Visa
Most nationalities do not need a visa in advance. Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and most Commonwealth countries can enter for up to 60 days without a visa, provided you have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. Extensions are possible through the Passport and Immigration Office in Port Louis.
Currency
The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR, symbol Rs). Banknotes come in denominations of Rs 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000. ATMs are widely available in Port Louis, Grand Baie, Curepipe, and at the airport — they dispense rupees only. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in tourist areas, but you'll need cash for buses, markets, street food, and smaller guesthouses. Currency exchange counters at the airport are open 24 hours and competitive; hotel rates are poor.
Language
English is the official language and is widely spoken in business and government. In everyday life, Mauritians speak Mauritian Creole, a French-based creole that's the true mother tongue of most islanders. French is used in media and educated conversation. You'll get by fine with English everywhere, and a little French goes a long way in restaurants and smaller towns.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry. Tap water is generally safe in Port Louis and main towns, though many people drink bottled water. There are no malaria risks on Mauritius. Medical facilities in Port Louis and Curepipe are good; private clinics exist in main towns and will treat tourists. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Safety
Mauritius is among the safest countries in Africa. Violent crime affecting tourists is rare. Exercise normal caution in Port Louis at night, and be aware of opportunistic theft at beaches — don't leave valuables unattended. Swimming in the lagoons is generally safe; check for rip currents and heed local advice on the south and east coasts where the ocean is rougher.
Electricity
220–240V, 50Hz. The plug standard is the British-style three-pin (BS 1363) inherited from the colonial era. Bring an adapter if your devices use two-pin European or American plugs.
Time Zone
UTC+4 year-round (no daylight saving time).
Phone and Internet
The dialling code for Mauritius is +230. Local SIM cards are cheap and widely available — Emtel and MTML offer good coverage. 4G is available across most of the island. Wi-Fi is standard at hotels and widely available in cafes and restaurants.