Port Louis, Mauritius 🇲🇺
#1139
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Port Louis is the capital city and the largest city of Mauritius, serving as a cultural and economic hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 people live in Port Louis. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 25-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). As of April 2025, 1 EUR ≈ 45.10 MUR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Mauritius Telecom and Emtel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Expats can use banks like SBI and MCB, and services like Revolut and TransferWise are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses such as Le Bamboo are available for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Waterfront and Caudan area are popular for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center provides co-working spaces and amenities suited for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Coworking is a popular spot for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plage is a great place with free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups for entrepreneurs are held regularly at The Hive. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Mauritius' host regular networking events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The Bolt app operates in Port Louis, providing convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | You can rent scooters through local companies like Scoot and Ride. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Trou aux Biches Beach is one of the closest and is about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Mauritius is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Mauritius and British Airways offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The M1 highway provides access to other regions of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Port Louis Central Bus Station is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Mauritius offers a monthly bus pass for unlimited travel across the island. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for travel to nearby cities like Curepipe and Flic-en-Flac. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Dr. A. G. Jeetoo Hospital is the main public healthcare facility in Port Louis. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Places like Yoga & Wellness Mauritius offer classes and retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Fitness Zone are popular gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundries are available throughout the city, with services like 'Laverie' being common. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food ‘n’ Co is a popular food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Dholl Puri', a traditional Mauritian flatbread. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Green Island' cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit 'La Maison des Desserts' for delightful sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market provides fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop on local e-commerce platforms like DodoShop. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available via platforms like Jumia. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Caudan Waterfront is a vibrant area for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Visit 'La Gourmet Brewery' for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The 'Wine Bar' in Caudan offers various wines for tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at the Central Market serve diverse local food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Chateau de Bel Ombre' serve international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Port Louis. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Blue Penny Museum showcases the country's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Adelaide offers historic insights and stunning views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Jummah Mosque is an iconic religious site to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Maha Shivaratree festival is a major cultural event in Mauritius. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Chinatown district for a mix of cultures and cuisines. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Port Louis Theatre hosts local performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market is a vibrant place to explore local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events happen frequently at venues like 'L'Escapade'. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in many areas, particularly around the waterfront. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at local culinary schools like 'Culinary Enchantment'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Gallery features local Mauritian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Government House is a notable colonial-era building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mauritius' diverse heritage is reflected in its architecture and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is a beautifully landscaped park. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Black River Gorges National Park is about an hour's drive from the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the waterfront are perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hilltop views at Signal Mountain offer incredible views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Mauritius Wildlife Foundation offers guided birdwatching tours. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches like Mont Choisy allow beach bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Mauritius Post operate reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Service centers for tech repairs are available at major shopping centers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often host table tennis games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language courses are available at the Alliance Française. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Port Louis Library is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Alliance Française also serves as a cultural community hub. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Several cafes offer gaming lounges for console and PC gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino du Moulin offers gaming options in a scenic setting. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax is based on a territorial basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest income tax rate is 15%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Mauritius has CFC rules, but they are lenient. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A transaction tax of about 5% applies on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from the 0% tax on non-resident income. |