Living in Mauritius: a practical guide for expatriates
Relocating to Mauritius means choosing an exceptional living environment in a stable, safe and French-speaking country. This practical guide covers all the aspects of daily life you need to know before moving: housing, schools, healthcare, cost of living, transport, climate and the expatriate community.
Mauritius is home to a community of around 15,000 French nationals registered at the consulate (an estimated double when counting the unregistered), making it one of the largest French communities in the Indian Ocean. This presence considerably facilitates the integration of newcomers.
Housing
Residential areas popular with expatriates
Choosing your residential area is one of the most important decisions of your relocation. Each region of Mauritius has its own personality, atmosphere and expatriate profile:
| Area | Atmosphere | 3-bed villa rent (EUR/month) | Expatriate profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Baie / Pereybère | Lively, touristy, beaches, shops, restaurants | 1,000 - 2,500 | Families, couples, active retirees |
| Tamarin / Rivière Noire | Relaxed, surfing, nature, sunsets | 1,200 - 3,000 | Families, sports enthusiasts, long-term expatriates |
| Flic en Flac | Seaside, long beach, accessible, lively | 800 - 1,800 | Moderate budgets, couples, young professionals |
| Moka / Ébène | Urban, Smart City, cool climate, schools nearby | 800 - 2,000 | Professionals, families with children |
| Beau Bassin / Rose Hill | Residential, central, affordable, authentic local life | 600 - 1,200 | Moderate budgets, local immersion |
| Trou aux Biches | Calm, family-friendly, beautiful beaches, north-west | 900 - 2,000 | Families, retirees, seeking calm |
Tips for finding housing
- Favour a short-term rental (1-3 months) on arrival to explore different neighbourhoods and choose your area with full knowledge
- Leases are generally for a minimum of one year, with 2-3 months' deposit required by the landlord
- Check the quality of the water supply (some areas experience cuts) and fibre internet before signing
- Inspect the property during the rainy season (December-March) if possible, to detect damp and leak issues
- Negotiate: landlords are often open to discussing the rent and included equipment (air conditioning, furniture, appliances)
- Favour properties with a backup generator to cope with occasional power cuts
Our advice: the areas most popular with French families are Tamarin/Rivière Noire (close to Lycée des Mascareignes) and Grand Baie (close to École Paul et Virginie and École du Nord). For professionals working at Ébène Cybercity, Moka is the most practical choice.
Education and schooling
French schools (AEFE programme)
Mauritius has several schools accredited by the Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger (AEFE), offering education aligned with the French curriculum:
Lycée La Bourdonnais
Curepipe. From kindergarten to baccalaureate. French curriculum, AEFE-accredited. Around 2,000 students. Fees: EUR 4,000-7,000/year. The oldest and most established French school in Mauritius.
Lycée des Mascareignes
Moka (Bagatelle). From kindergarten to secondary. French curriculum, AEFE-accredited. Modern facilities, recent campus. Popular with expatriates from Tamarin and Moka.
École du Nord
Mapou (North). Accredited French curriculum, kindergarten and primary. Ideal for families living in the North (Grand Baie, Pereybère, Trou aux Biches).
École Paul et Virginie
Grand Baie. French curriculum, kindergarten and primary. Small, friendly structure, popular with families from the North.
International schools
For families seeking a British (Cambridge/IGCSE) or international (IB) programme, Mauritius also offers a solid choice:
- Clavis International Primary School -- British programme, Moka. Kindergarten and primary
- Northfields International High School -- Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma programme, Mapou. Secondary and high school
- Le Bocage International School -- British programme, Moka. From kindergarten to secondary
- Lighthouse International School -- Bilingual British programme. Kindergarten to secondary
- Caudan International School -- IB programme, Port Louis. Recently opened with modern facilities
Higher education
Mauritius is developing its higher education offering with the University of Mauritius (UoM), satellite campuses of foreign universities (Middlesex University, Curtin University) and business schools (Charles Telfair Institute). Many students nevertheless pursue their higher education in France, the United Kingdom, Australia or Canada.
