Features for expats in Mauritius
Leisure
For many expat families across the island, September marks the start of the school year. The return to routine can feel abrupt, yet this month is brimming with cultural events and festive activities that help stretch the holiday spirit a little longer. Music, dance, theater, open-air cinema, creative workshops, and outdoor adventures take over some of the island's most iconic venues, such as the Caudan Arts Centre, Café du Vieux Conseil, and La Vallée de Ferney. These gatherings are an invitation to relax, escape, and create, open to all ages and interests.
Moving
When you're packing for a move overseas, the temptation is to bring everything you think you might need. But most expats will tell you the same thing once they've settled in Mauritius: I brought too much. The truth is, you can find just about everything here. Well-stocked pharmacies, modern supermarkets, fresh produce markets, and even expat resale groups are all easy to access. So, what do you really need to pack? And what can you confidently leave behind without a second thought?
Everyday life
Picture this: you're working under the shade of a coconut tree, laptop balanced on your knees, smoothie in hand, with a turquoise lagoon just behind your screen. It's the dream, and, yes, the Instagram cliché, of remote work in Mauritius. And to be fair, it's a tempting one. The island offers year-round sunshine, postcard beaches, a convenient time zone, and a streamlined visa for digital nomads. What's not to like? But after the suitcase is unpacked and the sunburn fades, reality sets in. Life in Mauritius is sweet, but it's still life. Remote work here isn't just about beachside brainstorming and tropical backdrops. It also means sorting out logistics, dealing with occasional isolation, and navigating sometimes patchy internet connections. Here's what it's really like—straight from people who've lived it.
Leisure
August 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for culture lovers in Mauritius. From music and dance to storytelling and live performance, the island will come alive with creative energy. This year's calendar celebrates local talent and opens the door to international collaborations, offering something fresh and diverse at every turn. Whether you're drawn to immersive shows, intimate concerts, high-energy rock festivals, or vibrant youth productions, you'll find it all happening at some of the island's most iconic venues—including the Caudan Arts Centre and the Café du Vieux Conseil. Whatever your age or taste, this August promises moments worth remembering.
Everyday life
In Mauritius, paying for your coffee with a QR code is perfectly normal. Need a ride? Just message “Jean-Luc Taxi – Marie Jo's cousin.” And yes, it really works. So naturally, when you arrive, your first reflex is to grab your phone and open the App Store. You start downloading the usual apps— Uber, Google Pay... only to find out they don't work here. These global apps have no idea where you are. This article is here to save you from the dreaded “service not available in your region.” Whether you're landing from London, Johannesburg, Mumbai, or Montreal, here's a list of apps that actually work in Mauritius — and a few you can uninstall without a second thought.
Everyday life
When people think of Mauritius, they often picture a place with a low cost of living — reasonable rent, affordable meals. But behind this appealing image lies a more complicated reality. Imported goods are expensive, inflation is unpredictable, and recent budget reforms are reshaping the landscape. So what does life here really cost — and what should expats expect?
Everyday life
Behind the familiar image of a digital nomad in Mauritius sipping a smoothie by the sea, or a relaxed retiree with their feet buried in the sand, there's another side to the story—less glamorous, but just as real. It's a world built on odd jobs, skill swaps, favors, and informal networks that keep daily life going. A quiet, often invisible economy made of know-how, exchanges, and most of all... human connection. In this way of life, the goal isn't to “win” in any traditional sense. It's about flow—of skills, energy, ideas, time, objects, support, and knowledge. It's an economy rooted in handmade work, local ties, and genuine relationships. And yes, maybe even a hint of freedom.
Leisure
Whether you're pushing your limits on the slopes of Le Morne, moving to amapiano rhythms, or losing yourself in the intimacy of a piano recital, the month offers something for every taste. Expect a bold and varied lineup that blends international headliners with the finest local talent. Stages spring up across the island—from the Caudan Arts Centre to the beaches of Anse La Raie—showcasing a rich cultural calendar that makes winter feel anything but quiet. Here's your guide to the top events heating up the southern winter.
Everyday life
Living in Mauritius is a dream come true for many. But beyond the postcard-perfect images, life here comes with its own set of surprises—small details, habits, and emotions that only those who truly live on the island come to know. Here are 10 things only expats in Mauritius can share… always with a knowing smile.
Everyday life
Living in Mauritius isn't just about changing time zones — it's about changing your rhythm, your tastes, your language, and even your playlist. For expats settling on this multicultural island, diversity isn't just part of the scenery. It's an immersion, a transformation — a whole new way of life. We spoke to several of them. What they shared with us carried the flavor of a curry, the warmth of a séga, and the joy of a heartfelt “mo kontan twa.” Here's what they told us.
Everyday life
When people talk about Mauritius, they immediately think of turquoise lagoons, filao trees swaying in the wind, and a gentle pace of life that inspires dreams far beyond the Indian Ocean. But beyond the beaches and palm trees, one question often arises for those considering a move: what about safety? Let's take a closer look at safety in Mauritius, supported by figures and the experiences of those who have lived elsewhere.
Leisure
From theatre and comedy to live music, dance, and visual arts, June 2025 promises a vibrant cultural season in Mauritius. Local talent and international acts will take the stage at key venues such as the Caudan Arts Centre, the Trianon Convention Centre, and the Ruins of Balaclava. Whether you're into concerts, stage performances, festivals, or exhibitions, this curated selection highlights the month's must-see events.
