mauritius travel money

Cash In Mauritius: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 5, 2023 | Africa , Travel Tips

If you’re planning to travel to Mauritius, there’s one thing you should prepare for – money!

In this guide, we’ll explore all the topics related to money in Mauritius .

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We’ll talk about the currency, withdrawals and ATMs, money transfers in Mauritius, and some travel tips related to money.

Without further ado, let’s have a look at the Mauritius currency.

Mauritian Rupee

The official currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee (MUR).

You’ll find banknotes and coins.

• 100 (orange)
• 200 (green)
• 1000 (blue)

As the currency exchange can fluctuate quickly, we recommend you keep a look at the latest rates before your trip and during your trip.

I usually take a screenshot of the latest rates the day before the trip so that I can have a quick look to get familiar with the conversion when I buy something or withdraw money.

Best Way To Get Cash In Mauritius

The best way to get Mauritian rupees is to withdraw money in an ATM or exchange money before your trip/on arrival).

I personally use bank ATMs to withdraw cash in Mauritius as I’m not a big fan of exchanging money abroad, but some people prefer this, so we’ll make sure to cover each topic in this guide.

Withdrawing Cash In Mauritius

You can easily find ATMs in Mauritius, especially in bigger cities and tourist hotspots. You’ll find them at banks, malls, and airports. At the airport, most ATMs are located on the left side exit (in the direction of the car rentals).

Most ATMs accept debit/credit cards from all over the world. You should be able to withdraw MUR with no problem. I personally use Revolut in Mauritius to withdraw money.

How To Withdraw Money In Mauritius

Follow the steps below to withdraw cash in Mauritius:

• Find an ATM
• Insert your card
• Select your language
• Click on the option to make a withdrawal
• If you’re given an option for the exchange rate, select the option “Without Conversion”, as you’ll get a better exchange rate this way
• Accept the transaction fees (if any)
• Take your money and card

I personally use my Revolut card to withdraw money in Mauritius. Revolut is a great option for travelers as you can freeze and unfreeze your card. There are other advantages for travelers too. Learn more by reading our Revolut review .

Exchanging Money In Mauritius

Another way to get money in Mauritius is by exchanging currencies. You can find exchange offices in airports, major cities, or banks.

While some people prefer the convenience of changing money before their trip, it’s better to exchange money in Mauritius. The exchange rates you find in Mauritius are usually better.

Now, you may be wondering which currency to take to Mauritius. Think of the main currencies such as USD and EUR. However, you’ll only be able to use Mauritian rupees (MUR) in Mauritius.

Make sure to count your money yourself too, and check Google Map reviews if in doubt.

Payments In Mauritius

Cash in Mauritius is handy, and you should always have some in your pocket. For example, you may need to pay with cash if you’re booking a boat trip. We suggest you ask the guide beforehand.

That said, payments with debit/credit cards are becoming more popular.

Let’s take a look at the primary payment methods in Mauritius.

In some cases, you’ll have to pay with cash. If unsure, ask the shop or the restaurant first.

It can be handy to have some Mauritian rupees with you.

If you’re out of cash, you should be able to find ATMs easily, so you can always withdraw money if needed.

Debit/Credit Cards

Although there are still places where you can’t pay with cards, you’ll find that some restaurants and stores accept it. For example, modern restaurants, supermarkets, and malls accept payments by card.

When I pay with a card, I usually use my Revolut card .

In some shops, you can use the contactless method, but in some places, you’ll need to enter your PIN code.

Tipping In Mauritius

It’s pretty normal to tip in Mauritius. For example, in restaurants, you can give around 10% of the bill.

It’s important to note that most places can only accept tips in cash.

Mauritius Travel Money Tips

The best way to get Mauritian rupees is to use an ATM to get cash or exchange currencies in Mauritius.

The best way to travel with money in Mauritius is by using a travel card like Revolut . This way, you can pay by card when you can or withdraw money easily.

