Leave prepared for your holiday in the Seychelles, here you will find all the information you need
Documents, vaccinations and visas
It is essential to have a valid passport for at least 6 months after leaving the country visited and with at least 2 free pages for entry and exit stamps.
A visa is required, in this historical moment, which you can do independently on the Govtas website at a cost of 10 Euros.
No vaccine is required other than the complete AntiCovid vaccination course or PCR TEST or RAPID ANTIGENIC TEST.
Language
The official language is Creole but almost all the inhabitants speak English and French fluently because they are teached in schools.
Clothing
The most suitable clothing for your holiday in the Seychelles is undoubtedly sporty and informal; in the evening in several hotels it is advisable to wear long trousers for men. If you want to know what to pack read the article.
Religion
The Seychellois population is largely Christian: Catholic, Anglican and Protestant. There are also Chinese, Indian and Muslim minorities who practice their traditional religions.
Political regime
Seychelles is an independent republic within the Commonwealth.
Time zone
During the solar time period, the difference between Italy and the Seychelles is +3 hours; when daylight saving time is in effect, the difference is +2 hours.
Rental car
The best way to visit the island of Mahé and Praslin is to rent a car. An Italian driving license is sufficient, the speed limit in built-up areas is 45 km, but remember that driving is on the left. On the island of La Digue, on the other hand, you go around by bicycle. I recommend there are some bits of road that are a bit steep and if you are not trained, like me, you should get off and push your bike.
Public transport
On Mahè and Praslin there is a bus service that runs between 5.30 and 19.00 (reduced service on Sundays).
There is also a regular ferry service between the islands of Mahè – Praslin CATCOCO and Praslin – La Digue CATROSE.
Taxi
On Mahè they can be found at the airport, in hotels and at the central car park in the capital Victoria. On Praslin they can be found at hotels and at the airport. However, you can also call them directly to book them.
Currency
Banks publish exchange rate fluctuations every day, but there is also the possibility to change in hotels and by stockbrokers.
American Express, Visa, Diners and Traveller’s Check credit cards are generally accepted in almost all hotels and restaurants.
The exchange rate is 1 € = approximately Rs 14.46 but to know the currency in real time CLICK HERE
Banks
Banks are open from 8.30 to 14.30 from Monday to Friday. At the airport there are counters open for the arrival and departure of international flights.
Safety
We recommend depositing money, passports and other valuables in the home safe. We recommend that you bring the necessary cash when hiking or on the beach.
Voltage
In all locations the electricity is 240 Volts with three-pole sockets. In the house all electrical appliances are adapted.
Phones
To call the Seychelles you need to dial the prefix 00248; followed by the number you need to call.
When you are in Mahé, we advise you to buy a rechargeable SIM CARD from local operators so that you can also include internet browsing in your rate plan. The two telephone operators are AIRTEL and CABLE & WIRLESS. When you leave immigration at Mahè airport you will find two information boxes where you can ask for anything that interests you.
Shopping
You will find a thriving local handicraft in the shops of Victoria and at VICTORIA MARKET “Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market“: handbags, hats and baskets made of palm leaf, objects made from coconut shells, shell jewelry, coconut based cosmetics. In the boutiques you can buy colored batiks, sarongs, inlaid boxes and many other things. The shops are open from 08.00 to 17.00 from Monday to Friday and from 08.00 to 12.00 on Saturdays. Some shops are also open on Sunday mornings.
Prohibitions
Since 1 January 1995 in the Seychelles there is a ban on the processing and sale of products made with turtle shells. If someone offers contraband it is good to refuse, not only because the request facilitates the slaughter of an endangered species, but also because the export is illegal in almost all countries of the world, including Europe, and you risk very high fines and the confiscation of objects.
Useful numbers
- AMBULANCE AND FIRE BRIGADE– Tel. 999
- HOSPITAL
- Victoria Hospital – Tel. +248 4 388000
- North East Point Hospital – Tel.+248 4 241044
- Anse Royal Hospital – Tel. +248 4 37 12 22
- POLIZIA
- Stazione di Polizia di Mahé: +248 4288000
- Stazione di Polizia di La Digue: +248 4234251
- Stazione di Polizia di Praslin: +248 423325
AIRPORT
- Airport international flights – Tel. +248 384000
AIRLINES FLYING TO THE SEYCHELLES
- Air Austral
- Air France
- Air Seychelles
- Condor
- Emirates
- Etihad
- Ethiopian
- Kenya Airways
- Qatar
- Swiss Air
- Turkish Airline
With that is all and if you are about to leave I wish you a good trip!
