Please enter your name and email address to access your ultimate guide.
Your email address will only be used to notify you of important updates and to give you access to exclusive offers. It will never be shared or used for any other purpose.
Everything you need to know about daily life, payments and connectivity for a stress-free trip.
Bring some EUR or USD to exchange or withdraw from ATMs when you arrive.
Exchange bureaus and ATMs are available at Mahé airport and on the main islands.
Accepted in larger businesses, hotels and restaurants.
Small shops usually don’t accept cards.
They vary depending on your bank (check your terms).
For small everyday purchases, pay in cash (SCR). For big expenses (hotel, catamaran, helicopter), prefer your bank card: the difference in exchange rate can represent tens/hundreds of euros on large amounts.
Convenient: activates instantly and can connect to both networks (Airtel + Cable & Wireless).
Tip: order it at the same time as your travel authorization (ETA) to get a discount.
When ordering your travel authorization, you can benefit from a special offer.
The most economical option. Order directly during your travel authorization request.
If you missed the ETA offer and you don’t need to make calls, or for VERY heavy usage.
For 90% of travelers, the 15GB plans (bought during the stay authorization / ETA request) are more than enough for everyday use and are more complete (thanks to local calls included to contact your guesthouses, hotels, taxis or book a restaurant).
If you missed the offer and you don’t need to call and your phone supports eSIM, GlobalESim is a good option. If you also need to make calls, get a SIM from a local operator (C&W).
There are no large shopping malls (except one hypermarket on Mahé). Prefer small local grocery stores. Choices are limited and imported products are expensive.
Shops usually close around 5–6pm, and many are closed on Sundays.
The archipelago is safe, but stay alert. Don’t leave anything unattended on beaches or in your car, even for a short swim.
Left-hand driving! Roads are narrow, winding and steep (up to 40%). Be careful when passing buses. On La Digue: bicycles only.
Your flight is late in the evening but you have to check out of your guesthouse in the morning? Don’t waste your day on transfers. Enjoy the facilities of the archipelago’s top resorts.
On La Digue, the concept is less common because the island is small, but two options stand out:
Don’t just show up at reception without notice—you may be refused (especially in peak season).
⚠️ Important: Day Passes are never guaranteed in advance. Hotels sell them only if they are not fully booked. Expert tip: Call the hotel the day before, or ask your host to do it for you.
Everything you need to know about power outlets so you never run out of battery.
Same as the UK standard
Chargers (phone, laptop, camera): Most accept 100–240 V. A simple plug adapter is enough.
Warning: Devices that only work on 110–120 V (travelers from the USA/Canada) need a voltage converter to avoid damage.
Can I plug a European plug (FR, DE, CH, ...) directly?
No, you must use a Type G adapter.
Do hotels lend adapters?
Often yes, but stock is limited. It’s safer to bring your own.
Are there power cuts?
Brief micro-outages can happen, especially in bad weather. They are usually short.
Should I bring my iron/kettle?
No. They draw a lot of power, can trip your adapter’s fuse, and are almost always provided on site.