Money and phones in Mauritius
Cash and cards both work, and you can avoid Swiss roaming bills with a local SIM or eSIM.
Carry some rupees and a cardThe currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). Card acceptance is mixed, so cash still matters.
Cash and cards
- On arrivalThe arrivals hall has ATMs run by Mauritian banks and currency exchange counters, so you can get rupees before you leave the airport.
- CardsHotels, restaurants and larger shops usually take cards. Smaller shops, markets, snack stalls and many taxis are cash only, so keep small notes.
- TippingTipping is not compulsory. Small notes for good service are welcome.
- Your Swiss cardsAsk your bank about foreign transaction fees and ATM charges before you go, and tell it you are travelling.
Phones and data
- NetworksThree operators serve the island: my.t, Emtel and Chili. 4G covers populated areas well, and 5G is being rolled out.
- Tourist SIMSold at the arrivals hall and in operator shops. Registration with your passport is mandatory, and the airport queue can be long.
- eSIMA travel eSIM installed before you fly skips the queue and the registration step, and is often similar in price.
- Swiss roamingRoaming outside Europe is often expensive. Check your Swiss provider's day pass prices against a local SIM or eSIM.