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Mauritius Currency and the Mauritian Rupee
Money Matters: Understanding the Mauritian Currency
Before you start exploring Mauritius’ pristine beaches, turquoise waters and rich culture, it’s essential to get familiar with the local currency.
Understanding how to handle money, whether through cash or card payments, will make your stay smoother and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know about the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) and managing your finances on the island.
The Mauritian Rupee
The official currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR), denoted as “Rs”. It is available in both coins and banknotes:
- Coins: 5 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, Rs 1, Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20
- Banknotes: Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 500, Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000
Modern Polymer Banknotes
Since 2013, Mauritius has introduced polymer banknotes for durability and enhanced security, with features such as:
- A transparent window replaces the traditional watermark.
- See-through and blind embossing for authenticity verification.
- A Dodo image and swing feature visible from both sides.
A Brief History of the Mauritian Currency
The Mauritian Rupee was officially introduced in 1877, replacing the Indian Rupee, the Mauritian Dollar, and the British Sterling. The decision to adopt the rupee was largely influenced by the influx of Indian immigrants to Mauritius, making the rupee a natural choice for the island’s economy.
Who’s on Your Rupee?
Each Mauritian banknote features an important figure in the country’s history along with a significant cultural landmark:
- Rs 2,000 – Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (Mauritius’ first Prime Minister) and a sugarcane worker
- Rs 1,000 – Sir Gaetan Duval (key political figure) and the State House
- Rs 500 – Sookdeo Bissoondoyal (nationalist leader) and the University of Mauritius
- Rs 200 – Sir Abdool Razack Mohamed (prominent political leader) and Port Louis Market
- Rs 100 – Renganaden Seeneevassen (Mauritius’ first Minister of Education) and the Court House
- Rs 50 – Joseph Maurice Paturau (industrialist) and the Port Louis Waterfront
- Rs 25 – Sir Moilin Jean Ah-Chuen (the first Sino-Mauritian minister) and a traditional Rodriguan fisherman
Payment Methods & Credit Cards
- Credit & Debit Cards: Mauritius is well-equipped for digital and card payments. Major cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
- ATMs: Easily accessible across the island, allowing you to withdraw rupees using an international card.
- Currency Exchange: Available at banks, licensed exchange bureaus and the airport. Remember, a passport is required for transactions at banks. (Find out more about exchange services here)
Tips for Handling Your Money in Mauritius
- Keep an eye on exchange rates before converting large amounts.
- Use ATMs or registered exchange bureaus for the best currency conversion rates.
- Always carry some cash for small purchases, particularly in rural areas, smaller vendors and local markets. (Get more tips on shopping in Mauritius here)
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid your cards being blocked for foreign transactions.