Having a Mauritius SIM card to access the Internet in Mauritius can be handy if you want to see the currency exchange rates or find an ATM nearby.

When withdrawing larger sums, we recommend the following:

• Put your money somewhere safe (wallet or money belt ).
• Once you arrive at your accommodation , find a safe spot for your money. You don’t need to carry all your money at all times (unless you want to). If you stay in a hostel , make sure to keep your money hidden and locked in a locker. If you stay in a hotel, you can also hide and lock your money or simply put the “don’t disturb sign” on the door. As a result, you’ll get no cleaning and no strangers in your room.

How Much Money To Bring To Mauritius

It all depends on your travel style and budget. I always get money on arrival, so I don’t really “bring money to Mauritius”.

Although, if you wish to have money on arrival, you can exchange money before your trip.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind to figure out the right amount of money to bring to Mauritius:

• How long is your trip?
• Is your accommodation paid for, or will you need to pay on arrival?
• Are your tours and activities paid for, or will you need to pay on arrival?
• How are you planning on getting around Mauritius?
• What’s your budget for Mauritius?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you should be able to have a rough idea of how much money is needed in Mauritius.

Alternatively, you can withdraw cash on arrival instead of bringing money with you. ATMs in Mauritius are available in airports, and malls. So, you’ll be able to get cash easily.

Mauritius Money Transfers

The best way to transfer money to Mauritius is with Wise .

It could take a few days, so make sure to send money ahead of time if required.

That said, it’s worth comparing your options to find the best currency exchange rate and transfer fees.

Let’s see why you may need to transfer money to Mauritius:

• Paying rent to the landlord
• Buying a property in Mauritius
• Payment of utility bills

Final Thoughts On Money In Mauritius

And that’s all you need to know about money in Mauritius!

Having a travel card from Revolut is the best way to manage your money. It’s easy to top up, gives you an excellent exchange rate, and you can use it to pay for things in Mauritius.

As you can see, having cash is still a must in Mauritius. Just make sure to be smart about it and pay attention to where you put your money.

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What’s the Best Currency to Take to Mauritius? All About Currency in Mauritius for Travellers in 2023

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Are you travelling to Mauritius soon and wondering which currency you should take there? Curious whether you should take British pounds or US dollars along with you or whether it's best to buy the local currency at the airport? Then this short guide is for you!

Mauritius uses the Mauritian rupee as its currency, meaning that, except in tourist establishments, airports, or hotels, you normally won't be able to use your home currency to pay your way , even if it's a popular tourist currency like the British pound or the US dollar.

As we'll see, to pay while you're visiting Mauritius, you'll either need to buy rupee banknotes before or during your trip, use your ordinary credit or debit card, or (cheapest of all) use a savvy multi-currency debit card like Revolut 's or Wise 's travel debit cards.

In a rush? Here are our recommendations for how to pay in Mauritius if you're...

• from the UK: Starling Bank
• from the USA: Chime 's VISA debit card
• from Canada: KOHO 's debit Mastercard
• from the EU, Australia, or Singapore: Revolut
• wanting rupee banknotes: ChangeGroup

In this short guide, we'll discuss what's the best currency to take to Mauritius, how you should pay when you're there, and what your cheapest options are to avoid paying hefty exchange rate charges.

Key Facts About Mauritian Currency for Travellers

Best currency to take to mauritius.

• 01. Currency in Mauritius scroll down
• 02. Best currency to take to Mauritius scroll down
• 03. How to pay in Mauritius scroll down
• 04. FAQ about currency in Mauritius scroll down

Overview of Currency in Mauritius

As we saw earlier, the currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee .

As the official legal tender in Mauritius, it's the sole currency recognized by the Mauritian government, and you can use it to settle all financial obligations in the country, from paying for your hotel stay, to the entrance fee at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, to a bite to eat in Flic-en-Flac.

