Mauritius : Getting Around

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Air Terminal, also known as the Plaisance Airport is 48 kilometres from Port Louis. The airport offers standard features such as duty-free shopping, restaurants, banks for currency exchange, free baggage trolleys as well as an excellent lounge for business class travellers. Tourists can also plan their stay in Mauritius right at the airport thanks to the tour operator kiosks, car hire agencies and provisions for taxi and private car rental.

Culture and Customs

Visitors are required to be appropriately attired when entering a religious shrine. Shoes must be removed when entering a temple or mosque. Tipping is not mandatory at restaurant and bars etc., and remains a gesture of appreciation - a 5 per cent tip is sufficient. Smoking is forbidden in public areas though some restaurants may have 'smoking' and 'non-smoking' zones. Nudism is not allowed in private hotel beaches, and is generally not permitted elsewhere either. It helps to know a couple of phrases. Please - s'il vous plait, thank you - merci.

The airport also boasts of easy immigration and custom clearance as well as helicopter transfers.

Keep in mind that there are no direct airport buses, though express buses ply between Port Louis and Mahebourg, several times a day, stop at the airport. Allow at least two hours between the airport and Port Louis. The MV Mauritius Pride plies the waters between Mauritius and Rodrigues several times per month. There are excellent bus services to all parts of the island, however, it takes time to get from one place to another as opposed to having a private car - so schedule time accordingly. Buses go to (or near) just about any place on the island. There are several operators, none of which cover the entire island. Port Louis and Curepipe are the main hubs. Tickets are cheap and should be kept handy, as inspectors check them frequently. Late night services are available between Port Louis and Curepipe.

Taxis have white registration plates with black figures and yellow signs and are metered. Car hire is one of the most advisable ways to get around in Mauritius - either self-drive or hire a private car with a driver, ^elf-drivers should keep in mind that traffic drives on die left. Drivers must be 23 years of age and must possess ah international driving permit valid for one year although a foreign licence is sometimes accepted. There are numerous car-hire firms. Several car rental agencies can be found in all the cities as well as at the main airport. Popular rental agencies in Port Louis are Avis (Tel: 208 1624) and Europcar (Tel: 637 3240, 208 2115).

In addition, motorbikes can be rented around Grand Baie. Bicycles and boats too can be rented wherever tourists congregate.