Best Bitcoin Exchange for Mauritius

The Mauritian rupee is the official currency of Mauritius and is known on the international money markets through the code MUR. The rupee consists of 100 subunits of cents. The currency is issued by the Bank of Mauritius in the form of coins and banknotes. The coins are minted in 20, 10, 5, 1 and half rupee denominations as well as the rarely used 20 and 5 cent denominations. Banknotes are issued in 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25 rupee denominations. The Mauritian rupee was introduced in 1877 and replaced the Mauritian dollar by half its value and was tied to the Indian rupee at face value. The country has used other currencies as official legal tender throughout its history, including the Dutch guilder, the French colonial book and the Mauritius dollar.

The Dutch guilder

Mauritius became a Dutch colony in 1638 and was used during the crossing to Asia as a refreshing station of Dutch shipping. During this time the Dutch guilder was used as the official currency on the island for trade purposes. The Dutch guilder was minted by the county of Holland in silver coins. One guilder consisted of 100 subunits of cents. However, the Dutch occupation of the island was short, plagued by droughts, cyclones and tropical diseases and the Dutch finally left Mauritius in 1710.

The French colonial Livre

In 1715, Mauritius was placed under French colonial control along with other surrounding islands and was effectively known as the Isle of France. During this time, France had grown to become the largest maritime trading country in Europe, with world exports estimated at 25 million pounds. As a result, the island of Mauritius and its largest city, Port Louis, became an important trading center in the Indian Ocean, trading in slavery as an important economic activity on the island. The French colonial government gave Livre to Isle de France to be used as the official currency for national and international trade in the colony. The French colonial book was issued in banknotes and consisted of subunits known as sous, where 20 sous corresponded to 1 livre. The currency circulated throughout Mauritius until 1820, when it was replaced by the Mauritius dollar.

The Mauritius dollar

Mauritius was placed under British rule after the British conquered the island in December 3rd, 1810 and officially became a British colony after the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1814, the island being known as the Crown Colony of Mauritius. The Mauritian dollar was introduced to the island in 1820 by the imperial government in London as a replacement for the French colonial Livre. The Mauritius dollar was minted in coinage and was minted in sixteen, eighth, half and quarter dollars on silver coins. The currency also became known as the anchor dollar due to the presence of an anchor on their faces. The government issued more Mauritius dollars in the 1820’s with the introduction of copper coins in 1822. The Mauritian dollar was originally linked to the Indian rupee, but was later linked to the sterling schilling, with one Mauritian dollar representing four pounds sterling. The Mauritian dollar was replaced by the Mauritius rupee in 1877.

Interesting facts about payment, entry and visas

Not sure which documents are required to enter Mauritius? And how much cash should you exchange in advance in Germany? In this article, we have has compiled all the important information on entry requirements and the currency in Mauritius for you.

In Mauritius, holidaymakers pay in souvenir shops and markets usually in rupees (Rs). A rupee is divided into 100 cents and available in coins of one, five, 20 and 50 cents, and one, five and ten rupees. Banknotes are available in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 Rupees. Everywhere it is common to trade prices, the only exception being food.

We recommend that you take higher sums with you rather than traveller’s cheques, you can cash them easily in most banks. But the easiest way is to pay by EC or credit card – which also saves you interest.

Visa for Mauritius: Entry documents

To enter Mauritius, holidaymakers only need their passport and a confirmed return ticket, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. On the basis of these documents, holidaymakers then receive a visa, which is already filled out in the plane on arrival. If you plan to extend your stay, it is best to enter more than a few days in the form.

A visa is valid for up to three months, but can be extended to a maximum of six months. You must also have copies of your passport and confirmed return ticket for the extension. You will also need a written confirmation from the hotel or a private person from Mauritius who will provide you with accommodation. In this way, the authorities ensure that the applicant can pay for his stay himself.

Entry requirements for Mauritius: Information from the Federal Foreign Office

When preparing your trip, it is best to clarify all important questions with the Federal Foreign Office again and check in good time whether your passport is still valid for at least six months at the start of your holiday. If you do not have German citizenship, you should enquire at the relevant embassy.