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Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A round pin plug with male grounding pin is used. 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.
Language: French, as well as Runion Creole and some English is spoken. 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 New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to three months; a valid passport is required. Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 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. Getting around: There are local buses on the island, as well as Car Jaune (yellow buses) that connect the island's principal towns. Car rental agencies are located at the airport, as well as in Saint Denis. Roads are well maintained, though traffic can be heavy during peak times. Taxis are available. 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. Customs: Réunion follows French tradition and culture, influenced by its many different population groups. There is a mix of Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam on the island and visitors should respect the different religious groups and their customs. 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 €175 per adult or €90 for children under 15 years. |
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Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2008 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media nor Educational Directories Unlimited can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. |
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