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Guide
Port Louis, Mauritius π²πΊ
#1139
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Port Louis is the capital city and the largest city of Mauritius, serving as a cultural and economic hub. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 150,000 people live in Port Louis. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 25-50 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). As of April 2025, 1 EUR β 45.10 MUR. |
π° Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink. |
π Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and D sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Popular providers include Mauritius Telecom and Emtel. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Expats can use banks like SBI and MCB, and services like Revolut and TransferWise are popular. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local agencies. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses such as Le Bamboo are available for budget travelers. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Waterfront and Caudan area are popular for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center provides co-working spaces and amenities suited for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Hive Coworking is a popular spot for remote workers. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plage is a great place with free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups for entrepreneurs are held regularly at The Hive. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Mauritius' host regular networking events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | The Bolt app operates in Port Louis, providing convenient transport. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | You can rent scooters through local companies like Scoot and Ride. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Trou aux Biches Beach is one of the closest and is about 30 minutes away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Mauritius is the main regional carrier. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Mauritius and British Airways offer international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | The M1 highway provides access to other regions of the island. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Port Louis Central Bus Station is the primary transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | Mauritius offers a monthly bus pass for unlimited travel across the island. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are available for travel to nearby cities like Curepipe and Flic-en-Flac. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Dr. A. G. Jeetoo Hospital is the main public healthcare facility in Port Louis. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Places like Yoga & Wellness Mauritius offer classes and retreats. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Fitness Zone are popular gyms. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundries are available throughout the city, with services like 'Laverie' being common. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Food βnβ Co is a popular food delivery service. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Dholl Puri', a traditional Mauritian flatbread. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Green Island' cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Visit 'La Maison des Desserts' for delightful sweets. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market provides fresh produce and local delicacies. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Shop on local e-commerce platforms like DodoShop. |
π Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available via platforms like Jumia. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Caudan Waterfront is a vibrant area for nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Visit 'La Gourmet Brewery' for local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | The 'Wine Bar' in Caudan offers various wines for tasting. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at the Central Market serve diverse local food. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Chateau de Bel Ombre' serve international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Port Louis. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Blue Penny Museum showcases the country's history and culture. |
π° Historical Sites | Fort Adelaide offers historic insights and stunning views. |
π Religious Sites | The Jummah Mosque is an iconic religious site to visit. |
π Annual Events | The Maha Shivaratree festival is a major cultural event in Mauritius. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Visit the Chinatown district for a mix of cultures and cuisines. |
π Theater Venues | The Port Louis Theatre hosts local performances throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Central Market is a vibrant place to explore local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music events happen frequently at venues like 'L'Escapade'. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art can be found in many areas, particularly around the waterfront. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at local culinary schools like 'Culinary Enchantment'. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The National Gallery features local Mauritian artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Government House is a notable colonial-era building. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Mauritius' diverse heritage is reflected in its architecture and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is a beautifully landscaped park. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Black River Gorges National Park is about an hour's drive from the city. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the waterfront are perfect for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The hilltop views at Signal Mountain offer incredible views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Mauritius Wildlife Foundation offers guided birdwatching tours. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches like Mont Choisy allow beach bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Mauritius Post operate reliable parcel services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Service centers for tech repairs are available at major shopping centers. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often host table tennis games. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language courses are available at the Alliance FranΓ§aise. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Port Louis Library is a quiet place to study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Alliance FranΓ§aise also serves as a cultural community hub. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Several cafes offer gaming lounges for console and PC gaming. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino du Moulin offers gaming options in a scenic setting. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬100,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬72,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬168,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬132,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬256,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬208,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 15%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is 5%. |
π¦ Tax System | Tax is based on a territorial basis for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest income tax rate is 15%. |
π§Ύ VAT | The standard VAT rate is 15%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Mauritius has CFC rules, but they are lenient. |
π Property Tax | Property tax is based on rental value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | A transaction tax of about 5% applies on property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from the 0% tax on non-resident income. |