good to know
Knowing basic facts about the country always comes handy, especially when you travel to a new place. It won’t take much time to learn some basic facts, but it has a potential to save you precious time and money.
Q. What is the official currency used on Rodrigues island?
Since Rodrigues island is under Mauritian territory, the official currency is Mauritian Rupee. You can check the current exchange rates online to have the most accurate budget planning.
Q. Where is Rodrigues and what’s its status related to territory?
Rodrigues island is a volcanic island located in the middle of the Indian ocean. The island is just about 550 km east from Mauritius and it’s under the territory of Mauritius. In the past, the island used to be a district of Mauritius, but from 2002., it became an autonomous region with its capital Port Mathurin.
Q. How to get to Rodrigues island?
You can choose between two ways to get to this remote island – by plane or boat. If you’re thinking about a boat ride, then you should be prepared for a ride that usually lasts anywhere from 36 to 48 hours. There is only one boat line departing from Mauritius (Port Louis) riding all the way to a tiny Port Mathurin. A plane is a way faster and more convenient way that takes only about 2 hours from Mauritius. Air Mauritius operates on a daily basis with more than 5 flights per day.
Q. What’s the time zone on Rodrigues island?
The island has two time zones depending on the season. GMT +3 in summer and GMT +4 in winter.
Q. Is internet stable and what are the options?
WiFi is accessible mainly in hotels and cafes. There are a few free hotspots in Port Mathurin, but don’t expect fast speeds. A government is putting a lot of effort in upgrading the connectivity and internet around the island. Two mobile phone networks are available on the island that support roaming.
Q. What is the official language on the island?
The official language is Creole French that is almost identical as French (with slight changes), but people tend to have a different accent. French is used everywhere as well as English that is commonly used in documents.
Q. Do you need a visa and what’s the process of getting one?
When it comes to visa, the best would be to check details with your embassy. European and South African countries don’t need visa, while other countries need a pre-arranged visa for Mauritius. Check with your embassy the process and documentation needed to obtain your visa on time.
Q. Is water drinkable on the island (other health concerns)?
According to official tourism sources, tap water is drinkable, but the government advises to drink bottled water. The island has a source of water that locals use to drink without any reported health complications. It’s advisable to avoid drinking tap water during cyclone season. There is no mandatory vaccine needed for visiting the island and also, there is not any reported case of malaria. For your safety, take essential medicine and a first-aid kit.
Q. How to get around the island?
There are many options including local buses, cars, taxi and motorbike. Local buses are a very cheap and convenient way to explore the island but be prepared to share it with sometimes too many locals. There are cars and motorcycles for rent at hotels and guest houses and the price hugely depends on the place.
Q. What is the weather like on the island?
The good news is that rainfall is very rare with only dozen of showers during the low season. The best period to plan your trip is between November and April since the temperature averages at 30C. Be aware that this period is the time of cyclones, especially during January and February. The period from May to October is a bit cooler with average temperatures of 24C. The water temperature averages at 24C over the whole year.
discover more
If you really want to enjoy the beauty of Rodrigues, then you need to go out and explore! Meet the people and see the landscapes.
There are a lot of things to see and do, way too many things! Let us guide you towards the best things to do in Rodrigues through our blog.
