Moving from South Africa to Mauritius with my husband, toddler, and two little Yorkies has been nothing short of an adventure!
While this tropical paradise is known for its stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle, there are a few surprising things I wish I’d known before making the move.
From adjusting to the local culture and climate to navigating everyday life as an expat, living in Mauritius is full of unique experiences.
In this post, I’ll share 11 surprising facts about living in Mauritius that I’ve learned since settling into island life.
If you are planning to relocate or just curious about what it’s really like in Mauritius, these insights will help you prepare for your own Mauritian adventure.
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1. Island Time is Real in Mauritius
Coming from South Africa, where things generally run on schedule, adjusting to the laid-back pace of life in Mauritius took some time. Here, “island time” is very real, meaning that things don’t always happen quickly or according to plan.
Whether you’re waiting for a service, a delivery, or even just a coffee, it often takes longer than expected. This slower pace is part of the island’s charm, but it can be frustrating at first.
Learning to relax, embrace the flow, and accept that delays are normal has been key to adapting to life in Mauritius. Over time, this relaxed rhythm has become part of the lifestyle we’ve come to appreciate.
2. Getting Used to the Humidity in Mauritius
I thought I was prepared for tropical weather, but the humidity in Mauritius is something else! It’s hot and sticky for most of the year, and while the island’s warm climate is one of its attractions, the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
The constant moisture in the air leaves you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable, especially during the summer months.
To cope, we’ve invested in lightweight, breathable clothing and installed good fans around the house, which has made a huge difference in keeping us cool and comfortable. It took some time to adjust, but adapting to the humidity is just part of life in this tropical paradise.
3. There’s No Instant Online Shopping in Mauritius
If you’re used to the instant gratification of online shopping in South Africa (or globally), the slower pace of e-commerce in Mauritius might be a disappointment.
Online shopping here is much less convenient, with packages from abroad often taking weeks to arrive due to shipping and customs delays.
Local e-commerce options are also limited, and same-day or next-day delivery is rare. This means that planning ahead is essential when buying essentials online.
On the positive side, the slower pace encourages more mindful purchasing and often leads to discovering great local markets and shops that offer unique, handcrafted goods.
While the lack of fast online shopping is an adjustment, it opens up opportunities to support local artisans and businesses.
When I can’t find something locally in Mauritius, I usually turn to online shopping through Temu or Amazon.
While it does take a few weeks for deliveries to arrive, it’s a convenient option for getting items that aren’t readily available on the island.
You can shop on Temu or Amazon here for delivery anywhere in Mauritius.
4. Driving on the Left in Mauritius is Still Strange
Even though I’m from South Africa, where we also drive on the left, navigating the winding roads and small roundabouts in Mauritius has been a bit challenging.
The roads can be narrow, and traffic can get hectic, especially in urban areas like Port Louis or Grand Baie. Getting used to the local driving style, where things can feel a bit chaotic at times, has required some patience.
However, once you get the hang of it, driving around the island becomes a scenic pleasure.
The stunning views, from coastal roads to lush greenery, make the adjustment worthwhile, turning every trip into a beautiful journey.
You can rent a car from Discover Cars here which is where we rented a vehicle before purchasing one on the island.
5. The Cost of Living in Mauritius is Higher Than Expected
I was surprised to find that the cost of living in Mauritius is higher than I initially anticipated, especially when it comes to groceries and imported goods.
While local produce and seafood are affordable and delicious, imported products can be quite pricey.
To adjust, I’ve started buying more locally produced items and visiting markets, which not only saves money but also supports local farmers and vendors.
Shifting away from relying solely on supermarkets has made a big difference.
For a detailed breakdown of expenses, check out my article How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in Mauritius?
6. French and Creole are Spoken Everywhere in Mauritius
Even though English is widely spoken and serves as the official language of government and business in Mauritius, French and Creole dominate daily life.
From shop signs and restaurant menus to casual conversations on the street, these two languages are used everywhere, creating a unique cultural blend.
While you can get by with English, brushing up on French and Creole has been incredibly helpful in feeling more connected and integrated into the local community.
I’ve started learning basic Creole phrases, and it’s made a big difference in my interactions with locals—they really appreciate the effort and it opens up a warmer, more personal level of communication.
