Mauritius - Bank And Money

The unit of currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). One US dollar will buy you about MUR28. Traveller's cheques in any major currency can be exchanged without a problem in Mauritius and they bring a better rate of exchange than cash. The government sets the exchange rates, so there is no need to bank hop. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country.

Basic Cost
Mauritius is one of the more affordable destinations in the Indian Ocean. Although some officials have voiced a desire to turn the island into an exclusive getaway for wealthy tourists, this has (luckily) yet to happen. You can still keep your costs to a minimum by staying in budget accommodation, such as guesthouses and self-catering apartments. Prices tend to drop by around 25% when you stay for more than a few days. If you take buses instead of taxis and cook for yourself from time to time, you should be able to get by on less than US$25 per day. However, if you prefer your accommodation on the luxurious side and eat all your meals in restaurants, you can find yourself spending anything from US$100 - 600 a day.

Banks
The Bank of Mauritius has branches everywhere. Branches of Barclays and HSBC can be round in some tourist areas. Banking hours are 9.15am to 3.15pm from Monday to Thursday and 9.15am to 3.30pm on Fridays. In Port Louis and tourist areas, banks are also open on Saturdays from 9.15am to 11.15am. Change facilities are widely available at bureau de change offices. Opening times are 3.15 to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on Saturdays. They are open from 9am - 12pm on Sundays and public holidays. You can also use your credit card to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted, with cash advances available from most major banks. Cheaper pensions and local cafes generally don't add tax or service charges to their bills, while mid-range to upscale restaurants and hotels add a 15% government tax.