Safety and security tips for visitors

Just as you need to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety in your home country, you need to be mindful of the following useful advice so as to make your trip in Mauritius as enjoyable as possible.

At the airport

• Agree on the taxi fare prior to proceeding to your destination
• In Mauritius, all taxis have the name of their operating base on the door, make sure you take a licensed taxi

At your accommodation

• Select a tourist accommodation which is licensed by the Tourism Authority ensuring that security measures put in place are as required (refer to website of Tourism Authority - http://www.tourismauthority.mu/en/).
• Store your valuables, passport and money in the safety deposit box provided by the hotel/guesthouse/tourist residence.

In public places

• Do not leave your personal belongings unattended in public places.
• Avoid carrying large sums of money with you.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewellery and valuables whilst sightseeing.
• At night, avoid isolated or poorly lit places.
• Don’t let any objects in plain view in your car.

At the beach

• Avoid buying products and seeking services from unauthorised persons.
• Request price of products before any purchase.
• Be careful with those who demonstrate too much insistence.
• Don’t let your things unattended or out of your sight.

Shops

• In shops, shopping malls, ask for a receipt for any important transaction.

Markets

• Request price of products before any purchase.
• Keep your hand bag closed all the times and make sure your purse is out of reach.

Transport

• Remember that hitchhiking is not practised in Mauritius.
• Agree on the fare before embarking on any trip from the information desk of your residence.
• Be aware that advice given by some taxi drivers may be motivated by commissions that they receive from some traders.
• Always keep in mind that driving is on the left-hand side in Mauritius, and priority given to vehicles coming from the right.

Tourist excursions

• Before undertaking any sea-based activities, please remember that Pleasure Crafts bearing a "PC" registration number are meant for commercial purposes.
• Be environment-friendly and follow the codes of conduct for activities such as dolphin and whale watching, helmet diving and scuba diving.

Tips to ensure personal safety and security in the tourist accommodation

• Upon check-in, check that all doors in your room are secured properly.
• Store your valuables, passport and money in the digital safe provided by the hotel/guesthouse/tourist residence.
• Lock the items you won't be carrying with you such as laptop or other electronics.
• Always use the peephole (if any) before opening the door.
• Before going to bed, check if you have locked the door of your room and your balcony or terrace.
• When leaving the room, always ensure that door of the balcony/terrace of your room is locked.
• Never use codes like 1111,2222,3333 etc or birthday dates for the digital safe.
• If you lose your room key or room entry card, report it immediately to your hotel/tourist residence/guesthouse and have the card deactivated straightaway.

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 999 or 112
• Fire Services: 995 or 115
• SAMU Ambulances: 114
• National Directory: 150
• Tourist Info: 152
• Weather: 171 and 96 for cyclone reports
• Airline Data: 6033030