Currency Exchange in Mauritius
What the Mauritian Rupee is, where to change money on the island, and how to avoid losing value on a bad rate.
Ask us about currencyThe local currency
Mauritius uses the Mauritian Rupee (MUR, often written Rs). It's a closed currency, so you won't be able to buy rupees before you arrive from most banks abroad — you exchange once you land, or draw cash from an ATM on the island. Euros and US Dollars are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange; British Pounds and South African Rand are also widely accepted at exchange counters.
Prices in Mauritius are usually quoted in rupees, though larger tourism businesses — hotels, tour operators, car rental firms — will often also quote in Euros or Dollars. Day-to-day spending, however, is almost always in rupees, so it's worth having some on hand from your first day.
Where to exchange money
Airport counters
Bureaux de change at SSR International Airport are open for every arriving flight — convenient, but rates here are usually the least competitive.
Banks & town bureaux
Banks and independent exchange bureaux in Port Louis, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac and other towns generally offer better rates than the airport.
Hotel front desk
Most hotels will exchange cash for you as a convenience, but this is typically the most expensive option — fine for a small top-up, not for the bulk of your holiday money.
ATMs and cards
ATMs are widely available across the island, including at the airport, in shopping centres and in most towns, and they generally offer a fair exchange rate once you account for your home bank's foreign transaction fee. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the large majority of hotels, restaurants and shops, though it's worth carrying some cash for local markets, small vendors, tips and taxis, where cards aren't always an option.
A dynamic currency conversion prompt — where a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency instead of rupees — almost always works out more expensive. It's generally better to decline and let your own bank handle the conversion.
A few practical tips
Should I exchange money before I arrive?
A small amount for your first evening is sensible, but rates abroad for rupees are often poor, so it's usually better to exchange the bulk of your cash once you're on the island.
How much cash should I carry day to day?
Enough for tips, taxis, markets and small purchases — most bigger expenses (hotels, restaurants, tours) can go on card.
Can I change rupees back before I leave?
Yes, at most of the same bureaux — keep your original exchange receipt, since some ask for it, and try not to over-exchange in the first place.
Will my bank card work everywhere?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but let your bank know you're travelling first, so a payment in Mauritius isn't flagged or blocked.
Spending money day-to-day
Most resorts run largely on a room-charge system, where meals, drinks and activities booked through the hotel get billed to your room and settled at checkout — useful if you'd rather not carry cash around the pool. Off the resort, though, cash still matters: beach vendors, small excursions, tips and roadside stalls are far easier with rupees in hand than a card you can't use.
A practical approach is to change a moderate amount on arrival for the first day or two, then top up as needed once you've got a feel for how much you're actually spending outside the resort.
Budgeting for excursions
Tours, boat trips and activities are often paid on the day in rupees, so it's worth changing enough cash to cover a full day out rather than relying on finding a bureau nearby once you're already at the jetty or trailhead.
Planning your trip budget?
If you'd like a hand working out how much cash to carry or where's best to exchange near where you're staying, message us and we'll point you in the right direction.