The Mauritian rupee (Rs) rules the island: cards are accepted everywhere in hotels and shopping malls, but the market, the bazaar, the alouda vendor and many tables d'hôtes are cash only. Withdraw money at MCB or SBM ATMs — you'll find them even in the smallest villages.
Tipping is neither compulsory nor expected — but always appreciated. At a restaurant, rounding up or leaving 5 to 10% is a nice touch. For a guide or a skipper, Rs 100 – 200 per person is a lovely gesture.
Local tip: keep Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes on you. Small vendors rarely have change for a Rs 1,000 note, and bargaining at the bazaar is done with a smile, never aggressively.
When it comes to changing money, skip the airport: rates there are the worst on the island. Exchange bureaus in Port Louis, Grand Baie or Flic en Flac offer better rates with no hidden commission — just compare the displayed « We buy » rate. At ATMs, withdrawals are often capped at Rs 10,000 per transaction, and your home bank will add its own fee (usually 2 to 3 euros). No need to arrive with wads of euros: nobody accepts them for everyday purchases, everything is paid in rupees.
One recent shift: mobile payment has exploded. Don't be surprised to see the dholl puri seller taking payments through a my.t money or Juice (MCB's app) QR code — you won't be able to use them without a local account, but your contactless card works perfectly at Winner's, Super U or Intermart. Still, always keep Rs 500 in small notes: it's your key to the real Mauritius, the one of bazaars and beach kiosks.