Seychelles: What you need to know before traveling
Traveling to Seychelles? Find the most relevant details and essential information in our Seychelles travel guide.
Do you dream of a sundowner on a secluded tropical beach or on a rocky outcrop without a single soul in sight? All this can be yours on a stunning Seychelles vacation! Experience your own island paradise on one of the Seychelles’ hundred islands that are scattered across the Indian Ocean and thousands of miles from anywhere. Being a tropical paradise, the dry, winter months are considered the best time to visit Seychelles, when you can explore the lush wilderness, laze on pristine palm-fringed beaches, and snorkel in unspoiled coral reefs, while enjoying pleasant weather.
In addition to offering fantastic snorkeling, diving and sailing experiences, the Seychelles are an exciting fishing destination for both experienced and novice fishermen. Spectacular trophy sailfish and marlin, together with tuna, shark and giant barracudas, can be pursued on charter boats and fishing excursions suitable for everyone. The hotels are generally small and sensitive to their surroundings with the main emphasis being on relaxation, informality and simplicity.
If you are wondering is Seychelles safe to visit, rest assured. These tiny islands on the Indian Ocean are some of the safest in the world. Ideal for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Seychelles can be appreciated on a long relaxing stay at a luxury resort, or island-hopping by plane or yacht.
Currency and cards
The currency of the Seychelles is the rupee (SCR) but tourists can also pay in US Dollars or Euros.
In Seychelles, you are required by law to pay exclusively in a common foreign currency. Therefore, all the costs that you incur, such as accommodation charges, car rental costs, entrance fees for national parks, diving or chartered boat expenses, need to be paid in US Dollars or Euros. Typically, payments can also be made via credit cards. Taxi and restaurant bills that are not directly related to your accommodation, must be paid in local currency or a commonly used foreign currency. Seychelles rupees are accepted only at local markets, shops and nightclubs.
Although most international currencies are likely to be accepted, it is best to carry US Dollars or Euros with you. Access, American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, with limited use of Diners Club cards. You will find that ATMs are readily available in Mahe and Praslin. Your Traveller’s Cheques will be accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops although you are advised to take cheques in either US dollars or Euros. Exchange facilities are available at the airport banks as well as at regular banks, which can be found throughout the major islands. Keep your original currency exchange receipts so you can use them to re-exchange currency while departing.
Communication
The international country code for Seychelles is +248.
The telecommunications system is quite developed in Seychelles. International calls are typically made through the satellites and communication between individual islands and the African coast is through the radio. Most luxury accommodations, no matter how remote, offer Internet connectivity, telephone and fax facilities.
Health information
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travelers arriving from infected areas. It is important that you carry mosquito repellent and wear long sleeved clothes and trousers at dawn and dusk as there are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Rabies may be present in certain areas. Some cases of typhoid have been reported in rural areas, and hepatitis A and B can also occur in the islands.
The sun is extremely powerful in the Seychelles as it is so close to the equator. Even if it doesn’t seem to be very bright outside, you can still burn easily. It is essential to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Tap water is normally chlorinated and although relatively safe, it may cause mild stomach upsets so it is advisable to drink only bottled water. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe to eat as well as local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables.
You will find a large hospital in Victoria and clinics elsewhere on La Digue, Mahe and Praslin, but medical facilities are somewhat limited. There are several pharmacies available in Victoria, but they are pretty sparse elsewhere. On other islands, government clinics are available, but treatment offered is not always up to international standards. You can avail of emergency treatment for a basic consultancy fee, although any additional medical treatment could be expensive. We recommend that you sign up for comprehensive medical insurance for any unforeseen circumstances.
Seychelles travel guide: Local customs
The local people in the Seychelles live a simple and unsophisticated island life and tourism is carefully controlled so that the charm and natural beauty of the island is protected and undisturbed. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting for both men and women. Seychellois are very hospitable and enjoy inviting guests to their homes. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone’s house, taking a simple gift is the norm. Casual wear is essential, with formal clothes only being worn to church services. Swimwear and revealing clothes should only be worn on the beaches or by the pool.
Tipping and taxes
Tips in restaurants and hotels as well as tips for taxi drivers and porters are usually included in all bills, as a 5 to 10 percent addition. If however, you are extremely happy with the service, an additional 5 or 10 percent will be much appreciated. Tax-free shopping can be enjoyed at the international airport in Victoria.
Our destination experts are happy to share their personal Seychelles travel tips and plan your personalized and private tour of Seychelles. Contact us today for your obligation-free itinerary.
Popular Trips to Seychelles
Wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and birds chirping in the lush forests beyond, on this 11-day tour of Seychelles. Explore the charming capital of Victoria set in Mahe, the largest island here. Discover the picturesque beaches and nature reserves at Praslin Island, before spending a few days soaking in…
If you’ve been dreaming of sinking your feet in the sands of tropical beaches, this 8-day tour to Seychelles could be just the break you need. Mahe, the largest island, beckons with its rich culture, lush vegetation and stunning beaches. Hop over to the island of Praslin with its palm-fringed beaches and UNESCO-listed nature reserves….
Experience the wonderful wilderness of Kenya and the blissful serenity of Seychelles on this customizable vacation. Your journey begins at the wildlife-rich Lewa Conservancy, which limits visitor numbers. Keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo and endangered animals such as the black rhino and Grevy’s zebra. Fabulous Big Five sightings await you at Masai Mara,…
Experience wild animals, natural wonders, and picture-perfect beaches on this bespoke Africa tour. Begin with a bang by taking a boat trip across the Zambezi River and boarding a helicopter to fly over the roaring Victoria Falls. Just next door, Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population and plenty of other wildlife, which…
Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of tropical island paradises! Stunningly beautiful, the Seychelles are just as popular for water sports and underwater explorations as they are for relaxation and wellness. With soft white sand under your feet and the azure ocean before you, enjoy secluded, romantic getaways in luxury resorts and island hopping in Mahe, La…
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Best Places To Visit
Best Time To Visit
Seychelles is blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate. It’s always a good time to visit, although different times of year may be better suited to your particular interests. Here is an overview.
Things To Do
With its sandy beaches, azure waters and rich and varied marine life abounding in the stunning coral reefs, Seychelles, surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean is a divers’ paradise. Here’s our list of top ten things to do in Seychelles.
Safety
Seychelles is an extremely safe destination for your vacation, whether you are traveling alone or with your family. However, it is best to take some simple safety measures to ensure that your holiday is stress-free.
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