Tourist information

Documents, vaccinations and visas

It is quite indispensable to be in possession of a valid passport. But you neither need a visa nor any kind of vaccination.

Language

The official language is Creole, but almost all the inhabitants speak fluent French and English.

Dress

Sporting and informal dress is undoubtedly the most appropriate for a holiday in the islands, but in the evenings men will do well to wear long trousers in some of the hotels. And don’t forget your sunglasses, an electric torch, protective suntan creams, a cloth hat and, if you are a snorkelling fan, mask, fins and respirator mouthpiece.

Religion

The population of the Seychelles is for the most part Christian: Catholic, Anglican and Protestant. There are also Chinese and Indian minorities, who practice their traditional religions.

Political system

The Seychelles are an independent republic within the British Commonwealth.

Time zone

During the winter the time difference between the Seychelles and Italy amounts to three hours (i.e. noon in Italy corresponds to 3 p.m. in Mahé), but this is reduced to two hours during the period when summertime (daylight saving) is in force in Italy.

Transport

Car hire

The best way of visiting the island of Mahé is to hire a car. All you need is an official driving licence of your own country. There is a speed limit of 45 km/h in inhabited centres and you have to drive on the left.

Public transport

A scheduled bus service is available at Mahé and Praslin between 5.30 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. (Attention: reduced service on Sundays!).
Regular ferry and catamaran services operate between the islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Currency

The banks publish the exchange rate fluctuations each day and you can also change your at the principal hotels and at Exchange Agents Offices.
Credit cards (American Express, Visa, Diners) and traveller’s cheques are accepted in practically all the hotels and restaurants.

Banks

The banks are open from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Special counters at the airport open on the occasion of the arrival and departure of international flights.

Security

We would suggest that you keep cash, passports and other valuable objects in the safe in stalled in the house. Carry only such cash as is strictly necessary when you go to the beach or on trips.

Voltage

The electricity supply throughout the Seychelles is 240 V, three-phase. All the equipment installed at Villa Rochelle designed for this voltage.

Telephones

The dialling code for the Seychelles is 00248. Before you leave, find out in your own country (though you can also do this in the Seychelles) what dialling code you have to use when calling home. Card-operated public telephones are available in the Seychelles.
Also, we advise to buy a SIM card from local operators.

Shopping

You will find the products of a flourishing local craftsmanship in the shops in Victoria and at the Artisan Village of Anse aux Pins: handbags, hats and palm-leaf baskets, objects made from coconut shells, seashell jewelry, and cosmetics derive from coconuts. At the market in Victoria, moreover, you can buy numerous spices and coco oil. While the boutiques offer you hand-printed cloths (batik), finely inlaid boxes and many other things. The shops are open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon on Saturdays. Some shops are also open on Sunday mornings.

Warning

The production and sale of articles made from turtle shells has been forbidden in the Seychelles ever since 1 January 1995. Should you be offered such articles as contraband, it is as well to refuse, not only because the demand for such products encourages the massacre of a species in danger of extinction, but also because export is illegal in almost all the countries of the world, Europe included, and you would therefore risk substantial fines and the confiscation of the products.

Useful telephone numbers

• Ambulance and Fire Brigade – Tel. 999

• Hospitals

  • Victoria Hospital – Tel. 388000
  • North East Point Hospital – Tel.241044

• Police

  • Glacis Police Station – Tel. 261161
  • Beau Vallon Police Station – Tel. 288000

• Airports

  • Airport, International Flights – Tel. 384400
  • Air Seychelles, National Flights – Tel. 381340