The Republic of Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean not too far from southeastern coast of Africa and alongside the island of Madagascar. Its exports include sugar and textiles as well as services and tourism. The currency, the rupee, trades under the initials MUR. It is worth 100 cents.
History
The history of
currency in Mauritius only dates back to the early 1700s. In 1715, the
French East India Company made a settlement on the island. They called
it the Île de France. The French merchants used it as a port of call
trading with Spanish silver and Indian gold and silver coins. In 1723,
the French administration of the region struck coins for the two
possessions: Mauritius and Réunion in Réunion. The Paris mint took over
the task from 1779 to 1782.
In 1810, the only coins were of
silver dollars consisting of 10 livre pieces. That same year, the
British successfully captured the island as well as Réunion. In 1814,
they returned Réunion to France, but kept Mauritius. They chose to use
a styleof the Spanish dollar, striking it in 1820 and 1822. The
sterling followed in 1825, but the ties between Mauritius and India
proved a problem. The government from 1834 to 1862 undertook their
administrative finances in dollars, but the local merchants conducted
their business in Indian rupees.
This system came to a compromise in 1877 with the recognition of the rupee as the official standard. This set the system at 100 cents equals 1 rupee. Although no rupee coins, only cents, appeared, this approach seemed to help the monetary system run smoothly.
Finally, with independence in the 1960s, the coin system began to alter to reflect the country. Although the British Monarch remained s the head of state on the coins, the money began the change towards a new currency system. After achieving total independence from Britain in 1992, the Republic of Mauritius continues to base their currency on the rupee. Today, they mint 1, 5, 10 and 20- rupee coins as well as 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000-rupee banknotes.
Obtaining Mauritius Rupees
It is not difficult to obtain the local currency. Banks and moneychangers provide you with the chance to obtain Mauritius rupees. Large hotels are also another source of local currency, although they tend to offer the worst rates. There are also ATMs. In Mauritius, they are widespread. You can find them located just outside banks. They are also in airports, some shopping malls and the larger supermarkets.
Protecting Your Currency
The rate of crime in Mauritius is low. Yet, you should be wary of walking alone at night. If you go to the central market in Port Louis, be watchful of your money. There are pickpockets active in this tourist region. The same thing applies for Grand Baie and Flicen Flac. Take the usual precautions to prevent theft.
Using Your Mauritius Rupees
The island is a great place to spend your local money. There are the craft markets including those on the Caudan Waterfront. If you decide to purchase anything, try to make it truly representative of this country. Go for Mauritius glass, essential oils, basketry, leather belts or bags, vaoas hat or baskets, spices, teas and even model ships.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Be aware of what drugs you bring into the country. Mauritius bans some pharmaceuticals. If you ignore the law, you face prosecution and fines.
- Weather is always a factor in the timing of any visit. Mauritius has cyclones.
- Go to the Natural History Museum at Port Louis or visit the Jummat Mosque, Chinatown or the Blue Penny museum.
- Head to Gran Baie for its water-focuses activities or to Eureka Estate an example of Creole architecture.
- There is diving at Rodrigues among the corals or at Flic-en-Flac.
- Go hiking in Black River Gorges National Park or see the Tamarin Falls.
- There is the Mauritius Aquarium.
- Why not spend a day at the Pamplemousse with the famous Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolen Botanical Gardens.
Overview
The
islands Republic of Mauritius is off the southeast coast of Africa near
Madagascar. Tourism continues to grow as a viable economic tool.
For factual information and data, go to www.gov.mu. For travel information, see www.mauritius.net.
Currency Summary
Current currency: rupee
100 cents equal 1 rupee
Coins: 1, 5, 10 and 20 rupees
Banknotes: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 rupees