Mauritius travel guide
Mauritius is an island that rewards both beach days and curiosity. Turquoise lagoons ring much of the coast, volcanic peaks rise behind them, and you can hike to waterfalls, taste rum in the hills and watch kitesurfers beneath Le Morne Brabant in a single week, on an island small enough to cross in a morning. The north, with Grand Baie, is the lively resort coast, while the west around Flic-en-Flac offers sunsets and calm water. Le Morne and Chamarel in the southwest combine kitesurfing with forests and the Seven Coloured Earths, the east at Belle Mare is quiet and sandy, and Mahebourg and Port Louis give a taste of the island's history and mixed culture. The cooler, drier months from May to November are the most comfortable, while summer is hotter and wetter. Mauritius suits couples, honeymooners and families, as well as active travellers, and Zippy Trips can help you plan the itinerary city by city.
Capital: Port Louis.
Before you go to Mauritius
- Currency
- MUR ₨
- Emergency number
- 999
- Plug type
- Type C, G
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- Local banks typically MUR 100-200 per foreign-card withdrawal; your home bank may add its own fee
Cities in Mauritius
- Grand Baie Lively beach resort town on the north coast of Mauritius — turquoise bay, Pereybere beach, restaurants, nightlife and boat trips to the…
- Port Louis Capital and largest city of Mauritius — harbourfront Caudan Waterfront, Central Market, Chinatown and the Champ de Mars racecourse.
- Flic-en-Flac West-coast beach village with one of the longest white-sand beaches in Mauritius, calm lagoon snorkelling and sunset views toward Le Morne.
- Le Morne Peninsula village at the foot of UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant mountain — kitesurfing lagoon, luxury resorts and the island's most iconic…
- Belle Mare East-coast resort strip with a long powder-white beach, calm lagoon, golf courses and upscale resorts between Belle Mare and Trou d'Eau…
- Mahébourg Historic southeastern harbour town near the airport — waterfront Monday market, National History Museum, Blue Bay Marine Park and Pointe…
- Chamarel Mountain village in southwest Mauritius famed for the Seven Coloured Earths, Chamarel Waterfall, rum distillery and Black River Gorges…
Frequently asked questions about Mauritius
- What currency is used in Mauritius?
- The currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs). ₨1 is about ₹2.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Mauritius?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Mauritius?
- Tipping in Mauritius: not expected.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Mauritius?
- Tap water is safe.
- What plug type does Mauritius use?
- Mauritius uses Type C, G plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Mauritius?
- Emergency: 999. Police: 999. Ambulance: 114. Tourist helpline: 210 3894.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Mauritius?
- SIM and eSIM available in Mauritius.
- What is the capital of Mauritius?
- The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis. Time there: IST - 1 h 30 min.