Mauritius travel by taxi and bus? Also what currency to use?

Question

I'm going to Mauritius next month and am arriving at SSR International Airport and need to get to Le Morne [Pointe Sud Ouest] - specifically the Indian Hotel. How much should I be paying for a taxi to get to Le Morne.I ask as I always seem to get badly ripped off by taxi drivers when I go abroad

Secondly is the bus network in Mauritius good. i don;t feel brave enough to hire a car whilst there, and I will want to get from Le Morne to places like Flic en Flac, Black River Gorges National Park, Pamplemousse and over to the east coast to visit Ile aux cerfs...

Finally what currency should I take to Mauritius... Rupees, US Dollars, US travellers cheques.. I read somewhere that you can't take more than 700 rupees into the country?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Hello! Good choice to take a holiday in Mauritius. It is a lovely country with lovely people. I am a Canadian but I used to live in Mauritius. If you have a fair amount of baggage you will probably need to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. The best thing to do is to talk to the taxi drivers in advance and ask them what they will charge you to go to your hotel in Le Morne. I have taken taxis a few times and found them reasonable, but there is always a possibility of getting overcharged since you are a tourist. I would say that you shouldn't have to pay more than the equalivent of $USD20 to get to your hotel. If they ask much more than that, ask some others and see what happens. Mauritians are rather used to the bartering routine. (The same thing when you buy in the markets or on the beaches, don't ever pay the price they ask for, it is best to act like you are not that interested even when you are.) If I remember correctly the city buses do not come into the airport. So, if you decided to take a bus to your hotel, you may have to take a taxi in as far as Mahébourg to get a bus. By the way a lot of the hotels have shuttle buses that pick up people at the airport. Have you checked into that??
As far as buses, there are regular buses all the time all over the island. They are full early morning and late afternoon into the evening as many Mauritians rely on the public bus system to go to work, but they are pretty much on a decent schedule. If one bus cannot take you to your next destination, there will usually be another one within the next 5 min. or so. They are not fancy and not air-conditioned, but I have ridden them many times and they are not too bad and they are cheap. You will have to make the right connections though. A lot of Mauritians speak English so you can always ask for help. Don't stay out too late though if you are riding the bus. The buses quit early in the evening, the majority between 7 and 8. There may be a few later. Lastly, I say take American dollars with you, change them at the airport or at the bank, never pay the locals in foreign currency, you will pay much more! But no need to take a lot of cash. There are ATM machines where you will get your best exchange. We always used ATM, worked best for us. Have a fun time! I know that you will enjoy yourself.

Answer 2

The hotel will probably pick you up at the airport, most of them do. A taxi to La Morne would cost quite a bit, its a long way. Maybe 600-700 rupees. When they see you are a tourist they will immediately double the price if not more.

The bus network will get you to most places, but it is erratic and will take you hours. Some of the buses are poorly maintained and actually dangerous. Close your eyes when you are travelling on the road or you might have a panic attack! If you must take the bus, ask a local what the fare is first. The bus drivers rip off tourists big time.

The country has a good banking system and you can withdraw money from an autoteller if you have a visa card etc. The MCB bank in Flic-en-flac exchanges foreign currency.

Answer 3

Hey, i' m a Mauritian.... Well you need not be afraid of anything.... you can travel by bus to all places you visit but only take a taxi when you leave the airport for your hotel coz you'll be having lots of baggage maybe. Otherwise for your excursions bus is ok. Here we use Mauritian Rupees and you can take any amount with you. well lots of ATM, and money exchange bureau here, so you'll hev no problem at all. BONUS....We speak both french n english... if you wanna any other info feel free to ask me!!!! Hoping you' ll enjoy your stay... no not hoping I bet you will and you must... ;-))

Answer 4

Hi,

I have never been to Mauritius but try the website listed below.
It is strictly tourists who write about their travels and give some really useful information that a holiday brochure would not have. You can try the forum section where people who have been to Mauritius or even live there can give you some excellent advice.

Happy Travels!!

Answer 5

Mauritius is a country whithout any interest!
Mauritian rupees are of no value compared 2 Dollars or Pounds!
If i were in your shoes i would choose 2 go 2 Greece islands, Egypt, Italy or why not Malta.
If you are travelling in Mauritius you will surely see garbages everywhere; near rivers, lakes, beaches!
Everything is expensive in that stupid country.
And to finish BE CAREFUL there, there are many robbers who particularly like the tourist's purse.

Bye!