Electrical sockets (outlets) in Mauritius are UK-type three-pin plugs. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.Electrical sockets (outlets) in Mauritius usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

CurrencyThe currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee – MUR or rs, which is divided into 100 centsDo not change money in your home country as you are likely to get a lower exchange rate. The rate in Mauritius is much better. When you arrive at the airport in Mauritius you will see a host of exchange bureaus at the arrival halls. Just bring your own currency and change it over there for a better deal. If you do not manage to change at the arrival halls there are branches of Thomas Cook and Shibani Finance in the popular tourist areas of Grand Baie and Flic en Flac.BankingBanks are open from Monday to Friday 9:15am to 3:15pm and Saturday from 9:00am to 11:15am (Some banks only).Credit cardsMasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted by most banks, hotels, restaurants and tourist shops followed by American Express and Diners Club. ATMs are widespread.

It's not safe to drink the tap water in Rodrigues; stick with bottled water if you visit the island. As a general rule, the tap water in the rest of Mauritius is safe to drink, but always take care immediately after a cyclone or cyclonic storm as mains water supplies can become contaminated by dead animals and other debris washed into the system. Never drink from streams as this might put you at risk of waterborne diseases.Mauritius is a paradise for the senses, not only for the eyes with its beautiful landscape, but also for the palate. Culinary traditions from France, India, China and Africa, the best-known and appreciated cuisines in the world, have been passed on through generations.Depending on the region, rice or a variety of flat bread called chapattis or roti, called farata (paratha) by the local people, is eaten with curries. The extensive use of spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and herbs like thyme, basil, and curry leaves are the common ingredients that provide some powerful, yet subtle, savour.You can buy many snacks on the streets of Mauritius. Mauritians have a sweet tooth and make many types of 'gateaux', as they are called. The cakes vary and you can find cakes very much like those in France and others similar to Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla among many others.Mauritius produces a wide range of cane rum. Don't forget the coconut water with a dash of lime and a splash of local rum over ice. The local beer Phoenix and is usually served very cold.

The hottest time of the year on Mauritius is December / March when you can expect temperatures of 90 degrees F but with less humidity. There is always a breeze from the ocean however so that most people will find it pleasant. Cyclones (tropical storms) can also occurr during this period.For those people who do not enjoy warm weather or want a more active holiday, we recommend going in July/August when the temperature is 75-80 F. On the coast the temperature can go down to 60-64 F during the night so that we recommend taking a pullover.As you can see the variation of temperature on Mauritius is small such that enjoyable holidays can be spent there at any time of the year. Although the weather is normally sunny it does rain. The rain showers are normally short and are a pleasant change from the sun.

One major highway runs north to south, otherwise a good network of paved, if sometimes narrow, roads cover the island. There are numerous car hire firms include major international and independent firms. People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road.Taxis are regulated and metered and linked to provinces or hotels, printed on a yellow panel on the drivers' door. Bus and taxi services are best used in urban areas. Bicycles and motorbikes are also available for hire.

Men can usually spend most of the time in short trousers unless you want to enter a hotel for the evening, in this case long trousers are required. Additionally the maid in the house washes and returns clothes by the next day so that you do not need to take much with you. Do not overload your suitcase with unnecessary clothes. Leave some room for any shopping that you do on Mauritius.Mauritius has a well advanced textile industry so that instead of taking all your holiday clothes with you might consider buying them locally on the local market. The shops are full of ready to wear polo shirts, T-shirts, shorts, shirts, trousers, pullovers, dresses and beachwear at low prices.Disposable nappies for babies cost about 2 times the price on Mauritius as they do in Europe. We recommend either taking enough with you or taking nappies which the maid can wash.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Medical attention is adequate at major hospitals and private clinics. Emergency ambulance service is available, but of variable quality and speed. 

Prescriptions

We recommend carrying prescription medication in original packaging. Verify with the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius that your medications are legal before traveling. Drugs such as tranquillizers, hypnotics, narcotics and strong pain killers require prior authorization. You can also check details with the Mauritius Ministry of Health  

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever – all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

Language:In Mauritius both English and French is spoken. In more informal settings, Mauritian Creole is spoken.National Emergency Numbers:Ambulance 114Police 999 Fire Service 115Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.January 01 – New Year's DayJanuary 17 – Thaipoosam CavadeeJanuary 31 – Chinese New YearFebruary 1 – Abolition of Slavery DayFebruary 27 – Maha ShivaratriMarch 12 – National Day March 16 – Ougadi May 1 – Labour DayJuly 28 – Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)August 29 – Ganesh ChaturthiOctober 24 – Diwali (Festival of Lights)November 01 – All Saints' DayDecember 25 – Christmas DayTime Zone:Mauritius Time, or MUT, is a time zone used by the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius. The zone is four hours ahead of UTC (UTC+4). US EmbassyAddress: 4th Floor, Rogers House John Kennedy Avenue, Port Louis, Republic of MauritiusTel: (230) 202-4400 or Emergency: (230) 253 3641Email: PTLConsular@state.govWebsite: http://mauritius.usembassy.gov/