Seychelles Travel Info

Electricity
The Seychelles the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances on the Seychelles, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240V. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V, you need a voltage converter on the Seychelles. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Time Zone
Seychelles GMT + 3 (2 hour ahead of continental Europe)

Currency
Seychelles Rupee (SCR; symbol Rs) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Rs 500, 100, 50, 25 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rs 5, 10 and 25 cents, plus 1- and 5-Rupee denominations.

Mobile Phones
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies and coverage is good on most of the islands.

Bugs
With Seychelles being located just off the east coast of Africa you may encounter all manner of local wildlife (insects, reptiles, small mammals, rodents, cockroaches). Lights attract bugs so don’t leave your lights on when you leave your room.
Mosquitoes are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net. Regarding medication in malarial areas please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health Organisation.

Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and money are securely stored in your room safe. Do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in cities and on beaches. It is risky to swim at isolated beaches, especially after dark, as the currents are very strong.

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Seychelles. For exceptional service, an additional tip is always welcome.
Hotels and restaurants tend to include a tip of 5-10%, but luxury hotels and high-end restaurants may charge 10-15%

Safety on Safari
The basic rules of safari are:
Don’t feed animals you don’t own.
If you don’t know ask.
Always listen to your guide.
Do not go walkabout without a guide.
Wild animals are called that because they are wild and unpredictable.

Road Safety
The main roads on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are good, and they are well signposted. Apart from Victoria, the roads are generally quiet. Be vigilant, as roads in Mahe are often narrow and steep.

Health
These are merely guidelines please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health Organisation.

There is a large general hospital in Victoria, and there are clinics elsewhere on Mahe, La Digue and Praslin. Visitors can obtain medical treatment for a small fee from government clinics or pay a higher price for private doctors. Many hotels also offer a 24-hour doctor on call services for guests. Medical insurance is advised.

Food and Drink
Tap water is chlorinated and safe to drink. But if you are concerned, bottled water is widely available. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks
Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B are sometimes recommended. Keep a lookout for Dengue Fever too.

Recommended Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. Exempt: Children under 1 year, those not leaving the airport whilst in transit and those entering Seychelles not having left an airport during transit in affected countries.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Rabies and Dengue Fever.

Visas (all subject to change without notice)
All travellers need a valid passport (usually valid for 6 months after your trip), with sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (usually at least two).
Seychelles is a visa-free country, meaning anyone is welcome to visit for tourism purposes without a visa. You will be allowed to stay for up to 30 days as long as you have an onward or return ticket, proof of sufficient funds and organised accommodation for the duration of your stay.

Language
Seychelles has three official languages, Creole, English and French.

Religion
The majority of the Seychellois population follow Christianity (Catholic and Anglican); Islam, Baha'i and other minorities are also represented.

Culture and Customs
The Seychellois are a vibrant blend of people of various races, cultures and religions, due to their mixed African, European and Asian roots. Their unique identity is evident in their local art, music, dance, cuisine and architecture.
The people of Seychelles are wonderfully laid back and easy going; their greetings are simple and casual dress is acceptable. Many beaches (but not all) tolerate topless sunbathing; however, nudism is not acceptable.
As many people in Seychelles follow their traditional way of life, visitors should be sensitive to customs which will inevitably be unfamiliar to them. Bear in mind that outside urban areas and safari destinations, people may well not be used to visitors. Homosexuality is illegal in Seychelles and drug related offences are punished severely. Live tortoises, shells and unprocessed coco-de-mer may not be exported.

Photography
Do not photograph government institutions / buildings without checking with your guide. When photographing people ask permission; in some tourist areas it is customary to pay to take photographs.

When to travel
Seychelles, with its tropical climate, is a wonderful destination throughout the year. The peak tourist season is from December to January and July to August. The best time to visit depends largely on the activities you wish to engage in during your stay. For the avid bird watcher, April is a great time to experience the breeding season, May to September is the nesting season and migration takes place during October. October to April is the ideal time for fishing, while sailing and snorkelling are year-round activities. May through to September is excellent for hiking and walking trails as well as surfing and wind surfing.