Mauritius

General Information

Location: Indian Ocean
Local Time: GMT+4
Capital City: Port Louis
Population: 1.3 million
Area: 1,864357,021 square km, 720 square miles.

Language(s): English, French, Creole and a number of oriental languages
Dialling Code: 230
Emergency: Police & Ambulance: 999. Fire: 995

TV Standard: SECAM
Driving: Driving is on the left. National licence required. International Driving Permit recommended, temporary licence available from local authorities
Electricity: 220 AC 50Hz

Business & Currency

Currency: Mauritius Rupee (MUR 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: MUR: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000
Coins: MUR: 1, 5, 10. Cents: 20, 50

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours

Bank: 0915-1515 Mon-Thur, 0915-1530 Fri
Office: 0830-1615 Mon-Fri, 0900-1200 Sat (private sector), 0900-1600 Mon-Fri, 0900-1200 Sat (public sector)
Shops: 0930-1930 Mon-Sat (some shops open till noon on Sun & public holidays)

Public Holidays

2012

01 Jan : New Year
02 Jan : New Year Holiday
23 Jan : Chinese New Year
01 Feb : Abolition Day
07 Feb : Thaipoosam Cavadee
20 Feb : Maha Shivaratri
12 Mar : National Day
23 Mar : Ougadi
01 May : Labour Day
19 Aug : Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
19 Sep : Ganesh Chaturthi
01 Nov : All Saints’ Day
02 Nov : First Laborers’ Day
13 Nov : Diwali (Festival of Lights)
25 Dec : Christmas Day

Note: Hindu festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. There is a diversity of cultures in Mauritius, each with its own set of holidays. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr may last from 2-10 days, depending on the town or region. Chinese festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence.
Business/Social Hints: Business is usually conducted in English. Many other languages in use, including French. Visitors should be perceptive to unfamiliar local customs as there are many different religious group, each with their own customs and conventions. The official drinking age in Mauritius is 18 years
Tipping: Discretionary in hotels & restaurants. Tips for taxis are not customary