Organize your stay Seychelles
Money Seychelles
The rupee fluctuates widely. Its rate is displayed daily in banks and exchange offices, varying from one to another (rate in September 2024: €1 = SR15.34).
Most banks and ATMs are located along Victoria's two main avenues. They are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cash Plus exchange bureaus, the most reliable in the country, are located on the three main islands.
Budget & Tips Seychelles
In the Seychelles, you need to allow for a substantial budget, which can quickly swell. You'll need to budget between €110 and €160 for a double room in a guesthouse, €180 to €220 for a 2-star hotel, €200 to €320 for a 3-star, €350 to €600 for a 4-star, and €500 or (much) more for a 5-star. Meal prices range from €25 to €40 for a standard meal. Of course, here too, prices can quickly soar... Food trucks and takeaways have developed, and you can also eat on the go for around €4 to €7.
Don't forget the Sésame discount card, which costs just €19.90 for two months and can be installed on your smartphone. Ideal for lightening your vacation budget, it offers unlimited discounts of up to 50% in over 700 establishments. It is valid on Reunion Island, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Mayotte and the Seychelles. Discounts are available in all areas: accommodation, restaurants, leisure activities, or simply for your everyday purchases. The investment generally pays for itself as soon as the first expense is made. More info ✆ 02 62 32 26 26 - www.cartesesame.com (assistance 7j/7 de 8h à 20h).
Passport and visas Seychelles
To enter the country, a valid passport is required, along with a return ticket and a residence address. A visa valid for one month is issued on arrival. To stay longer, you'll need a residence permit.
Since December 2022, a Travel Authorization is required to enter the country. It costs €10 and must be applied for at least ten days before departure. Please note that it can take up to twelve hours for the application to be validated, and it will be required at baggage check-in. Before taking this step, remember to bring your passport, a "selfie" photo on your phone or computer, your plane ticket, a booking confirmation for each accommodation and a credit card for payment. Once you've received your travel authorization, remember to print it out or save it on your cell phone.
Driver's license Seychelles
You'll be asked for it when you collect your rental car. Please note: it's worth repeating that, as a former British colony, we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and the controls are reversed!
Health Seychelles
There is no malaria in the Seychelles and very little risk of tropical diseases, but as far as vaccinations are concerned, make sure you are up to date (DT Polio, etc.). A vaccine against hepatitis A is recommended, as are those against typhoid and hepatitis B for longer stays. A yellow fever certificate is required to enter the country if you are arriving from Africa.
Mosquitoes are particularly active after 5 p.m., so it's best to protect yourself. The best thing to do is to cover your arms and legs, and use a repellent on uncovered areas when going out, and a diffusible insecticide (which requires electricity) for the bedroom. Given the small number of pharmacies on the island, make sure you have everything you need, as the supply of medicines here is problematic (biafine, paracetamol, anti-seasickness pills, etc.). Finally, it's best to drink bottled mineral water.
Security Seychelles
Zero stress, or almost. Few countries on the planet are as safe as the Seychelles, both in terms of nature (no dangerous land animals) and in terms of people. Crime is limited to a few thefts on the beaches. It is therefore better to leave your valuables in your room safe and to keep an eye on your bag when you go swimming.
Time difference Seychelles
Compared to metropolitan France, the Seychelles have + 3 hours in winter and + 2 hours in summer. There is no difference with Reunion Island.
Spoken languages Seychelles
The three national languages of Seychelles are Creole, English and French. However, Creole is the only true language of internal communication, occupying a major place in the written press, radio and television. Widely used in administration, commerce and education, English is taught at school as a second national language, while French is taught as a foreign language.
Communication Seychelles
The larger hotels all offer an Internet service included in the price. Some smaller hotels and guesthouses also offer free Internet access. The best thing to do is pick up a chip on arrival at the airport. The basic rate is SR 199 (around €15), which will give you a few local phone calls and a 4G connection for a stay of around 10 days. The card can be recharged at any small convenience store in the country.
Electricity and measurements Seychelles
Electricity. The electric current is 240 volts AC, but, heritage of the British colonization, the English plugs require an adapter, which the big hotels propose. As for the others... It is better to have it ready if you want to recharge your phone or computer battery. However, you will be able to find adapters in some stores, especially in Victoria.
Weights and measures. Again a legacy of the British era: 8 ounces is 227 g, a pound is 454 g; for liquids, a pint is 0.57 l, a gallon 4.55 l. Temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit: 32 for 0°C, 85 for 30°C. Distances are in miles: one mile is 1.61 km.
Luggage Seychelles
Whatever the season, there's no need to pack a jacket or woollen jacket, unless you're planning to hike in the high forests. One or two light, long-sleeved garments may be useful to protect you from mosquitoes in the evening. During the rainy season (in theory, from early December to early February), a light K-way is always useful if it rains all day. In the big hotels, no jacket or tie, just light pants. A hat and sunglasses are also essential and, for those who like to hike, walking shoes or even plastic sandals to get around the rocks by the sea. And don't forget a high-protection sunscreen - the sun's beating down!
