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 Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Seychelles. Consider Hepatitis B if you’re planning extended stays or close contact with locals. Rabies is only suggested for long-term visitors or those working with animals. Routine vaccines like MMR, DPT, and Varicella should be up-to-date. No Yellow Fever vaccine is required unless you’re coming from a country with a Yellow Fever risk. Always check with your healthcare provider for the latest 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 Seychelles, 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 SeychellesCulture & Customs
Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when not at the beach. Avoid wearing swimwear in towns or villages. Engage with locals politely; a friendly ”bonjour” goes a long way. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, particularly among same-sex couples. While Seychelles is relatively safe, women and LGBTQ+ travelers should still exercise usual caution, especially at night. Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated. It’s customary to ask permission before taking photos of people.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Seychelles.
- Grilled Fish: Freshly caught and typically cooked over an open flame, this dish is often seasoned with local spices. It’s a staple because of Seychelles’ rich fishing culture and abundance of marine life.
- Octopus Curry: A fragrant curry dish cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, and other local spices. Octopus is a favorite in Seychelles, reflecting the island’s deep connection to the sea.
- Shark Chutney: Surprisingly, this is more of a side or condiment, featuring mashed shark meat with bilimbi, lime, and spices. It’s a unique taste of Seychellois creativity and resourcefulness.
- Bat Curry: Made from fruit bats, this dish is a bit more adventurous but truly Seychelles. Often cooked with a rich blend of spices and coconut milk, it’s a nod to the island’s unique biodiversity.
- Ladob: A sweet or savory dish made from either ripe plantains, cassava, or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk. It’s a comforting dish that showcases the island’s tropical produce.
Tap water in Seychelles is generally safe for locals but might not be recommended for tourists due to varying tolerance levels. It’s a good idea for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any digestive surprises. You can easily find bottled water everywhere, so it’s not a hassle.
The main language in Seychelles is
Seychellois. 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 Seychellois skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Seychelles 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 - is widely spoken in Seychelles, making it relatively easy for travelers to communicate. As one of the official languages, alongside Seychellois Creole and French, English is commonly used in tourism, business, and government. Most locals, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots, are proficient in English, and you’ll find that many signs, menus, and informational materials are available in English.
In hotels, restaurants, and shops, staff are generally fluent and accustomed to interacting with international visitors. While some older residents may prefer Seychellois Creole or French, younger generations and those working in the tourism sector typically have a good command of English.
Overall, English proficiency in Seychelles enhances the travel experience, allowing visitors to navigate the islands comfortably and engage with the local culture. Whether you’re exploring the stunning beaches, hiking through lush nature reserves, or enjoying local cuisine, you’ll find that communicating in English is straightforward and effective.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Seychelles is SCR (₨).
ATMs are mostly found on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, so plan ahead if you’re heading to more remote islands. They usually accept international cards, but always double-check with your bank about fees. Cash is king in Seychelles, especially on smaller islands and for markets or local eateries. Seychellois Rupees (SCR) are what you need, but having a few euros or dollars can be useful as backup, especially since some places might accept them.
Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but don’t rely on them in smaller establishments. For exchanging money, hit the banks or official exchange bureaus for the best rates—avoid exchanging at hotels unless it’s an emergency, as their rates are often worse. Keep some cash handy for bus rides and small purchases where cards aren’t an option.
Tipping in Seychelles isn’t obligatory but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving around 5-10% of the bill as a tip is common, while hotel staff might appreciate a few dollars for their assistance. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture.
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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..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.v2.webp){kind=logo}
