Mauritius is a gem in Africa and is now attracting tourists from all around the world.
This island is the ultimate vacation destination be it for leisure, family, honeymoon or friends.
Online bookings and car rental Mauritius can add to your holiday planning convenience.
A car rental in Mauritius can turn your average holiday into an exotic one.
If you are planning to head this vacationer’s paradise, then here are 8 things you need to consider before doing anything.
Read on and learn more about how to make most of our glamorous getaway in Mauritius:
1) Immigration is Easy
Tourists from most countries don’t need a visa for a holiday. You can easily get a tourist visa on arrival in Mauritius. Few country citizens who require a visa before undertaking their trip to Mauritius are:
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Korea, Libiya, Phillipines, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Taiwan and Vietnam. You can check the full list here.
Make sure your passport is valid after the date of your return ticket. It is also good to invest in a car rental Mauritius in advance by booking online. Also make sure your return tickets are booked before you fly out to Mauritius.
You can clear customs if you posses up to:
- 250g Tobacco products
- 50 cigars
- 200 cigarettes
Any quantity more than this can lead to confiscation. You can also carry 100ml perfume/250ml eau de toilette in your check-in luggage.
2) Be Moneyproof!
These days, most travellers do their travel bookings online. Be it travel tickets, hotel bookings or hiring a car rental in Mauritius, most people plan these before landing out here.
US dollars are widely accepted out here. So having some Franklins on yourself surely won’t hurt. If not, you can easily exchange currency at the airport on arrival.
There are several banks located all around the island. You can easily find Barclays, HSBC, Bank of Baroda, Standard Chartered and Deutsche Banks out here.
Mauritian currency (MUR) is available in coins of denominations 5, 20 and 50 cents. And notes of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000.
Am Ex, Visa, Mastercard and Diners debit and credit cards are widely accepted everywhere.
A good tip is to exchange big amounts of money to avoid falling victim to conversion charges.
3) What to Pack?
When packing for a holiday to dodoland there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For starters make sure your luggage bags complement the size of your car rental in Mauritius.
It can be a problem if you arrive with 6 bags and have space to only accommodate 2-3.
Stick to cotton clothes as they work best for the summers.
Include swimwear, beachwear, temple-friendly dresses and a lightweight raincoat. Pack flip-flops, flats and a pair of sport shoes for footwear.
For other miscellaneous items that will come handy: sunscreen, mosquito repellant, wet wipes, tissues, sunglasses, prescribed medicines if any and a basic first-aid box.
4) Shop Right
If you are using a car rental in Mauritius, chances are that you will shop at every turn that attracts you. Be it a small local market or a shopping haven you definitely have the space to carry all those shopping bags with style.
First things first, avoid shopping for expensive items with your credit card.
This entitles you to pay a heavy interest rate. Bargaining is also acceptable but too much of it is not be appreciated out here.
Interestingly, factory outlets and retail shops have very similar prices so just walk down the Port Louis street and get what you like guilt-free.
If you are looking to buy spices, head over to the local supermarkets to get best quality products at best prices.
Don’t fall prey to shops claiming to sell ‘real’ high-end stuff. It’s surely not a Hermes or a Louis Vuitton bag if it isn’t costing you anything!
5) Safety Comes First
Although Mauritius is quite a safe place to be, it is always best to be cautious. Things are totally in your control if you are exploring the place with a car rental in Mauritius.
Say goodbye to Google maps here, as they will probably land you in the wrong place.
Stick to a local map or guide to stay on track.
While driving remember that it’s a left hand drive out here. Never park on yellow lines unless you want to get a parking ticket.
Avoid buses after 5 PM in the evening as the bus stops are deserted and shady around then. Make sure you have a guide if you want to hike in the forests.
And lastly watch out the slippery tiles in the washrooms out here.
6) Stay Safe From Tourist Traps
Avoid the geezers who will try to help you out at the airport with your luggage. Always buy water from local convenience and grocery shops as hotels and eateries will sell it to you for thrice the price.
Never ever hire a taxi that takes you around. They will charge you exorbitantly and you probably may never see anything worth your time.
The best thing to do is to opt for a car rental Mauritius and drive around with ease.
These tips can help you avoid any last minute problems that can spoil your vacation.
Invest in a car rental in Mauritius to make the most of your trip.
Pack right, book in advance and have a fun-filled time vacationing in Mauritius this holiday season!
For more information please visit our FAQ Page