Réunion — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
The islanders follow French fashion. Normal social courtesies should be observed. The immigrants from India, Pakistan and Europe have retained their cultural identities.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
The main airline to serve Réunion is Air France (AF) (website: www.airfrance.com). Other airlines operating to Réunion include Air Madagascar and Corsair International. Air Austral and Air Mauritius operate daily flights between Réunion and Mauritius (from Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport).
Departure Tax
None.
Main Airports
Saint-Denis de la Réunion (RUN) (Roland-Garros) is 10km (6 miles) from the town (jounrey time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Cinor buses run return trips throughout the day between the Roland Garros and Saint Denis. Facilities: Banks/bureau de change, ATMs, bars, restaurant, post office and car hire.
Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds (ZSE) is 5km (3 miles) from Saint-Pierre. To/from the airport: A shuttle bus service operates to Saint-Peirre, Tampon, Saint-Louis, Entre-Deux, Avirans, Etang-Salé, Saint-Leu, Saint-Philippe, Petite Ile, Saint-Joseph and Cilos. SEMITTEL buses run between the airport and Saint Pierre after the arrival of each plane. Taxi services as well as car hire are available at the airport.
Getting There By Water
Main ports: Port Réunion.
Two boats are currently in operation to Mauritius; the Mauritius Pride ferry and the Ahinora Catamaran. Both freight and passenger lines (a large number are French) dock at Pointe-des-Galets.
Duty Free
Overview
The island of Réunion is an Overseas Department of France, and therefore duty free allowances are the same as those for France; see France section.
Prohibited Imports
All plants, vegetables and vegetable products.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Air
Aero-clubs at Roland-Garros Airport hire planes for flights over the island, which are well worth the price.
Getting Around By Water
Four shipping lines run services around the island.
Getting Around By Road
Roads are in a fair condition. The main road runs on a north–south axis.
Bus: Two types of buses operate on the island: urban buses mainly serve the Saint-Denis area; yellow buses connect main towns. Services are excellent, with very comfortable vehicles. Buses stop by request.
Taxis: Taxi ranks can be found in city centers. Taxis can be hired by telephone (telephone numbers can be obtained from the information points at the airport). There are likely to be extra charges after 2000 Mon-Fri, on Sunday and holidays.
Car hire: Available from the airport and from car hire firms in Saint-Denis. Camper vans can also be hired. Petrol prices are similar to those in France.
Regulations: Speed limits are the same as in France (see France section).
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, though not legally required.
