Port Louis, Mauritius 🇲🇺
#1139
-20.162452, 57.502804
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, known for its vibrant culture and bustling port. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average broadband speed is around 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 44.4 MUR, 1 USD ≈ 39.1 MUR |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, and Orange. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Bank of Mauritius, Mauritius Post and Cooperative Bank, and foreign banks like HSBC. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and hotels like Le Suffren Hotel & Marina. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in major businesses and online. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate websites offer various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Villa Soleil and other budget guesthouses. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Coworking Space in Caudan Waterfront offers great amenities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe LUX serves great coffee and has a peaceful work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events often occur at Le Lab and through Meetup groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Expats in Mauritius Facebook Group for various meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available through local shops in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy beaches are about 30 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Mauritius is the primary regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Emirates offer major international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access to the M1 and M3 highways connecting various parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Port Louis Bus Terminal serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No dedicated public transport passes are available; pay as you go. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Port Louis to nearby cities, including Curepipe and Mahebourg. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Floreal Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Port Louis. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Sandy is a popular spot for wellness and yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Clubs like the Gym Co. are available for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundries like Laundry Fun offer washing and ironing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodXpress and Takeaway offer food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rougaille (a Creole tomato-based sauce dish) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kuzin offers a great selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Saint Aubin is known for its delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Beau Plan is a local market where you can find fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Mydeal offer extensive online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super U and Food House provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Turtle Bay is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Phoenix Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Barachois offers a fantastic selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at Flic en Flac beach provide local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and KFC are available citywide. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Blue Penny Museum exhibits the unique history of Mauritius. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Citadel is an important historical location. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Jummah Mosque is a beautiful architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Thaipoosam and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Caudan Waterfront is vibrant with shops and restaurants. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Mauritius Theatre offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Port Louis Market is a bustling place for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at venues like The Company offers a lively ambiance. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in the neighborhoods around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Arts Institute offers cooking classes for local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Mauritius Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Government House is a notable architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Sega dance is a cultural symbol of Mauritian heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden offers beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Black River Gorges National Park is accessible within an hour. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Le Caudan Waterfront has a scenic walking path. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Signal Mountain offers breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Île aux Serpents is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Trou aux Biches allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Mauritius Post handle parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | City Electronics offers tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Association of Mauritius provides facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Alliance Française offers French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Municipal Library in Port Louis is a good study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Mauritius Youth Center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a popular gaming lounge in the area. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino of Mauritius on Royal Road offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €56,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €102,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only income earned in Mauritius is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is low, typically around 0.3% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate for property transactions. |