Schooling and scholarships: French families residing in Mauritius may benefit from AEFE scholarships for accredited French schools. Applications are made via the French Consulate in Port Louis. Criteria are based on family income.
Healthcare
Hospitals and clinics
The Mauritian healthcare system operates on a two-tier model. The public sector is free for all residents (including permit holders) but can be overloaded. The private sector offers international-standard care in modern clinics:
| Facility | Type | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellkin Hospital | Private (high-end) | Moka | Surgery, cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics |
| C-Care Clinique Darné | Private | Floréal | General medicine, maternity, 24/7 emergencies |
| City Clinic | Private | Port Louis | General medicine, surgery, specialties |
| Clinique du Nord | Private | Baie du Tombeau | General medicine, paediatrics, minor surgery |
| SSRN Hospital | Public (main) | Pamplemousses | Emergencies, all specialties |
| Victoria Hospital | Public | Candos | Emergencies, all specialties |
Pharmacies and medicines
Pharmacies are numerous and well-stocked across the territory. Most common medicines are available, often as Indian generics at very affordable prices (5 to 10 times cheaper than European equivalents). European or American branded medicines are also available but at higher prices.
Health insurance options
Health insurance is mandatory for all residence permits. Three main options are available to expatriates:
- Local insurance (Swan, MUA, Allianz Maurice) -- EUR 100-250/month, coverage in Mauritius, hospitalisation and consultations in private clinics
- CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger) -- EUR 200-500/month, worldwide coverage, maintains CPAM rights in France, reimbursement at the national health insurance rate
- International insurance (April, Allianz Global, Cigna, Henner) -- EUR 250-600/month, premium worldwide coverage, medical evacuation and repatriation included
Detailed cost of living
Monthly budget for a couple
| Item | Economical budget (EUR) | Comfortable budget (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (furnished rental) | 600 - 1,000 | 1,200 - 2,500 |
| Food (groceries + restaurants) | 400 - 600 | 700 - 1,200 |
| Transport (car, petrol) | 100 - 200 | 200 - 400 |
| Health insurance | 150 - 300 | 300 - 600 |
| Utilities (water, electricity, internet) | 80 - 150 | 150 - 300 |
| Leisure and outings | 200 - 400 | 400 - 800 |
| Domestic help (2x/week) | 80 - 120 | 120 - 200 |
| Schooling (per child/year) | 3,000 - 7,000 | 7,000 - 15,000 |
| Total monthly (excluding schooling) | 1,610 - 2,770 | 3,070 - 6,000 |
Reference prices
| Product / Service | Indicative price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Baguette | 0.30 |
| Litre of milk | 1.00 |
| Kilo of rice | 0.80 - 1.50 |
| Meal at a local restaurant (dholl puri, fried noodles) | 3 - 8 |
| Meal at a mid-range restaurant | 15 - 30 |
| Dinner at a fine-dining restaurant | 40 - 80 |
| Litre of petrol | 1.20 |
| Fibre internet subscription (50-100 Mbps) | 30 - 60 |
| GP consultation (private) | 15 - 30 |
| Local beer (Phoenix) at a bar | 2 - 4 |
| Bottle of French wine (supermarket) | 8 - 25 |
Imported products: local products (fruit, vegetables, fish, spices) are very affordable. On the other hand, products imported from Europe (French cheeses, cured meats, wines, organic products) cost 30 to 100% more than in France due to customs duties and transport. Winners, Super U and Intermart supermarkets offer the best choice of imported products.
Transport
Getting around Mauritius
- Personal car -- The most practical and widely used means of transport for expatriates. Driving on the left (British legacy). Good road network, with the M1 motorway linking north to south. Price of a used car: EUR 5,000-15,000
- Metro Express -- Modern tram line linking Curepipe to Port Louis (26 km), with extensions planned towards Côte-d'Or and Réduit. Fast, punctual and air-conditioned. Ideal for daily commutes between the central plateau and the capital. Discover the infrastructure of Mauritius in detail
- Bus -- Extensive network covering the whole island, very cheap (a few cents per trip). But not very punctual or comfortable, rarely used by expatriates on a daily basis
- Taxi and ride-hailing -- Available everywhere, fares to negotiate in advance. Bolt and TaxiMauritius apps available. Expect EUR 15-30 for an airport-Grand Baie trip
- Driving licence -- A French or international licence is valid for 3 months, after which a local licence is required. The exchange is a simple administrative process (no new test)
Climate and lifestyle
Tropical climate
Summer (November-April)
Hot and humid, 25-33°C. Rainy season with tropical showers (often short and intense). Cyclone season (cyclones are rare but possible in January-March). Ideal period for water sports.
