Mauritius is an amazing and small island country in the heart of the Indian Ocean, which every year is gaining more and more popularity among European tourists, but at the same time it is not at all crowded with vacationers, like many resorts.
Tours to Mauritius are becoming popular due to the perfect and harmonious combination of beach, sightseeing and active water recreation (especially diving).
Mauritius: location. According to thesciencetutor, Mauritius is located in the southern part of the Indian Ocean.
Mauritius: capital. The capital of Mauritius is the small city of Port Louis, which will be of interest to tourists who love history and ancient sights. First of all, it is worth seeing the city center with the Government House, the ancient Jumma Mosque and St. James Cathedral, the Maeswarat Temple and St. Louis Cathedral, the Royal College and the local City Hall. Do not ignore the Fort Adelaide fortress, as well as the nearby Champ de Mars racetrack, one of the oldest in the world, which hosts horse races almost every weekend.
Mauritius: language. The official state language in Mauritius is English, and many locals also speak French.
Mauritius: religion. There is no single religion as such – different religions and beliefs live side by side here. The main ones are Hinduism (about half of the country’s inhabitants), Christianity (about a quarter of the country’s inhabitants adhere to Catholicism) and Islam (about 15% of the inhabitants).
Mauritius: visa. A visa to Mauritius for Ukrainians opens at the airport upon arrival in the country. The visa is valid for 30 days and, if necessary, it can be extended on the spot for a certain period. To obtain a visa to Mauritius, you will need to fill out an application form on the spot and present a foreign passport with a validity period of at least six months. In addition, the purchased return air ticket, hotel reservation, travel voucher and medical insurance. It is also desirable to have funds at the rate of $ 100 for one day of stay on the island (you can just have a bank card).
Mauritius: customs regulations. It is allowed to import into the country without additional tax:
– currency (without declaration up to approximately $17,000);
– up to 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250 g of tobacco (optional);
– up to 1 liter of strong alcohol and 2 liters of wine or beer;
– up to 100 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette;
– 1 subject – photo and video equipment, mobile and laptop;
– medicines for personal use in small quantities (it is desirable to have a prescription).
It is forbidden to import drugs and medicines containing these substances, pornography, weapons and equipment for spearfishing, military equipment, meat products, car tires. Seeds and plants, flowers and animals require a special permit.
It is not worth exporting corals and other items from the bottom of the sea, shells, turtles and products from their shell, flowers.
Mauritius: climate and seasonality. The weather in Mauritius is just perfect for a holiday! Almost always the temperature keeps from +25 to +32. From June to October the temperature is usually up to +28 and fewer tourists, from November to April the temperature is hotter and there are a little more tourists. Rains are more often from November to March-April, but they are quite short-term and do not interfere with rest at all. Therefore, holidays in Mauritius can be planned for almost any month of the year.
Mauritius: time. The time difference between Kiev and Mauritius is 1 hour in summer and 2 hours in winter.
Mauritius: currency. The local currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). One US dollar equals approximately 35 Mauritian rupees.
Mauritius: Tips. Tipping in Mauritius is not obligatory, but it is quite appropriate to leave up to 10% tip for good service if you consider it necessary.
Mauritius: telephone and communication. The number of emergency rescue services is 999. As for mobile communications, you can buy a local SIM card in almost any store, at gas stations and at the airport (there are 3 telecom operators). If you are used to using the Internet for calls and other communications, then Wi-Fi is available in all hotels and restaurants, as well as in public places in cities. If you need Internet all the time, then you can purchase an Emtel operator card – it offers more attractive prices for mobile Internet packages, free Facebook and other bonuses.
Mauritius: electrical network. The voltage in the outlets is 220 volts, and the outlets are sometimes British (with three rectangular pins), sometimes standard European ones. Therefore, you can play it safe and take an adapter with you or buy it on the spot.
Mauritius: dress etiquette. There are no special restrictions and etiquette of clothing. The only thing worth considering is that if you plan to visit mosques and temples during the excursions, then it is recommended that you wear long and as modest clothes as possible, which cover your arms and legs. Women should cover their heads with a scarf, and men should enter the mosques in trousers. It is also mandatory to take off your shoes at the entrance.
Mauritius: official holidays. Main holidays in Mauritius:
– December 31 – January 1 – European New Year;
– February – Chinese New Year – tourists can see colorful costume processions with “dragons”;
– March 12 – Independence Day of Mauritius – in addition to official ceremonies, you can see bright and noisy carnivals, concerts of popular performers and other mass celebrations;
– April – the Hindu holiday Holi – the brightest holiday in the world, because everyone sprinkles each other with bright dry paints or “shoots” streams of colored water;
– April-May – Indian New Year;
– April-May – Easter;
– October – the Hindu festival of lights Diwali – houses and streets are decorated with thousands of lights;
– December 25 – Catholic Christmas.
