Mauritius (MU)
Indian Ocean island state with bilingual English-French administration, strong financial services, occupation permits, premium visa options, beaches, private healthcare and a high-trust but paperwork-heavy expat environment.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Mauritius.
Denominations
Banknotes: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 rupees. Coins: 1, 5, 10 and 20 rupees plus cents in limited use.
Payment Culture
Cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, malls, hotels, clinics and restaurants, but cash is still useful for markets, buses, beach vendors, tradespeople and smaller village shops.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs at major banks or inside malls, watch weekend cash availability, and check foreign-card fees. Some premium accounts require minimum balances.
Exchange Tips
EUR, USD and GBP are easy to exchange. Compare bank and licensed money-changer rates, keep exchange receipts for large transfers, and avoid informal cash exchange.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents