Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccinations are typically recommended for Mauritius. Consider rabies if you’ll be in remote areas or interacting with animals. Check if your routine vaccinations are up to date. Always consult a healthcare provider before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Mauritius, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for MauritiusCulture & Customs
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temples. Public displays of affection are frowned upon; keep it low-key. English and French are widely spoken, but try using a few Creole phrases to connect with locals. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Mauritius is generally tolerant, but discretion is advised, especially in rural areas. Women should feel relatively safe traveling alone, but it’s wise to stay aware and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Mauritius.
- Dholl Puri: A flatbread stuffed with ground split peas, typically served with bean curry, rougaille, and pickles. It’s a staple street food and a perfect representation of the island’s Indian culinary influence.
- Rougaille: A tomato-based stew made with fish, chicken, or sausages. The dish showcases the island’s Creole heritage and is a comforting, flavorful option found in many homes and restaurants.
- Gâteau Piment: Small, spicy fritters made from split peas and chili. These are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and are a popular street food that reflects the island’s love for spicy flavors.
- Mine Frite: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, chicken, or seafood. A nod to the Chinese influence in Mauritian cuisine, it’s a quick and tasty meal found at many food stalls.
- Boulet Boulettes: Dumplings made from fish, chicken, or vegetables, typically served in a broth. Popular at local markets, they’re a favorite comfort food with a variety of flavors.
Locals generally drink the tap water in Mauritius, but it’s not always recommended for tourists due to differing water treatment sensitivities. It’s safer to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any digestive surprises. Always check for any local advisories, especially after heavy rains when water quality can fluctuate.
In Mauritius,
English is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. As one of the official languages, it is used in government, education, and business. Most Mauritians are bilingual or multilingual, often fluent in Creole, French, and English.
While English is prevalent, the level of proficiency can vary. In major cities like Port Louis and tourist hotspots, you will find that many locals, including hotel staff, shopkeepers, and guides, can communicate effectively in English. However, in more rural areas, you might encounter individuals who are more comfortable speaking Creole or French.
Overall, English-speaking travelers should feel at ease navigating the island, as the local population is generally friendly and willing to assist. Signs, menus, and information materials are often available in English, making it easier for visitors to explore and enjoy the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Mauritius.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Mauritius is MUR (₨).
If you’re backpacking in Mauritius, you’re in luck because ATMs are pretty widespread, especially in tourist areas and towns. However, it’s always smart to carry a bit of cash for those remote parts where card machines might be as scarce as unicorns. The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR), and while some places might accept dollars or euros, it’s usually at a lousy rate. So, stick to rupees.
When it comes to cards, most big hotels and restaurants will take them, but smaller shops and street vendors often won’t. Always double-check for any additional card fees that might sneak up on you.
For currency exchange, banks usually offer the best rates, but they can be a bit slow. Currency exchange offices are quicker but usually come with higher rates. Try to avoid exchanging money at the airport unless you like getting less bang for your buck. Remember to have your passport handy when exchanging money, as it’s often required.
In Mauritius, tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated for good service. Restaurants usually add a service charge, so check your bill; if not included, leaving around 10% is a nice gesture. For taxis and hotel staff, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is common.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.