Includes information on acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, etc.
Last Published: 8/19/2019

Business Customs
Business customs are similar to those in Europe and the United States.  For men, normal business wear is suit and tie.  The coastal areas are warmer than the central plateau region year-round.  During the cooler months – June through September – an additional layer may be needed if travelling in the center of the country.  Humidity can be quite high during summer – November through April – especially in the capital city and the coastal areas.  Lunches and cocktail receptions are common business functions.


Travel Advisory
For the latest travel advisory on Mauritius, please click here.


Visa Requirements
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens, but travelers must have an onward or return ticket.  Immunization certificates are not required unless the traveler arrives from an infected area.  Mauritians traveling to the United States require visas.  Visa applicants should go to the following links:

•      State Department Website
•      U.S. Embassy Port Louis Consular Section

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be aware that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process and therefore cannot be rushed in most circumstances.  Visa applicants should visit the website.


Currency
The currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee – Rs or MUR.
1Rupee = 100 cents
The exchange rate (on August 1, 2019):  U.S. $1 = Rs 35.44 (Source: Bank of Mauritius)
Most businesses accept credit and debit cards such as Mastercard and Visa.  Banks around the country can exchange currency.  Money changers are also available in the cities.  ATMs on the Cirrus network are available in banks and most shopping centers.  Money wiring services such as Western Union and Moneygram are also available.


Telecommunications/Electronics
Mauritius’ telecommunications infrastructure has not kept pace with recent technological advances, but reliable international mail, telephone, fax, e-mail, and internet services are available and are generally more reliable than the rest of the region.  Speed and bandwidth of internet connectivity, though improving, are currently inadequate for many modern commercial requirements.  However, Mauritius is planning to install a new submarine cable and is increasing the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots from 15 to 350.  More than 300,000 households now have access to fiber optic connectivity in the island.

The power supply is 220-240 volts and the plug types used are type C, E, F and G (British).


Transportation
Direct flights connect Mauritius to several international destinations.  Regular flights serve France, the UK, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Seychelles.  In March 2016, Air Mauritius and Singapore Changi Airport inaugurated an air corridor that links Africa and Asia via hubs in Mauritius and Singapore.  There are no direct flights between Mauritius and the United States.  U.S. travelers typically transit Paris, London, Johannesburg or Dubai.  It is also relatively easy to travel around the island by taxi or rental car.  In general, taxi fares must be negotiated before setting out.  Traffic drives on the left.  Port Louis is a 50-minute drive from the airport and easily accessible from other parts of the country except during the morning and evening rush hours, when traffic can be slow.


Language
The official language is English, but French and Mauritian Creole are used in everyday life.  Most business executives are bilingual in English and French.  A number of Asian languages (Hindi, Urdu, and Mandarin) are also spoken, but usually at religious or cultural events.


Health
Mauritius has no major health hazards.  It is considered malaria-free.  Vaccination is not required unless the traveler arrives from an infected area.  While hospitals and clinics within the public health system are adequate and free, foreign visitors must pay out-of-pocket for their health needs and are advised to secure health coverage before traveling here.  There are a number of private clinics which are relatively expensive such as Wellkin Hospital and Fortis Darne.


Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Local Time and Business Hours:  Local time is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and nine hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.  Business hours are as follows:

•        Government Offices open 0900-1600, Monday through Friday
•        Banks open 0900-1500, Monday through Friday and some banks remain open until 1700 on Fridays
•        Businesses open 0830-1630 Monday through Friday and usually 0900-1300 Saturday

There are 15 Mauritian public holidays.  The following are fixed: New Years, January 1 and 2; Independence Day, March 12; Labor Day, May 1; Assumption, August 15; Arrival of Indentured Labor, November 2; and Christmas, December 25.  The remaining holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary.  The American Embassy is closed on American and local holidays.


Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
No duty is levied on apparel and personal effects of a passenger arriving in Mauritius.  Articles that are in excess of the concessions and allowances listed below are liable for duty.  A passenger 18 years of age or over may bring the following goods, free of customs duty: tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes) not exceeding 250 grams, spirits not exceeding 1 liter; wine, ale, or beer not exceeding 2 liters total.

In addition to allowances and concessions above, a tourist may bring with him/her the following goods free of customs duty:
•        One portable musical instrument
•        One portable sound and/or image recorder
•        One portable radio receiver
•        One portable video camera
•        One camera
•        One sporting firearm with not more than 50 cartridges (police permit is required before importation)
•        One non-powered bicycle
•        One windsurfer and up to three assorted sails
•        One surf board
•        Fishing equipment, excluding any type of underwater fishing gun.
 Information on customs formalities is available online.


Travel Related Web Resources

State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html

U.S. Embassy Consular Section: http://mauritius.usembassy.gov/consular_section.html

Mauritius Revenue Authority: http://www.mra.mu/index.php/import-export-others/travellers
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.