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.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 67 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
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, typhoid, and rabies are recommended vaccinations for Réunion. Ensure your routine vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella) are up to date. Consider the flu shot if traveling during flu season. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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 Réunion, 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 RéunionCulture & Customs
Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Avoid discussions on sensitive topics like politics and religion unless you know the locals well. Do greet people with a friendly ”Bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants; it’s considered polite.
Women travelers generally find Réunion safe but stay cautious at night. LGBTQ+ travelers usually face no issues, as the island is relatively open-minded. If invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift is appreciated. Public displays of affection are common but keep it moderate in more conservative areas.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Réunion.
- Rougail Saucisse: This is a spicy sausage dish often served with rice, and it’s a staple on the island. The sausages are typically simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and ginger. It’s popular for its hearty flavors and is a classic example of Reunionese Creole cuisine.
- Cari Poulet: A chicken curry that is one of the most beloved dishes in Reunion. Made with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and onions, it’s usually served with rice and grains. This dish captures the island’s Indian and Malagasy culinary influences.
- Lentilles de Cilaos: These are lentils grown in the highlands of Cilaos, a region famous for its unique climate and fertile soil. They’re often cooked with spices and served as a side dish. Celebrated for their creamy texture and flavor, these lentils are a crucial part of local meals.
- Bichiques: Tiny fish, often referred to as ”caviar of Reunion,” served fried or in a curry. Due to their seasonal availability, they are considered a delicacy. Their unique taste and the effort required to catch them make bichiques a culturally significant dish.
- Samoussas: Reunion’s take on samosas, filled with a variety of ingredients like meat, fish, or vegetables. These are popular street food snacks that reflect the island’s Indian influence, offering a quick and tasty bite for on-the-go travelers.
Tap water in Réunion is generally safe to drink, and locals do consume it. However, some tourists might prefer bottled or filtered water due to its mineral content or taste differences. If you’re sensitive or cautious, stick to bottled water, which is widely available.
The main language in Réunion is
French. 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 French skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Réunion 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 Réunion, the primary language is French, as it is an overseas department of France. While
English is not widely spoken, you will find that many people in tourist areas, such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions, have a basic understanding of English. Younger generations and those working in the tourism industry are more likely to speak English, but fluency can vary significantly.
In rural areas and among the older population, English proficiency tends to be lower. Visitors may encounter challenges in communication, particularly outside of major tourist hubs. However, the local population is generally friendly and willing to help, often using gestures or basic French to bridge the language gap.
If you’re planning to visit Réunion, knowing some basic French phrases can enhance your experience and ease communication. Overall, while English is not the dominant language, you can still navigate the island with some effort and a positive attitude.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Réunion is EUR (€).
When backpacking in Réunion, keep in mind that the Euro (EUR) is the local currency, so there’s no need for US dollars. ATMs are fairly widespread in urban areas like Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, but once you hit the trails or smaller towns, access can be limited. Always have some cash handy for rural spots or local markets where cards might not be accepted.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller eateries and shops may prefer cash, so it’s smart to carry a mix. If you need to exchange currency, banks and exchange offices in major towns are your best bet, as airport rates can be steep.
Avoid relying solely on cards; a combination of cash and card is your safest play. Keep an eye on ATM fees, especially with international cards, as they can add up.
Tipping in Réunion is not obligatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. You can leave a small tip of about 5-10% in restaurants if you’re satisfied with the service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a common practice.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking.jpg)
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.
.jpg)
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.