Everyday life
Living in Mauritius without a car might seem like a daring choice. With buses that run on their own schedule, narrow or nonexistent sidewalks, and distances that often feel longer than they look on the map, getting around can be a real test of patience. But, as with most things, it comes down to strategy and mindset. Letting go of the steering wheel can also mean letting go of certain constraints—and gaining a new perspective on the island. So, is life without a car in Mauritius a logistical nightmare or an unexpected path to freedom? Let's take a closer look.
Everyday life
Mauritians love their food — and they love when newcomers are curious enough to try it. With a cuisine shaped by many cultures, it's hard to resist diving in fork-first. Curries in every variety, dholl puri sold on the street, chili cakes eaten like snacks, and the famous Sino-Mauritian "mine bouillie" or "bol renversé" for lunch — it's all part of the experience. But during your first few months, the excitement of discovery can easily lead to weight gain and an unbalanced diet. So how can you enjoy Mauritius' food scene without sacrificing your health, especially if you're used to very different eating habits?
Every 1st of May, Mauritius dons a singular mood. Labour Day, more than a mere public holiday, is a poignant echo of collective memory, a confluence of political fervour and familial joy. It's a day when the island pauses to honour the champions of the workers' movement, to rally behind ideals, or simply to lounge on sun-drenched shores. Amid fiery political meetings and breezy beach picnics, the celebration embodies the vibrant social tapestry of the nation.
As Easter approaches, Mauritius gears up for a particularly joyful time. This island celebration transcends religious significance, weaving together spirituality, culinary indulgence, and the magnetic pull of family gatherings. For expatriates eager to experience Easter through a different lens, Mauritius offers a singular blend of faith, flavours, and festivity.
Everyday life
Five cases of chikungunya have been reported during the past week in Mauritius, marking the first occurrence since 2009. In response, the Mauritian authorities have swiftly enacted measures to curb the virus's spread. It is crucial for both residents and expatriates to remain informed and vigilant. This article provides comprehensive information about chikungunya, updates on the situation in Mauritius, and guidance on safeguarding yourself and your loved ones.
Everyday life
Mauritius is currently facing a significant challenge in water management. The country's seven main reservoirs are only 44.5% full on average, a stark decrease from 92.6% around the same time last year, reports the Water Resources Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities. Although recent rainfall has brought some relief, it hasn't been enough to alleviate concerns, especially with the La Ferme reservoir at a mere 24.7% capacity.
Other Types
Tax
If you live, work, invest, or are planning to relocate to Mauritius, the 2026-2027 Budget deserves your attention. Far from being a routine fiscal update, it marks a significant shift in the country's social and economic policies. From retirement and social contributions to taxation and property, several of the announced measures could directly impact your finances and future plans. Here's what they mean for expats in practical terms.
Work
From opening a startup's first international office in Dubai to scaling and selling a successful events-tech company before launching a new AI venture from Mauritius, Aymeric de Guerre has built his career around identifying opportunities and taking calculated risks. As the co-founder of Duodeal, he is rethinking how businesses create and deliver commercial proposals through artificial intelligence and interactive customer experiences. In this interview, he reflects on the milestones that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has drawn from working across international markets, and why he believes Mauritius has the potential to become a leading hub for innovation and startups.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam unveiled Mauritius' 2026-2027 Budget on June 19 against a backdrop of improving economic indicators. Inflation has fallen to 3.7%, foreign exchange reserves have reached a record USD 10.3 billion, tourist arrivals exceeded 1.4 million in 2025, and GDP is expected to grow by 3.2%. While the government's priority is to restore public finances, it also aims to strengthen investment, job creation and long-term competitiveness. For expatriates, prospective residents, international students and foreign investors, the Budget sends a clear message: Mauritius is becoming more selective about who it welcomes, while offering new incentives to the talent, capital and expertise it hopes to attract. Here's what you need to know.
Everyday life
What if a plane ticket could change the course of your life? For Célia Debove, that's exactly what happened. At 32, she made the bold decision to leave behind the beauty salon she had spent eight years building, her loyal clients, and the life she knew in northern France to start over in Mauritius. It wasn't an escape, but a conscious choice to live in alignment with the person she had become through years of solo travel, self-discovery, and personal growth. Now based in the south of the island, she helps travelers design meaningful experiences and encourages women who dream of traveling alone to take their first step into the unknown. In this interview, she reflects on the doubts, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her journey.
Sponsored
Magellan
Wrong permit, wrong structure, underestimated banking delays: some relocations to Mauritius fall behind from the very first weeks. Not because the island is complicated. But because the steps were not prepared in the right order.
Work
A tech entrepreneur for more than twenty years and based in Mauritius for the past five, Breno Le Gal has built a career that bridges digital innovation, craftsmanship and local entrepreneurship. After founding Ewa's Kitchen, an artisanal business born from a deeply personal journey, he went on to create Crafty, an AI-powered management solution designed to support artisans and independent creators. In this interview, Breno shares his entrepreneurial journey, his perspective on the challenges facing Mauritian artisans, and his vision for a more accessible digital future for small businesses.
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