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For health reasons, visitors coming from regions or countries affected by yellow fever must have a vaccination certificate against this fever. This certificate is normally required for people aged one year and above. There is absolutely no risk of contracting malaria in either Mauritius or Rodrigues. One can have paid treatment in a private clinic or in any public hospital.
Airport Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International airport at Plaine Magnien is in the South-East of the country. The airport offers many services including duty-free shops, banks, a post office, a restaurant and a bar.
Immigration Passengers aged 16 and above are allowed to import duty-free products: up to 250 grammes of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes), 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, 1 litre of spirits, 250 ml of eau de toilette and 100 ml of perfume. Passengers travelling with plants, grains, flowers, fresh fruits or bulbs must hold a valid import permit delivered by the Ministry of Agricuture. Agricultural products before their introduction on the island, these articles must be declared at customs for examination, on arrival. Introduction of sugar cane and invertebrates is prohibited by the Mauritian law. An import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin are also required for the introduction of animals and animal by-products. On arrival, all animals have to be declared at customs and import is allowed only if all certificates are valid. Dogs and cats are subject to a quarantine of a period of six months, birds and other animals for up to two months.
Currency The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee (Rs) which is equivalent to 100 cents. Coins of 5 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, a rupee, five rupees and ten rupees are in circulation. Notes are available in cuttings of Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 500, Rs 1000 and Rs 2000. Travellers may import, without restriction, notes or foreign currency, travellers cheques and all other banking instruments.
Language The official language of the island is English even if French, which is the most widely spoken language, is authorised in the National Assembly. Creole, derived from French is spoken and understood by all the inhabitants of the island. Some Mauritians still speak Bhojpuri, Chinese and some other ancestral languages
Electricity The voltage of energy distribution throughout the island is 220/240 volts.
Communication Telephone services are available all over the island. Public payphones, which are to be found everywhere, are operated with coins or phone cards. A local call costs around two rupees a minute. Mobile phones can be rented from the Mauritius Telecom or from the private company, Emtel. Foreign calls can be made directly without the service of an operator.
Public Transport The bus is the main means of transport of the island. It is not expensive and cover all the nooks and corners of the country. Cars can be rented directly from specialised agencies or via hotels. The taxi service, which is rapid and reliable, is another effective means of transport.
Medical Service Public medical facilities are numerous, of high level and free. There are also many paying private clinics that provide more personalised services. The island has ten hospitals and a series of health centres. The public medical service is well-equipped and caters for all the treatments that may be needed.
Postal Services There are post offices in most towns and villages. EMS and DHL services are also available.
Banking and Financial Institutions Banking facilities exist in nearly all localities and banks can be found in the airport hall on departures and arrivals. Travellers cheques and bank notes can be exchanged by banks, hotels and restaurants, while international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners) are becoming increasingly popular.
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