Passport/Visa Requirements: All visitors must be in possession of a current passport valid for six months after the scheduled date of departure from the Seychelles, as well as an onward travel or return ticket. A visitor's permit, obtained upon arrival, is good for one month and may be extended for another two months with proof of sufficient funds. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.
Population: 81,188.
Languages: Creole, English, French..
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic)..
Time Zone: 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+4 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements: 240 volts. British-style three-point square-pin plugs are used.
Telephone Codes: 248, country code;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
The currency is the Seychelles rupee, abbreviated SRe. Exchange rates are published in the daily newspaper
The Nation.
Money can only be changed at banks or hotels or by authorized money dealers at Seychelles International Airport. It is advisable to keep the money exchange receipt. There are ATMs in Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Major credit cards are accepted at large hotels, restaurants and shops, but ask whether they are accepted at smaller establishments. Banking hours are generally Monday-Friday 8:30 am-2:30 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-11 am.
A foreign exchange deficit has led to the government enforcement of strict foreign-exchange controls. Visitors are required to pay in foreign currency—by credit card or traveler's checks—for the following: hotels and guesthouses; hiring cars or boats; at a casino; services of tour operators or travel agents; and for transfers within the Seychelles. Local currency is used for purchases in shops and markets, at restaurants outside of hotels, for taxi fares and for fuel. Traveler's checks issued in U.S. dollars, euros or British pounds are preferred. For cash, use dollars or euros.
| Banking Hours | Top |
Monday-Friday 8:30 am-3 pm, Saturday 8:30-noon.
A service charge is added to most hotel and restaurant bills. In general, tips aren't expected but they are gratefully accepted.
The climate, while hot, is nearly perfect year-round. The islands are not in the cyclone/monsoon belt, so high winds and heavy rains are rare. There is, however, a rainy season November-January. If that's the only time available, by all means go (it's still sunny enough for sunbathing). The humidity is high, but a breeze usually keeps it tolerable.
The best time to go depends on what you want to do. The diving is best March-May and September-November. Bird-watching is best April-October, and the fishing is best October-April. If you have a favorite activity, contact the tourist office for information about the best time to visit.
| What to Wear | Top  |
It is hot and humid year-round, so pack light, informal clothing. Women wear shorts and shirts, light dresses, skirts and tops. A sarong is useful (colorful sarongs can be bought locally) because many hotels and resorts prefer you to cover up in the restaurant. Some smart hotels ask men to wear long trousers in the evenings. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, high-protection sunscreen and a good moisturizer. For trekking, lightweight walking shoes are adequate.
| Communication | Top |
| Internet Access | Top |
There are several Internet bureaus in Victoria and Mahe, and one at Baie Ste. Anne, Praslin. Wi-Fi access is available to guests at some top resorts.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
The main post office, opposite the clock tower in Victoria, handles mail efficiently. It is open Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm, Saturday 8 am-noon.
| Newspapers & Magazines | Top |
Only two newspapers are published in the Seychelles. The Nation is the government daily, printed Monday-Saturday. Regar, the opposition, is published weekly on Friday. International newspapers are available on Mahe.
The efficient Seychelles telephone service allows international direct-dialing to most countries in the world. Coin- and card-operated public telephones are widespread on the main islands. Phone cards can be bought at the post office and in many small shops. The cards, which are very pretty, cost 30 SRe-200 SRe. Seychelles has a GSM mobile phone network service with "world option" roaming agreements for many countries. Cell phones can be hired at the International Airport and in Victoria. For international directory assistance, dial 151; for local assistance, dial 181.
Cable & Wireless on Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, is open 7 am-9 pm daily for faxes, telegrams and phone calls. Most hotels have phones in the rooms but levy high surcharges.
| Transportation | Top |
The upgraded and refurbished Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is 6 mi/10 km southeast of Victoria, on Mahe. There are numerous interisland flights (20-30 daily flights between Mahe and Praslin) and a helicopter service between Mahe, Silhouette, Fregate and North Island. There are daily ferries between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. When you arrive in the islands, be certain interisland flights are reconfirmed: They're subject to change up to the last minute. Also, be aware that the shuttle between Mahe and Praslin is first-come, first-served: You may show up at the appointed time, but if weather has delayed earlier flights, you won't get on until the backlog clears. (This is vital to keep in mind if you're making an international connection out of the islands—leave yourself plenty of time.) A number of cruise lines visit the islands.
Though expensive, yacht charters are an excellent way to see the country. Taxis (fares are regulated but it does no harm to check that the meter is on for the journey), rental cars, motorbikes and buses (known as tatas) are only available on Mahe and Praslin. Traffic moves on the left. Unless you're on a tour or shore excursion, transportation on La Digue is by oxcart or bicycle. Roads are generally in good condition but can be steep and winding, especially on Mahe.
| For More Information | Top |
Tourist Offices
Seychelles: Seychelles Tourism Board, P.O Box 1262, Victoria, Mahe. Phone 248-671-300. Fax 248-620-620. http://www.aspureasitgets.com.
U.K.: Seychelles Tourist Office UK & Eire, Aviareps House, Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9RB. Phone 44-12935-96649. Fax 44-12935-96658. http://www.seychelles.com.
Seychelles does not have tourist offices in Australia, Canada or the U.S.
Embassies of the Seychelles
Australia: Seychelles Consulate, 23 Marri Crescent, Les Murdie, Perth 6076, Phone 3-618-9291-6570 Fax 3-618-9291-9154.
Canada: Seychelles Consulate, 67 St. Catherine Street W., Montreal, QC H2X 1Z7. Phone 514-284-3322. Fax 514-845-0631.
U.K.: Seychelles High Commission, Eros House, Second Floor, 111 Baker St., London W1M 1FE. Phone 44-20-7224-1660. Fax 44-20-7487-5756.
U.S.: Embassy of The Republic of Seychelles, 800 Second Ave., Suite 400C, New York, N.Y. 10017. Phone 212-972-1785. Fax 212-972 1786.
Embassies in Seychelles
Australia is represented by its high commission in Mauritius: Rogers House, Second Floor, 5 President John Kennedy St., Port Louis. Phone 230-208-1700. Fax 230-208-8878.
Canada is represented by its high commission in Tanzania: 38 Mirambo St. (corner of Garden Avenue), Dar es Salaam. Phone 255-22-211-2831. Fax 255-22-211-6897. http://www.daressalaam.gc.ca.
British High Commission, Oliaji Trade Centre, Third Floor, Frances Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahe. Phone 248-225-225. Fax 248-225-127. http://www.bhcvictoria.sc.
U.S. Consular Agency, Oliaji Trade Center, Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahe. Phone 248-225-256. Fax 248-225-189.
| Additional Reading | Top |
Birds of the Seychelles by Adrian Skerret and Ian Bullock (Princeton University Press).
Hard Times in Paradise by William McAteer (Pristine). This is a fascinating history of Seychelles 1827-1919.