Winter (May-October)
Mild and dry, 18-25°C. Ideal period for hiking, golf and outdoor activities. Evenings can be cool on the central plateau (15-18°C). High tourist season (July-October).
- The central plateau (Curepipe, Moka, Vacoas) is cooler than the coast (3-5 degrees less) and wetter
- The west coast (Tamarin, Flic en Flac, Rivière Noire) is the driest and sunniest part of the island
- The east coast is more exposed to the trade winds, with steady wind (ideal for kitesurfing)
Activities and leisure
Mauritius offers an exceptional diversity of activities for an island of 1,865 km²:
- Water sports -- Scuba diving (coral reefs, wrecks), kitesurfing (Le Morne, Bel Ombre), paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, deep-sea fishing (marlin, tuna)
- Hiking -- Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO), Black River Gorges National Park, Pieter Both, Lion Mountain, Corps de Garde. Trails for all levels
- Golf -- World-class courses: Heritage Golf Club, Anahita Golf Course, Avalon Golf Estate, Tamarina Golf Club, Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club
- Culture and heritage -- Colourful markets (Port Louis Central Market), Hindu temples (Grand Bassin), museums (Blue Penny Museum, Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO), colonial architecture
- Festivals -- Divali (festival of lights), Cavadee (Tamil penance), Chinese New Year, Holi (festival of colours), Maha Shivaratri (Hindu pilgrimage). Mauritius celebrates the traditions of all its communities
- Gastronomy -- Creole, Indian (biryani, curry), Chinese (fried noodles, dumplings) and French cuisine. Dholl puri, gateaux piments and alouda are local must-tries
Expatriate community
Mauritius is home to a large expatriate community, particularly French-speaking, which considerably facilitates the integration of newcomers:
The French community in Mauritius
Around 15,000 French nationals are registered at the Port Louis consulate (estimated at 25,000-30,000 counting the unregistered). It is one of the largest French communities in the Indian Ocean region. The French Consulate offers comprehensive consular services: civil status, elections, school scholarships, social assistance.
- Active associations -- UFE Maurice (Union des Français de l'Étranger), Alliance Française de Maurice, Français du Monde-ADFE, France Bénévolat Maurice
- Professional networks -- Franco-Mauritian Chamber of Commerce, CCEF (Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France), local LinkedIn networks
- Social groups -- Active Facebook groups (Français à Maurice, Expatriés Maurice), regular networking events, sports clubs (running, triathlon, diving)
- Consular services -- French Consulate in Port Louis: passports, civil status, registration on the register of French nationals abroad, assistance in case of difficulty
- French-language media -- Local French-language press (L'Express, Le Défi), radio and television in French, access to French channels via satellite and IPTV
Administrative formalities on arrival
Once your residence permit has been obtained, several administrative steps are necessary to fully settle in:
- Consular registration -- Registration on the register of French nationals living outside France with the Port Louis consulate (free, strongly recommended)
- Bank account -- Opening a personal account with a Mauritian bank (MCB, SBM, AfrAsia). Documents required: residence permit, passport, proof of address, proof of income
- Driving licence -- Exchange of the French licence for a Mauritian licence with the National Transport Authority (NTA). Valid for 3 months with the French licence, then mandatory exchange
- Tax registration -- Obtaining a Tax Account Number (TAN) from the MRA. Mandatory for all tax residents. If you are considering a purchase, see our guide on real estate in Mauritius
- Health insurance -- Taking out or confirming your health insurance (mandatory for the residence permit)
- Telecommunications -- Fibre subscription (Mauritius Telecom My.T) and mobile plan (Emtel, Orange, MTML)