Language: Creole, English and French are all spoken in the
Seychelles.
Currency: The Seychelles currency is the Rupee (SCR), divided into 100 cents. The country's foreign exchange regulations require visitors to pay for all services provided by hotels, guesthouses and self-catering enterprises, as well as things like car hire, entrance fees to parks and reserves, scuba diving and boat charter, in major foreign currency notes (Euros are the most widely used) or by credit card. Taxis and restaurant bills (not connected to hotels) are payable in foreign or Seychelles Rupees.
Rupees can only be used in local shops, markets, and bars. Credit cards are widely welcomed throughout the Seychelles. Money can be exchanged at banks and the airport on Mahé, or at hotels, and banks process travelers cheques. To change Rupees back into foreign currency on departure requires the official receipt from the initial transaction. ATMs are available at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Time: Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220-240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs are of the English type, with three square pins.
Communications: The international dialing code for Seychelles is +248. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). Direct lines to most countries are available at most hotels. There is excellent GSM 900/1800 coverage for mobile telephones, and most hotels offer a postal service, email and Internet connection. There are Internet cafes in Victoria.
Duty Free: Travelers to the Seychelles over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 500g tobacco; 2 liters alcohol; 200ml perfume or eau de toilette; sporting equipment to the value of SR500; jewelry and precious metals to the value of SR500; and all other goods for personal consumption to the value of SR3,000. For the import of video cameras and other cameras, musical instruments, sports equipment, portable electronic or electric goods and other leisure items, a deposit in Seychelles rupees may be charged and then refunded in rupees on re-export provided it is within six months of the arrival date. There are also restrictions on tea, seeds, plants, meat and meat products, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Prohibited items include drugs, narcotics, firearms and spear-fishing equipment. It is forbidden to export unprocessed coco de mer, shells, fish and live tortoises. A permit is required for processed coco de mer.
Tourist OfficeSeychelles
Tourist Office, Mahé: +248 62 00 00 or www.seychelles.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 999
Embassies
Seychelles Embassy,
New York,
United States: +1 212 687 9766.
Seychelles Consulate,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7935 7770.
Seychelles Consulate,
Montreal,
Canada: +1 514 284 9320.
Seychelles Consulate General,
Melbourne,
Australia: +61 (0)3 9796 9412.
Seychelles Consulate,
Johannesburg,
South Africa: +27 (0)11 467 8101.
United States Consulate, Victoria: +248 222 256.
British High Commission, Victoria: +248 283 666.
Canadian High Commission,
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania (also responsible for Seychelles): +255 22 216 3300.
Australian High Commission,
Port Louis,
Mauritius (also responsible for Seychelles): +230 202 0160.
South
African Commission, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Seychelles): +230 212 6925/6/8/9/30.
