Travel tips · Seychelles
Seychelles travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Seychelles was uninhabited until French settlement in 1770 and later passed to Britain, gaining independence in 1976. Its Creole culture blends African, French, British, Indian and Chinese influences, expressed in Seychellois Creole (Kreol), the national language, in Catholic churches and Hindu temples, and in music and dance such as sega and moutya, which UNESCO lists as intangible heritage.
Key facts
- Language
- Seychellois Creole, English and French
- Currency
- SCR
- Plugs
- Type G sockets, 240 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water on Mahé and Praslin is treated, but many visitors prefer bottled or…
- Emergency
- 999 (police, fire and ambulance)
Things to know
- Greet people with 'Bonzour' before asking a question; Seychellois are friendly but reserved.
- Dress modestly away from the beach, especially in Victoria, churches and villages.
- Nude sunbathing is not permitted on public beaches; keep swimwear on.
- Do not remove coco de mer nuts, shells or coral; exporting coco de mer requires an official permit.
- Respect the quiet of Sundays, when many shops close and families gather.
- Self-catering guesthouses and Creole takeaways cut food costs dramatically compared with hotel restaurants.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected, and many restaurants and hotels include a service charge. Leaving about 5–10% for good service, or a small tip for boat crews and guides, is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonzour | Hello / good day |
| Mersi | Thank you |
| Komman sava? | How are you? |
| Orevwar | Goodbye |
| Silvouple | Please |
What to wear
Light clothing, reef shoes and a hat for the sun; a light rain jacket helps in the wetter months and on mountain hikes.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type G sockets, 240 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water on Mahé and Praslin is treated, but many visitors prefer bottled or filtered water; on smaller islands, ask your accommodation.
- Emergency number
- 999 (police, fire and ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good on the main islands, and local SIMs and eSIMs are available at the airport; Wi-Fi in guesthouses can be slow.
- Time zone
- Indian/Mahe
Strong currents and rip tides occur at exposed beaches such as Grand Anse on La Digue and Anse Intendance, especially from May to October; swim where locals swim and heed warning flags. Petty theft from parked cars and unattended beach bags happens, so keep valuables out of sight.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Seychelles's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Seychelles?
Tipping is not expected, and many restaurants and hotels include a service charge. Leaving about 5–10% for good service, or a small tip for boat crews and guides, is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Seychelles?
Tap water on Mahé and Praslin is treated, but many visitors prefer bottled or filtered water; on smaller islands, ask your accommodation.
+What plugs are used in Seychelles?
Type G sockets, 240 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Seychelles?
Seychellois Creole, English and French.