Frequently Asked Questions
Q2) Where is Mauritius situated? Mauritius is a small tropical island situated east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
Q3) How to reach Mauritius? The best and easiest way to reach Mauritius is by air. The four main airlines which offer regular scheduled flights to Mauritius from the UK and Europe are Air Mauritius, British Airways, Air France and Virgin Atlantic. For the rest of the world customers are advised to check with their travel agents or tour operators for available flights.
Q4) How long does it take to reach Mauritius by air? This depends from where you are travelling and whether the flight is a non-stop or transit one. A non-stop flight by Air Mauritius from the UK usually takes about 12 hours to reach Mauritius.
Q5) What are the main languages spoken in Mauritius? In everyday life the majority of the Mauritian population speak creole patois, a sort of a native dialect in which French words appear to be more prominent. Apart from this most Mauritians also speak English and French.
Q6) Are there dangerous animals or poisonous reptiles in Mauritius? No poisonous snake, reptile, or insect exists in Mauritius. Moreover its natural habitat is free from dangerous quadrupeds.
Q7) What type of country is Mauritius politically? Mauritius is a democracy based on the British system of government. It is a republic within the Commonwealth with a nominated President. While the President mainly adopts a ceremonial role (but with limited executive powers over Parliament or the cabinet), like the Queen in British politics, it is the Prime Minister who is the head of the nation.
Q8) What is the electricity voltage used in Mauritius for domestic purposes? The power supply throughout the island is 240 volts. Most power sockets use the British 3-pin plugs. French 2-pin plugs are also in use all over the island.
Q9) Is Mauritius a safe country for tourists and visitors? The answer is yes. However, like any free and democratic country in the world (where some people believe they have the licence to commit crime) Mauritius has its own socio-economic and environmental problems, which include crime. In the past some tourists and foreign professionals/business people had become victims of crime such as theft, burglary, armed robbery and so on. If you are a tourist or just a visitor to the island you must take the same safety precautions in Mauritius as you would take in your own country. For examples, while in Mauritius, never expose yourself to dangerous or risky situations like accepting lifts from strangers, accepting the service of an unofficial tourist guide, walking alone in a deserted beach at night (especially if you are a woman) however serene and appealing the beach may look, exposing your money and valuables unnecessarily while shopping, and venturing alone or as a couple in remote wooded areas/regions. It is highly advisable to visit the remote attractions and forests in the south of the island with a group of people than on your own or with just your partner/spouse. These information are not meant to alarm or deter tourists from visiting Mauritius but just to create awareness. It is worth noting that the majority of tourists have positive experiences of their holidays in Mauritius.