Understanding and speaking a bit of Creole has not only made day-to-day life smoother but also helped me feel more at home on the island.
7. Beaches in Mauritius Are Amazing But Can Be Crowded
The beaches in Mauritius are every bit as stunning as the postcards show—white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and lush palm trees swaying in the breeze.
They’re perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. However, the more popular beaches can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during holidays when both locals and tourists flock to the shoreline.
To truly enjoy the beauty and tranquility, we’ve discovered a few quieter spots and have learned to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
These off-peak hours allow us to experience the serene side of Mauritius’ beaches, making them feel even more like paradise.
For recommendations on the best beaches we’ve visited, check out my article Best Beaches in Mauritius.
8. There is No Uber in Mauritius
One of the biggest surprises after arriving in Mauritius was the lack of Uber. In Mauritius, taxi services like DoDo Taxi offer convenient transportation, though they are not as widely available or reliable as international services like Uber.
DoDo Taxi operates through a modern, app-based system, allowing users to book rides via their smartphones, offering features like GPS tracking and professional drivers.
However, the service can be limited in coverage, especially in more remote areas, and availability may vary during peak times.
Traditional taxis are still a popular and dependable option, easily found at hotels, airports, and tourist spots.
These taxis often offer fixed or negotiable fares, and many drivers provide personalized island tours, giving visitors a chance to explore Mauritius with local insights.
While taxis are available, they don’t have the same convenience of app-based booking, and it can be tricky to negotiate fares if you’re unfamiliar with local rates.
Many expats end up renting or buying a car to get around more easily.
We rented a car from Discover Cars before purchasing a vehicle on the island.
9. The Wet and Rainy Weather in the Center of Mauritius Island
Living in the central part of Mauritius means getting used to frequent rainy and wet weather, as areas like Moka, Curepipe, and Vacoas experience significantly more rainfall than the coastal regions.
The high humidity and consistent showers, particularly during the summer months from November to April, can make it challenging for residents to dry clothes, often taking days unless a dryer is used.
The region’s elevated terrain contributes to its cooler temperatures, frequent mist, and cloud cover, sustaining lush forests and fertile landscapes.
However, the persistent rain and dampness are a learning curve, especially for those coming from drier climates.
Despite the challenges, the refreshing, cooler climate in the central highlands offers a unique contrast to the warmer and drier coastal areas, adding to Mauritius’ diverse microclimates.
10. Local Mauritian Meat Tastes Different to South African Meat
One unexpected difference we’ve noticed since moving to Mauritius is the taste of local meat compared to what we were used to in South Africa.
The cuts and flavors of beef, chicken, and lamb here are quite distinct, which has required some adjustment for our family’s favorite meals. While we’ve found some good local butchers, the taste and texture of the meat are often different, likely due to local farming practices and feed.
Sourcing specific meat products, particularly those we grew accustomed to in South Africa, sometimes means importing, which can be costly.
Despite the differences, we’ve gradually adapted to the local offerings, discovering new flavors and ways of cooking that have added variety to our meals.
While certain dishes may not taste quite the same as they did back home, exploring Mauritian cuisine has been an exciting and delicious part of our transition.
11. Mauritius is Developing Rapidly But Still Feels 20 Years Behind South Africa
Mauritius is undeniably on a rapid growth trajectory. With new infrastructure projects, modern resorts, and increasing foreign investment, the island is evolving quickly, and it’s exciting to witness.
However, there are still moments when it feels like Mauritius is 20 years behind South Africa, particularly in areas like technology, infrastructure, and service efficiency.
Internet speeds can be slower, banking services are more traditional, and certain conveniences that we were used to back home—like seamless online shopping or modern retail experiences—just aren’t as prevalent here yet.
While Mauritius is progressing fast, it’s clear that some aspects of daily life still have a way to go before they catch up to the more developed systems we were familiar with in South Africa.
That being said, part of the island’s charm is its slower pace, and it offers a unique blend of both modern and traditional elements, making life here a beautiful mix of the past and present.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few adjustments, moving to Mauritius has been an incredible experience for our family. We’re learning to embrace island life, and with each passing day, we feel more settled in this beautiful paradise.
If you’re considering the move, just remember to pack your patience, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure!
To learn about the Pros and Cons of Moving to Mauritius, you can read my post here.