Note that if you plan to buy a large sum of rupee banknotes and bring them home unused with you after your holiday, you'll probably get a bad deal on the exchange rate by swapping rupees back into your home currency since most banks and exchange offices mark up the rupees more than usual, partially to account for its inflation. This means that if you buy rupee banknotes, you should try to budget carefully to avoid bringing any home.

You can learn more about the Mauritian rupee currency here .

Because it's the local currency and because you won't have any trouble buying goods with it, the best country to have on hand and spend while visiting Mauritius is, unsurprisingly, the Mauritian rupee .

However, if you arrive in Mauritius with another currency on hand, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't be allowed to pay in Mauritius. Especially if you're carrying a popular tourist currency like the pound sterling, the euro, or the US dollar, you'll find it easy to exchange them for rupees at banks or currency exchange offices across Mauritius — even if those currencies aren't official or used commercially in Mauritius.

You can check out the prevalence of a few of the most popular tourist currencies in Mauritius below:

You cannot use British pounds to pay while visiting Mauritius. However, you can withdraw rupees from Mauritian ATMs or exchange your pounds for rupees at a local bank or currency exchange office. If you're from the UK, we recommend using Revolut 's travel debit card or, if you're looking for a full bank account, Starling Bank 's debit card, the latter of which charges no foreign exchange fees.

US dollars aren't accepted in Mauritius, but you can sometimes pay with them at the airport, hotels, resorts, or shops and restaurants in major tourist areas. If you're from the USA, we recommend using Chime 's debit card, which charges no foreign exchange fees, to make low-cost card payments while travelling in Mauritius. However, out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees and over-the-counter advance fees may apply.

Euros aren't accepted in Mauritius, but you can sometimes pay with them at the airport, hotels, resorts, or shops and restaurants in major tourist areas. If you're from the European Union or EEA, we recommend using Revolut 's or N26 's debit cards, both of which charge no foreign exchange fees, to make low-cost card payments while travelling in Mauritius.

Canadian dollars are easily converted for rupee banknotes in Port Louis and other major tourist centres, but they'll not be accepted if you try to buy something. Exchanging Canadian dollars for rupees is typically slightly more expensive than exchanging US dollars or pounds. We recommend checking out KOHO 's debit card for international travel. KOHO charges just 1.5% on foreign currency transactions abroad, which beats most credit cards and other debit cards in Canada.

Although the Mauritian rupee is the best currency to use and other tourist currencies can be easily exchanged, exchanging currencies in the form of cash almost invariably leads to poor exchange rates for tourists (we've seen as high as 20% commissions, although the average is between 5% and 15% of the amount exchanged).

For this reason, it's generally a better idea to use your credit or debit card to pay at local points of sale wherever possible or (if cash is urgently needed — which can happen in Mauritius) to withdraw some money from a local ATM. This will let your card provider handle the conversion, which is usually, although not always, a better deal than bringing foreign currency into Mauritius and exchanging it there. However, as we'll see below, a conversion-friendly debit card is the best choice of all!

ChangeGroup

ChangeGroup  is a reliable option if you need physical Mauritian rupee in cash on hand before your flight abroad to Mauritius. Although it's generally more affordable than exchange offices in Port Louis for buying rupee banknotes, it's still quite pricey compared to using your card, hovering around 15%. This is why we tend to recommend Revolut and Wise for spending in Mauritius.

• FX Margin to Rupee: 10% - 16%
• Home Delivery: For a fee
• Cash Pick Up : Free
• Guaranteed Buyback: For a fee
• Availability: UK, USA, Australia, Germany, France, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland

How to Pay in Mauritius

When it comes to paying your way in Mauritius, you'll have the following three options broadly speaking:

Method 1: Cash

As we mentioned earlier, cash is an important medium of exchange in Mauritius. Pretty much all shops, restaurants, and commercial establishments around the country will accept Mauritian rupee banknotes, and we recommend having some on hand when you travel. Foreign cash can be purchased before your trip from your bank in your home country, or during your trip at a local Mauritian bank or currency exchange office or (most affordably) from an ATM.

