Daily Life in Mauritius: Culture, Safety & Expat Tips

Mauritius is famous for its pristine beaches, lush green hills, and friendly, diverse population. If you're moving to the island as an expat, understanding the culture, safety standards, and everyday life is key to enjoying your experience. This guide covers everything—from local customs and staying safe to housing, transportation, and fun activities—so you can settle in smoothly.

A Multicultural Society: Understanding Mauritian Culture Mauritius is home to many ethnic groups, including Indo-Mauritians, Creoles, Sino-Mauritians, and Franco-Mauritians. This cultural variety is reflected in:

Languages: English is the official language, French is widely spoken, and Mauritian Creole is used in daily conversation.

Religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism coexist peacefully.

Festivals: Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Cavadee are celebrated across the island.

Set suggestions:

Attend local festivals to immerse yourself in the culture.

Learn basic phrases in French or Creole—it helps in daily interactions.

How to Act in Public Greetings: Handshakes are common; close friends may hug.

Dress Code: Casual clothes are generally fine, but religious sites require modest attire.

Dining Etiquette: Wait for the host to start eating. In traditional settings, use your right hand.

Politeness: Saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way.

Set suggestions:

Observe locals to understand subtle social cues.

Always be respectful at temples, mosques, or churches.

General Safety and Security Mauritius is considered relatively safe, but basic precautions are necessary.

Crime: Petty theft and pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas.

Emergency Numbers: Police: 999 | Ambulance: 114 | Fire: 115

Traffic: Roads are mostly safe; cities can be busy. Always wear seatbelts and helmets.

Tips for Expats to Stay Safe:

Avoid dark or isolated areas at night.

Keep valuables out of sight.

Register with your embassy for safety updates.

Living Costs and Daily Expenses Type of Expense Estimated Monthly Cost (MUR) Rent (1-bedroom apartment) 15,000 – 30,000 Utilities (electricity, water, internet) 3,000 – 6,000 Food for one person 8,000 – 12,000 Public transport 1,500 – 3,000 Eating out per meal 400 – 1,500 Budgeting Tips:

Buy fresh fruits and vegetables at local markets.

Use public buses for cheap travel; taxis are convenient but costly.

Consider sharing larger rentals with others to reduce costs.

Housing and Daily Life Popular Expat Areas: Grand Baie, Moka, Flic en Flac, Tamarin

Types of Housing: Apartments, villas, and gated communities

Rental Tips: Long-term leases are cheaper; furnished apartments are available.

Set suggestions:

Visit different neighborhoods before choosing where to live.

Ask locals or expats for rental recommendations.

Food and Cooking Mauritian cuisine is influenced by Indian, Chinese, Creole, and French traditions.

Must-Try Dishes: Dholl Puri, Rougaille, Briani, and seafood specialties.

Dining Out: Options range from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants.

Set suggestions:

Try cooking local recipes at home to save money.

Explore street food markets for authentic experiences.

Life and Fun Outdoor Activities: Beaches, hiking trails, water sports.

Cultural Events: Temple visits, street markets, music festivals.

Expat Communities: Grand Baie and Port Louis host networking events and social meet-ups.

Set suggestions:

Join clubs or volunteer to meet people.

Attend festivals to understand local traditions and make friends.

Getting Around Public Transport: Reliable bus system covering the island.

Taxis: Good for short trips, pricier than buses.

Car Rentals: Useful for families or those living outside city centers.

Driving: Traffic drives on the left; roads are generally in good condition.

Set suggestions:

Learn basic bus routes before relying on public transport.

Renting a car is convenient if exploring remote areas.

Tips for Expats to Fit In Learn some basic French or Creole to communicate better.

Participate in local festivals and markets to engage with the community.

Respect local customs and religious practices.

Build networks through expat groups, clubs, or volunteering.

Set suggestions:

Ask neighbors or coworkers for advice on cultural nuances.

Take short courses or join interest-based groups to meet locals.

Mauritius offers a beautiful, multicultural environment for expats, with mostly safe surroundings and a friendly population. By understanding local customs, budgeting wisely, and building social connections, expats can enjoy a full and balanced life on the island. Embrace the culture, explore daily life, and your experience in Mauritius will be rewarding and unforgettable.