|
|
Time
GMT +4.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A round pin
plug with male grounding pin is used.
Language
French, as well as Runion Creole and some English is
spoken.
Health
Visitors to Réunion should take precautions against
mosquito bites due to illnesses such as dengue fever and the
Chikungunya virus. A yellow fever certificate is required from
travellers arriving from an infected area. Réunion's medical and
sanitary facilities are very good. Most towns have doctors and
clinics, while the principal hospital is in Saint-Denis. Tap water
is usually safe for drinking. Public water sources are unsafe if
labelled 'Eau non potable'. There is a reciprocal health agreement
with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to
low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Tipping
Tipping is customary and 10% or more of the bill is
expected.
Safety
As when travelling to any foreign destination, visitors
should be vigilant of their personal belongings, not display signs
of wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money, expensive jewellery) or walk
around alone in an unknown area at night. Réunion is, however,
relatively safe. Swimmers should be aware of currents and riptides,
if unsure, ask the locals. The cyclone season is from November to
April.
Business
Business procedures are quite relaxed in Reunion. Only
the most formal of occasions will require suits. French is the
language of business and an interpreter should be brought along if
needed, as there are no professional interpreters on the island.
Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to
Friday.
Communications
The international access code for Réunion is +262.
The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not necessary.
Three mobile phone companies provide service, although there are
not many international roaming agreements. Internet cafes are
available.
Duty Free
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years of age
entering Réunion can bring in the following items duty-free: 200
cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits, or 2
litres of dessert wine or sparkling wine, or 2 litres of table
wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; gold jewellery not
exceeding 500g; 500g coffee; 100g tea; and other goods to the value
of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15
years.
Money
Réunion is an overseas département of France and therefore
since 2002, the unit of currency is the Euro, divided into 100
cents. There are plenty of banks and ATMs on the island, and most
shops and hotels accept major credit cards (though most require a
minimum amount for payments). Travellers cheques are widely
accepted, with Euros the preferred currency. Banks are open on
weekdays from 8am to 4pm. Most businesses are required to display
their prices in their windows and restaurants and hotels must have
their rates visible from the exterior.
Currency Exchange Rates
| EUR 1 = |
US$ 1.45 |
£ 0.69 |
C$ 1.37 |
A$ 1.56 |
R 9.46 |
EUR 1.00 |
NZ$ 1.88 |
Entry requirements for Americans
US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to three
months; a valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals
UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to three
months; a valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians
Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to
three months; a valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Australians
Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to
one month; a valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans
South African nationals require a visa to travel to French
Overseas Departments, including Reunion. A Schengen visa is valid
for Reunion, provided the Schengen visa is endorsed "also valid for
Reunion". A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals
Irish nationals do not require a visa for three months; a valid
passport is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for three months; a
valid passport is required.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports must be valid for length of intended stay.
Travellers must have proof of return or onward tickets, sufficient
funds or lodging certificate and all travel documents needed for
onward journey.
|
