To do Mauritius properly means more than ticking off beaches. It means understanding how the island works, where to go, how to move money, where the jobs are, and how to build a life here if you decide to stay. Whether you're arriving for two weeks or two years, this guide covers the ground that matters.
What Does It Actually Mean to "Do" Mauritius?
Mauritius is a 1,865 km² island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, with a population of around 1.3 million. It operates as a stable, upper-middle-income economy with a strong services sector, a well-regarded financial system, and a multicultural society that makes integration relatively straightforward for international arrivals. Doing Mauritius well means engaging with all of it, not just the coastline.
The east coast lagoon is the quietest argument for staying longer than you planned, reef-protected, impossibly clear, and lined with resorts that have quietly set the standard for Indian Ocean hospitality. The south is different: wilder, less visited, and worth every kilometre of the drive. Between the two lies most of what makes Mauritius hard to leave.
The Experiences Worth Prioritising
The Coast, Done Right
The west coast, particularly Flic en Flac and La Preneuse, catches the best sunsets and the calmest snorkelling conditions between May and November. The north, anchored by Grand Baie, is the most developed stretch: good for provisioning, restaurant variety, and boat trips to the outer islands. Belle Mare and Trou d'Eau Douce on the east are where you go when you want the water to be genuinely still.
The south is the counterpoint to all of it. Mahébourg, the Black River Gorges, Gris Gris, and the wild cliffs near Le Souffleur reward the effort of getting there. Rent a car. The roads are manageable and the interior, sugarcane fields, volcanic ridgelines, small Hindu temples, is the part most visitors skip.
Beyond the Beach
- Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the arrival point for indentured labourers in the 19th century. Essential context for understanding modern Mauritian identity.
- Le Morne Brabant, another UNESCO site, a basalt peninsula on the southwest tip. The hike is demanding; the historical weight of the place is heavier still.
- The Central Market, Port Louis, go early, go hungry. Street food, spices, and a cross-section of the island's culinary inheritance.
- Chamarel, the seven-coloured earth, a rum distillery, and a waterfall within a few kilometres of each other. Efficient and genuinely worth the detour.
Banking in Mauritius: What You Need to Know
If you're staying beyond a holiday, understanding the financial infrastructure is practical, not optional.
Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB)
The Mauritius Commercial Bank, commonly referred to as MCB, is the island's largest and oldest bank, founded in 1838. It serves both residents and non-residents, with a full suite of personal, business, and international banking products. For newcomers, MCB is typically the first port of call for opening a local account.
Internet Banking with MCB Mauritius
MCB Mauritius offers internet banking through its MCB Juice platform and the standard online banking portal, allowing customers to manage accounts, transfer funds locally and internationally, pay bills, and access statements. Internet banking with Mauritius Commercial Bank is available 24/7 and supports both individual and corporate clients.
To enrol in MCB internet banking, you typically need:
- A valid MCB account
- A registered mobile number for two-factor authentication
- Proof of identity (passport for non-residents)
Other active banks include the State Bank of Mauritius (SBM), Absa Bank Mauritius, and HSBC Mauritius, all offering internet banking services. The banking sector is regulated by the Bank of Mauritius and is considered well-governed by regional standards.
Job Opportunities in Mauritius
Mauritius has positioned itself deliberately as a hub for regional business, financial services, and remote-friendly professionals. The job market is real, structured, and increasingly international.
Where the Opportunities Are
Financial and professional services account for a significant share of formal employment. Mauritius is a well-regarded international financial centre, and firms in fund administration, global business, legal services, and accounting regularly recruit internationally.
ICT and business process outsourcing (BPO) is the fastest-growing employment sector. The government has invested heavily in Ebène Cybercity and other tech-oriented zones. Career opportunities in Mauritius in this sector span software development, customer experience, data analytics, and digital marketing.
Tourism and hospitality remains a structural pillar of the economy. Skilled roles, F&B management, revenue management, spa therapy, and marine activity instruction, are consistently in demand, particularly ahead of the high season (May to November).
Education and healthcare have growing demand for qualified expatriate professionals, particularly in international schools and private medical facilities.
How to Find Jobs in Mauritius
The primary platforms for job listings in Mauritius include:
- MyJob.mu, the most widely used local job board, covering roles across all sectors
- LinkedIn, increasingly used by financial services and ICT employers
- Recruitment agencies such as Rogers Capital Talent Solutions and Alentaris
Searching specifically for "job mu mauritius" or "mauritius job opportunities" on these platforms will surface the most current listings. Many employers also post directly on company websites, particularly in banking, hospitality, and the global business sector.
Work Permits and the Premium Visa
Foreigners require an Occupation Permit to work in Mauritius. There are three categories: Employee, Self-Employed, and Investor. The minimum salary threshold for an Employee Occupation Permit is MUR 30,000 per month (subject to periodic revision).
For those who want to live in Mauritius without a local employer, the Premium Visa allows remote workers and self-employed individuals to reside on the island for up to one year, renewable. It requires proof of income from outside Mauritius and is straightforward to apply for online.
Relocating to Mauritius: The Practical Layer
Beyond employment, a successful relocation depends on a few structural decisions:
Where to live: Grand Baie and the north suit those who want proximity to services and a social scene. Tamarin and the west coast attract surfers and families. Floréal and Quatre Bornes in the central plateau offer cooler temperatures and a more local feel.
Schooling: International schools, including Northfields International, Le Bocage International, and Lycée La Bourdonnais, cater to expatriate families with curricula aligned to British, French, and IB systems.
Healthcare: The public health system is free but stretched. Most expatriates use private facilities such as Clinique Darné or C-Care, covered through international health insurance.
Cost of living: Mauritius is not inexpensive by African or South Asian standards. Imported goods, private schooling, and quality housing carry costs comparable to mid-tier European cities. Local produce, street food, and public transport are genuinely affordable.
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Mauritius?
The best experiences in Mauritius include exploring the east and west coast lagoons, hiking Le Morne Brabant, visiting Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, driving the southern coast, and spending time in the Black River Gorges National Park. For food and culture, the Central Market in Port Louis and the town of Mahébourg are the most rewarding.
How does internet banking work with MCB Mauritius?
MCB Mauritius (Mauritius Commercial Bank) offers internet banking through its online portal and the MCB Juice mobile app. Customers can transfer funds, pay bills, view statements, and manage accounts online. Registration requires an existing MCB account and a verified mobile number for two-factor authentication.
What job opportunities exist in Mauritius for foreigners?
Foreigners can find career opportunities in Mauritius primarily in financial services, ICT and BPO, tourism and hospitality, education, and healthcare. Job listings are available on MyJob.mu and LinkedIn. Foreigners need an Occupation Permit to work legally, or can apply for a Premium Visa to work remotely.
Is Mauritius a good place to relocate long-term?
Mauritius is a practical and well-functioning relocation destination. It offers political stability, English and French as official languages, a strong financial sector, international schools, and private healthcare. The cost of living is moderate to high by regional standards, and the Occupation Permit and Premium Visa frameworks make legal residency accessible.
What is the Mauritius Commercial Bank?
The Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) is the largest bank in Mauritius, founded in 1838. It provides personal, business, and international banking services to residents and non-residents, including internet banking, foreign currency accounts, and trade finance. It is listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius.
Where can I find jobs in Mauritius online?
The main platforms for finding jobs in Mauritius are MyJob.mu (the leading local job board), LinkedIn, and direct employer websites. Searching for "mauritius job opportunities" or "job mu mauritius" on these platforms returns current listings across all sectors.