/ Coach/Bus / Road - Driving is on the left.
Drivers are required to be over 21 years old. Observe speed limits and wear seat belts.
Health
Please take medical advice as inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and Tetanus are required.
Language
English is the official language in Mauritius. French and Creole are commonly used. Hindi and Bhojpuri are also spoken. Hotel employees in Mauritius are fluent in German, Italian and Spanish.
Money
The currency used is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs): 1 Mauritius rupee = 100 cents. Change counters are available at the airport. Foreign currency notes, drafts, traveller's cheques and other forms of banking may be carried to Mauritius.
Passport Visa
For all nationals, passports should be valid at least 6 months from date of entry. Valid tickets and documents for their onward or return journey and adequate funds for their intended length of stay as well as confirmed accommodation must be held by all visitors. Visas for stays up to three months are granted free of charge on arrival to British passport holders.
Safety
Crime levels are low. Drug trafficking carries severe penalties. Visitors are advised to check with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for latest updates as situations can change rapidly.
Time
Tipping
Not compulsory. But it is usually expected. 10% is the norm in most hotels and restaurants.