The official languages are English (business language) and French (educational language). Mauritian (French Creole), Indian languages and Chinese are also spoken.
Public Holidays
01/01/2022 New Year
01/18/2022 Thaipoosam Cavadee
02/01/2022 Chinese New Years Festival
02/01/2022 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
03/01/2022 Maha Shivaratri
03/12/2022 National holiday
05/01/2022 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
05/01/2022 Labor Day
08/31/2022 Ganesh Chaturthi
10/24/2022 Diwali (Festival of Lights)
11/01/2022 all saints day
11/02/2022 Anniversary of the arrival of the conscripts
(a) Each cultural or religious community in Mauritius celebrates its own festivals.
(b) The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
(c) [*] Hindu and Chinese holidays are based on local astronomical measurements, so there may be deviations from the dates given.
Duty free shopping
Overview
Provisions valid until December 31, 2022: The following items can be imported duty-free into Mauritius (persons aged 18 and over): 250 g tobacco products; 2L spirits and 6L wine/beer/top-fermented beer OR 250g tobacco products; 5L of spirits or 10L of wine/top-fermented beer/beer and no spirits; Gifts valued up to MUR 15000 (foreigners or Mauritian nationals under 12 years old) or MUR 30000 (Mauritian nationals over 12 years old).
Import Restrictions
Fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, crafted items made from animal material (bones, feathers, etc.), wooden items, outdoor equipment such as camping supplies, golf clubs, bicycles, athletic shoes, and laboratory samples that may have soil stuck to them must be declared will. An import permit is required for weapons and ammunition, for drugs and psychotropic substances, and for live and stuffed animals. A doctor’s prescription is required for prescription drugs. The medicines must be transported in their labeled original packaging. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Export Restrictions
Export restrictions exist for live animals (including birds), fresh and dried vegetables, flour, sugar, sand, animal organs and rough diamonds.
Prohibited Imports
Plants, plant products, ivory, turtle shells, used vehicle parts, toy guns, projectile guns, toys known as the “Water Ball Yo-Yo”, food, cigarette papers, obscene or pornographic publications and films, equipment for harpoon fishing and some pharmaceutical products and sugar cane plants and parts.
Prohibited Exports
There is a ban on the export of scrap metal. More information is available from Mauritius Customs Office.
Contact addresses
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Mauritius
Weinzingergasse 8/8
Wien
Austria
+43 (0)664 100 63 88.
Appointments by telephone agreement.
Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius
Case postale 144, Rue Vermont 37-39
Genève 20
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 734 85 50.
https://mauritius-geneva.govmu.org/Pages/index.aspx
https://mauritius-geneva.govmu.org/Pages/index.aspx Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius
(Also responsible for Austria.)
Honorary Consulate General in Munich. Honorary consulates in Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Stuttgart.
Mon-Fri 08.30-16.00. Consular section: Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00 and 12.30-15.30.
Business
Business etiquette
Safari suits are often worn in business circles. Appointments should be arranged in advance. Many business people speak English. Business hours: Mon-Fri 09.30-16.00, Sat 09.00-12.00. Authorities: Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00.
Business contacts
Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry 6, Adolphe de Plevitz Street, Port Louis, Mauritius Tel. +230 (0)203 48 30. Website: www.mcci.org/en
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code of Mauritius is 00230. There are still public telephones in Mauritius that can be used with coins and telephone cards.
Mobile phone
GSM 900, 3G (2100) and 4G (LTE and 1800 Mhz). Mobile phone companies include Mauritius Telecom and Emtel, among others. International roaming contracts exist. It may be worth purchasing a local prepaid SIM card.
Internet
Main providers include Mauritius Telecom and Emtel. Internet cafes can be found in Phoenix, Vaoas and other major cities. WiFi hotposts offer free WiFi in 350 public places and establishments in Mauritius. Many hotels also offer free WiFi.
Post office
Mail to Europe takes about 5 days. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-11.00 and 12.00-16.00 and Sat 09.00-11.00.
