Money and duty free for Mauritius
Currency and Money
Currency information
Mauritian Rupee (MUR; symbol Rp) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Rp2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25. Coins are in denominations of Rp10, 5 and 1.
Please note that payments in cash as well as cash deposits are prohibited for sums exceeding the equivalent of Rp500,000.
Credit cards
Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted by most banks, hotels, restaurants and tourist shops followed by American Express and Diners Club. ATMs are widespread.
ATM
ATMs are widespread.
Travellers cheques
May be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorised dealers, but generally difficult to do.
Banking hours
Mon-Thu 0900-1500, Fri 0900-1700. Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency on arrival or departure. Sums exceeding or equivalent to Rp500,000 must be declared on arrival and on departure and a proof of origin and the intended use must be stated on leaving the country.
Currency exchange
Available in banks and at bureaux de change. A better rate of exchange can be obtained on traveller's cheques than on cash. Mauritius Commercial Bank is reputed to have the quickest service.
Mauritius duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Mauritius by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty:
• 250 g tobacco products;
• 2L of spirits and 4L of wine/beer/top-fermented beer
OR
• 250 g tobacco products;
• 3 liters of spirits and no beer;
OR
• 250 g tobacco products;
• 6L of wine / top-fermented beer / beer and no spirits.
• Other goods to the value of Rs 15,000 (Mauritians under 12 years old or foreigners) or Rs 30,000 (Mauritians over 12 years and older).
Banned Imports
Prohibited items include plant and plant products, e-cigarettes, underwater fishing guns, ivory and tortoise shell, second-hand motor vehicle spare parts, toy pistols and guns with projectiles, toy known as “Water Ball Yo-Yo”, illegal drugs, obscene literature and pornographic materials.
Restricted items requiring a permit include arms and ammunition, and endangered species.
You must declare all fruits and vegetables, plants and seeds, handicrafts made from animal parts (e.g. bone or feathers), wooden items, and outdoor equipment which may contain traces of soil such as camping gear, golf clubs, bikes and sports shoes.
If carrying prescription medicines, you must bring a copy of the prescription and ensure the medicines are in the original, labelled container.
You can find more prohibited imports information at www.mra.mu.
You can find more restricted imports information at www.mra.mu.
Banned Exports
Scrap metal is a prohibited export.
Restricted exports include live animals (including birds), fresh and dried vegetables, what or muslin flour, sugar, sand, animal organs and rough diamonds.
