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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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for Mayotte. Ensure your routine vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella) are up-to-date. Consider typhoid and rabies if you plan to explore rural areas or have contact with animals. Malaria prevention is advised, though vaccination isn’t available.
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 Mayotte, 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 MayotteCulture & Customs
Dress modestly; Mayotte is predominantly Muslim. Women should cover shoulders and knees, especially in villages. Public displays of affection aren’t common. Avoid eating in public during Ramadan.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised as Mayotte is conservative.
Ask permission before photographing people. When invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift, like fruit. Remove shoes before entering homes. Respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious events.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Mayotte.
- M’tsolola: A traditional dish made from green bananas cooked with beef and coconut milk. It’s a staple in Mayotte, reflecting the island’s blend of African and French influences.
- Rougail Saucisse: This spicy sausage stew is a favorite among locals. Made with smoked sausages, tomatoes, and chilies, it showcases the island’s love for bold flavors.
- Mataba: A delicious dish of cassava leaves cooked with coconut milk, often served with rice. It’s a must-try for those looking to taste the agrarian aspect of Mayotte’s cuisine.
- Bramble: A dessert made from bananas, cassava, and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It reflects the island’s tropical bounty and sweet tooth.
In Mayotte, tap water is generally safe for locals, but tourists are often advised to stick to bottled or filtered water, just to be on the safe side. While you might see locals drinking it without issues, their systems are more accustomed to it. Bottled water is widely available and a safer bet if you’re just passing through.
The main language in Mayotte is
Shimaore. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Shimaore skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Mayotte includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Mayotte,
English is not widely spoken. The primary languages are French and Shimaore, a local Comorian language. While French is the official language and used in government, education, and media, English is often limited to tourist areas and some hospitality sectors.
Visitors may find English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, but outside these settings, communication in English can be challenging. Many locals may have basic knowledge of English, especially younger generations who have studied it in school, but fluency is rare.
Travelers are encouraged to learn a few basic phrases in French or Shimaore to enhance their experience and facilitate interactions. Gestures and a friendly attitude can also go a long way in overcoming language barriers. Overall, while English is not prevalent, with some effort, visitors can navigate the island and enjoy its unique culture and beauty.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Mayotte is EUR (€).
ATMs: Mayotte has ATMs mainly in Mamoudzou and a few key spots around the island. Stick to using ATMs during daylight hours at banks to minimize issues. Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted.
Cash: Always carry some euros in cash, especially if you’re exploring outside urban areas. Small shops and local eateries often don’t accept cards.
Currency: Mayotte uses the euro (€). Forget about bringing dollars; they’re not practical here.
Card Acceptance: Bigger restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets usually accept cards, but always have backup cash, as connectivity can be spotty.
Currency Exchange: Exchange services are limited. If you need to change money, do it in Mamoudzou. Better yet, withdraw euros directly from ATMs to avoid unnecessary fees and hassles.
Tipping in Mayotte is not customary, and service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants. If you receive exceptional service, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated but not expected. Taxi drivers and hotel staff generally do not expect tips either.
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Best Backpacking
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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.