Note that in Mauritius, currency exchange offices normally go by the name money changers , so if you want to exchange your home currency for Mauritian rupee, be on the lookout for signage with this name.

• Cash Prevalence in Mauritius: Very prevalent
• Cost to Exchange: 5% - 20% on average

Method 2: Credit Card

Although cash is king in Mauritius, credit and debit cards issued by major global providers like VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted too. If your card is issued by American Express, Diner's Club, or another card company, there's a good chance they'll also be accepted in Mauritius, but we recommend checking with your bank or card provider directly to make sure that Mauritian rupee currency conversion is indeed supported, and that card machines and ATMs in Mauritius commonly support cards of this type.

• Card Prevalence in Mauritius: Prevalent
• Cost to Exchange: 2% - 5% on average

Method 3: Travel Debit Card

Just like credit cards, prepaid debit cards (which are also normally issued by VISA or Mastercard) provide an excellent way to pay while visiting Mauritius, the main difference being that you normally pay lower fees and exchange rates . Depending on where you live, you'll probably have options from your bank or a third-party provider to use a commission-free debit card or a multi-currency card which can help you dodge high Mauritian rupee conversion costs, including DCCs .

According to our analysis of dozens of providers, the top two options for travelling to Mauritius, in general, are the following:

Revolut is an excellent option for paying in Mauritius. Its all-in-one mobile finance app and debit card offer competitive exchange rates to the Mauritian rupee and low fees. Moreover, you can easily manage everything through your money through Revolut's user-friendly app.

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4
• Monthly fee: $0
• Card type: Mastercard debit
• Card payment cost in Mauritian rupee: 0.5% - 1.5%
• Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
• Mauritian rupee balance: No
• Mauritian rupee bank details: No

Wise Account

The Wise Account is another great option for paying in Mauritian rupee. It gives you the lowest possible currency exchange rates with complete transparency and no hidden fees. It also allows you to hold and manage over 50 currencies in one account and provides fast and secure cross-border money transfers at a fraction of the cost of traditional banks.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6
• Card type: VISA debit

Wise and Revolut are excellent options that are available in many countries around the world. However, depending on where you live, you might have access to better deals still. We go over a few of them below:

United Kingdom

• Starling Bank : Best full bank account with no fees (even abroad)
• Revolut : Best spending and budgeting app.
• Wise : Best for multiple foreign currency balances.

United States

• Chime ®: Best all around; no fees for non-USD transactions.
• Revolut : Best all-around spending app.
• Wise : Best for foreign currency spending and holidays.
• KOHO : Best all around; just 1.5% on foreign transactions
• Wise : Best for foreign currency spending and holidays.

European Union

• Revolut : Excellent for spending abroad.
• N26 : Best full bank account with low fees (even abroad)
• bunq : Best credit card (also a fully-licensed bank).

FAQ About Currency in Mauritius

The best currency to take to Mauritius is the local currency, the Mauritian rupee. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices. However, instead of converting physical banknotes, the cheapest way to pay in Mauritius is to use a multi-currency travel debit card like Revolut or Wise .

Generally, we don't recommend exchanging currency before travelling to Mauritius. Although having some Mauritian rupee cash on hand can be helpful, we recommend drawing some from an ATM once you've arrived in Mauritius using a prepaid multi-currency card like Revolut to avoid the hidden currency exchange fees.

It depends on the country you're visiting and the expenses you will have. Credit cards are widely accepted in many countries, including Mauritius, and can offer benefits such as rewards points and fraud protection. However, some places may only accept cash, especially in more rural areas. It's a good idea to have both cash and credit cards on hand and to research the best way to access your money while travelling.

The best way to avoid currency exchange fees when travelling to Mauritius is to pay using a multi-currency travel debit card like Revolut or Wise . This way, you can make low-cost conversions to the Mauritian rupee every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Other excellent debit cards that don't charge conversion fees include Starling Bank in the UK and Chime in the US.

