Electrical outlets in Seychelles usually supply electricity at between 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances – such adapters are also available at major airports. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

CurrencyThe unit of currency is the Seychelles rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents (¢). Bank notes come in denominations of Rs 10, Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 500; there are coins of Rs 1, Rs 5, 1¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 25¢.Euros are the best currency to carry. Prices for most tourist services, including accommodation, excursions, diving, car hire and transport are quoted in euros and can be paid in euros (and less frequently in US dollars), either in cash or by credit card. But you can also pay in rupees. In restaurants, prices are quoted in rupees but you can also pay in euros.BankingThe four main banks are Barclays Bank, Seychelles Savings Bank, Nouvobanq and Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB). They have branches on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. You'll also find numerous money-changers. There's no commission for changing cash. Don't lose time shopping around; rates are almost the same everywhere.There are ATMs, which accept major international cards, at the airport and at all the major banks in Victoria. You'll also find ATMs at Beau Vallon and Anse Royale on Mahé and on Praslin and La Digue. Remember that bank fees can apply.Credit CardsVisa, MasterCard and America Express are widely accepted throughout Seychelles.

Tap water meets W.H.O specifications and is safe to drink throughout the country and on North Island.

Lying 4°-11° south of the Equator, in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles has a tropical climate: warm and humid with strong maritime influences. The temperature is consistently 75-90°C, there is no distinct dry season and there is some humidity at all times.Many of the granitic Inner Islands have dramatic terrain; Mahe boasting hills rising to 900m. The rainfall increases with altitude, though it is the trade winds that really dictate the islands' climate and name its seasons.From May to October the south-east trade winds (Southeast Monsoon) bring a relatively dry period. Reaching its peak in July/August, there is little precipitation and temperatures average 80°C, though seas can be a little choppy.By November (pre-Northwest Monsoon), the winds start to change, bringing light, warmer winds and the start of the main rainy season. During December to March (Northwest Monsoon), Seychelles gets extremely wet, especially inDecember and January, though the vegetation is lush, the winds generally light and the sun at its warmest. This is also the cyclone season, though only the most remote southern islands are within the cyclone belt.This period is followed by the calmest, warmest month, April (Pre-Southeast Monsoon), as the winds die down and start to change direction.

With relatively short travelling times between the islands and/or places of interest, different modes of transportation and with a regular network of air and sea transportation operating out of the principal island, Mahé, moving around in Seychelles is easy and hassle-free.Bicycles are a good transportation on La Digue and on Praslin. They can be rented at Anse Volbert or through the hotels. Mahe is not recommended for bicycles as it is very hilly and bike rentals are not easy to find. Most people rent cars on Mahe. One advantage to hiring a bicycle is the up close and personal experience with virgin forests, hidden restaurants, artist’s galleries and miles of pristine white sand beaches.Car rental is the best way for visitors to have the freedom they want while visiting the Seychelles. Mahe and Preslin have fairly good roads, but drivers should be cautious, because some drivers, and especially the bus drivers, tend to take the narrow bends in the roads at high speed. Driving is on the left.Car-hire companies are plentiful on Mahe and there are also some on Praslin. The prices will more or less be the same everywhere. Cars can be booked through the hotels or through the tourist office in Victoria. There are also many car rental companies at the airport.Drivers must be over 23 years and have been driving for at least one year. Companies will accept a national license, but it is good to bring an international license if possible.The bus service on Mahe is extensive and reliable. For visitors who have the time, the bus is the best way to see Mahe. Praslin also has a reliable bus service that travels from Anse Boudin through Anse Volbert to Mont Plaisir, the Vallee de Mai, Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse and to the airport. They go in both directions hourly except between Mont Plaisir and Baie St. Anne where they go every half hour. The tourist office has timetables.Taxis offer full or half day tours of Mahe and Praslin. For taxis, visitors should ask the fare before starting the journey and make sure it is a licensed taxi with a TAXI light on the roof of the car. The driver should also have an identification badge. On La Digue, if time is not a consideration, there are ox-carts that will take visitors from the boat jetty to the hotel.After deciding how best to navigate the land and sea of the Seychelles, visitors can take time to sail around the inner islands where there are easy sailing distances, safe moorings and spectacular natural beauty.These islands were made for sail boats with scenic bays and romantic coves as well as Anse Lazio one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Sailing the outer islands is true adventure on the open ocean to tropical paradises where few have ever been. There are sailing operators on Mahe and Praslin for day charters with crews or bare boats for a genuine taste of freedom.

Light clothing suitable for Seychelles' warm tropical climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the relatively hot, humid atmosphere. Also, for plenty of sun.Bring hats, sunglasses and adequate UV protection – SPF30+ is advisable. It is important to remember that even on an overcast day the tropical sun is still strong and able to cause unpleasant sunburn. Wearing a t-shirt for the first swim or snorkel is a good idea.A camera is an absolute must! Please bring a stock of film (particularly for non-standard cameras and video cameras) together with a supply of batteries.Casual eveningwear (long trousers for men), together with appropriate footwear, is necessary for dining out and for gaining entrance to casinos and most hotels.Sturdy walking shoes are recommended if you intend to take guided walk and trail excursions.Visitors suffering from a specific medical condition should be sure to bring an adequate stock of the appropriate medication along as well as their preferred brand of sun cream, mosquito repellent etc.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Medical facilities are limited, especially on isolated islands. The main hospital, including accident and emergency services, is in Victoria (telephone: + 248 -4388-000).

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations

Yellow Fever – all travelers ≥ 1 year old coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Prescriptions

Carry prescription medication in original packaging.
Verify with Seychelles Customs that your medications are legal before you travel.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

Seychelles is a visa-free country, however, a visitor’s permit will be obtained upon arrival if you meet certain criteria and can show:

A valid return or onward ticket for duration of the visit;
Confirmed accommodation, OR invitation letter, if staying with friends or relatives; and
Sufficient funds for duration of the stay.

Language:Seychelles has three official languages: Creole, English and French.National Emergency Numbers:Ambulance 151Police 999 Fire Service 999Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.January 1 – New Year's DayApril 6 – Good FridayApril 9 – Easter MondayMay 1 – Labour DayJune 5 – Liberation Day (Anniversary of 1977 Coup)June 7 – Corpus ChristiJune 18 – National DayJune 29 – Independence DayAugust 15 – Assumption/La Digue FestivalNovember 1 – All Saints' DayDecember 8 – Immaculate ConceptionDecember 25 – Christmas DayVAT :Restaurants and hotel bills normally include a VAT of 7% to 10%Time Zone:Seychelles is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of Central European time in winter and two hours in summer.US EmbassyThe US Embassy representing the Seychelles is in Mauritius.Address: US Embassy MauritiusRogers House on John F. Kennedy Street in Port Louis, Mauritius, 4th floorTel: (230) 202-4400Fax: (248) 225-189Website: mauritius.usembassy.gov