What is the Currency in Mauritius?

What is the Currency of Mauritius?

If you’re travelling to Mauritius—whether for a honeymoon, a luxury beach escape or to explore its lush landscapes—it’s important to know what currency is used and how to handle your money while abroad. This guide is tailored for UK travellers and explains the official currency, exchange tips, and how best to pay while visiting the island.

What currency does Mauritius use?

The official currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee, abbreviated as MUR and commonly denoted by the symbol Rs. All payments—whether for hotels, restaurants, transport, or shopping—are made in rupees.

You may see prices written as "Rs 100" or simply "100 MUR".

How is the Mauritian rupee structured?

The rupee is a decimal currency, divided into 100 cents. While cents are rarely used in everyday transactions due to rounding, you will most commonly encounter the following denominations:

• Banknotes: Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 500, Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000

• Coins: Rs 1, Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20

At the time of writing, £1 is worth approximately 55–60 Mauritian rupees, but exchange rates fluctuate, so check a reliable source before you travel or convert money.

Can you use British pounds or other foreign currencies in Mauritius?

Foreign currencies such as GBP, EUR or USD are not accepted for everyday purchases. However, major hotels, resorts and some tour operators may quote prices in euros or dollars and may accept foreign currency in limited situations—but you’ll usually receive change in rupees, and the conversion rate may not be favourable.

All local transactions—shops, restaurants, taxis—must be paid in Mauritian rupees.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Mauritius?

Mauritius is relatively card-friendly, especially in urban areas and tourist resorts. Most hotels, restaurants and larger businesses accept Visa and Mastercard. However, cash is still essential, particularly when visiting markets, using taxis or exploring rural parts of the island.

UK visitors are advised to bring a fee-free travel card (like Starling, Monzo or Revolut) and a small amount of British pounds or euros to exchange locally.

Where to get Mauritian rupees

Mauritian rupees are not widely available in the UK, so it's often best to exchange currency once you arrive. You can do this at:

• Banks

• Official currency exchange counters at the airport

• Hotel receptions (though rates may be slightly lower)

ATMs are available across the island and accept most UK-issued cards. Just ensure your card is enabled for overseas use.

Tips for managing money in Mauritius

• Always pay in Mauritian rupees for better value

• Use ATMs connected to banks to minimise withdrawal fees

• Carry small denominations for taxis, tips and local shopping

• Keep receipts if exchanging money, in case you wish to convert leftover cash before departure

• Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated—round up bills or leave 5–10% in restaurants

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is assuming euros or pounds are accepted everywhere—they are not. Another is relying solely on card payments. In more remote or traditional areas, cash is still king, so always have some rupees on hand.

Also, avoid changing large amounts of money at the airport unless necessary—bank rates in towns or hotels are usually better.

In summary

Mauritius uses the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) as its official currency. While cards are widely accepted, especially in resorts and cities, cash remains important for day-to-day purchases. UK travellers should carry a mix of rupees and a fee-free travel card to manage their money efficiently and avoid overpaying due to poor exchange rates.