Take a Look at These Related Guides

Travelling to Another Country Too?

Take a look at the best currencies to take to other countries:

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Money in Mauritius. What currency to take with you?

• Last updated on  12 January, 2023

One of the main questions when preparing for a trip to Mauritius is what kind of money is used in Mauritius and what currency to take with you. I will tell you where it is best to exchange money on the island, which cards are accepted for payment in shops and restaurants, how high is the commission at ATMs and about the characteristics of local banks.

Currency in Mauritius MUR - Things to know

Foreign exchange guide to Mauritius and the Mauritian rupee

What's in this Mauritius currency guide?

• Currency Facts
• Travel Money Rates
• Travel Tips

USD/MUR Market Data

• Historic exchange rates
• Send Money to Mauritius
• Expat & Business Tips
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What currency is used in Mauritius?

The official currency of Mauritius (country code: MU) is the Mauritian rupee , with symbol ₨ and currency code MUR.

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Things to know about the Mauritian rupee

• The Mauritian rupee is abbreviated as MUR and is divided into 100 cents.
• The Bank of Mauritius is responsible for issuing and regulating the Mauritian rupee.
• The exchange rate for the Mauritian rupee is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.
• Mauritius has a large, diversified economy that is heavily reliant on exports, including textiles, sugar, and fish. The country is also a major producer of pharmaceuticals and has a growing tourism industry.
• The Mauritian rupee has been relatively stable in recent years, but the currency has faced challenges due to economic challenges such as high inflation and a large trade deficit. In addition, Mauritius has faced political instability and conflict, which have also had an impact on the value of the Mauritian rupee.

Travel money for Mauritius

Save money and time by Ordering your Mauritian rupee online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the MUR cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.

Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card . Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.

For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Mauritian rupee otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.

Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. The population of Mauritius is just under 1.3 million people, and the official languages are English and French. The currency is the Mauritian rupee.

The climate is tropical, and the island is ringed by coral reefs. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with some coastal plains. The capital city is Port Louis, and the largest city is Curepipe.

Mauritius is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, resorts, and golf courses. The island is also home to a number of historic sites, such as the Le Morne UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mauritius is a relatively safe and stable country, and expats will find a welcoming and diverse culture. The cost of living is relatively high, but expats will find a good standard of healthcare and education.

Best things to do and see in Mauritius

Some of the best things to do and see in Mauritius include hiking up to Championship Golf Course, exploring the Black River Gorges National Park, and visiting the capital city of Port Louis.

Top Travel tips for Mauritius

When planning a trip to Mauritius, it is important to consider the best time to go. The climate is tropical and it is usually hot and humid. The coolest months are July and August and the warmest months are December and January.

It is also essential to think about what you want to do while you are in Mauritius. There are many activities to enjoy such as swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, golfing, and fishing. Mauritius is also a great place to shop and there are many markets to explore.

When it comes to accommodation, there are many hotels and resorts to choose from. However, it is important to book in advance to get the best deals.

When it comes to getting around Mauritius, there are many options. There are buses and taxis which are widely available. There are also car hire companies which can be used to explore the island.

Mauritius is a beautiful island and there are many things to see and do. It is important to plan your trip carefully to make the most of your time in Mauritius.

Is it safe in Mauritius?

In general, Mauritius is a very safe place to travel. There is a low level of crime, and most visitors experience no problems at all. However, as with any destination, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

The below interactive chart displays the USD/MUR change and UP 📈 DOWN 📉 trends over the past 1 Year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What currency should i use in mauritius.

The domestic currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee .

What is the Mauritian rupee currency code and symbol?

Which countries use the mauritian rupee.

It is the domestic currency in    Mauritius.

Is the Mauritian rupee a closed currency?

No, the Mauritian rupee is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?

What are equivalent amounts of USD and MUR?

Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to MUR (US dollar to Mauritian rupee)*.

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