Island Whispers: Seychelles Sojourn

Dotting the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is renowned for its tailor-made romantic getaways, adventure opportunities, and breath-taking natural beauty. This exceptionally picturesque archipelago is comprised of 115 coral and granite islands. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, visiting the lively capital city of Victoria, and exploring the colourful coral underwater wonderlands encircling the islands. Other major highlights include abundant wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises and nesting sea turtles, indigenous plant life, and a host of tropical birds. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and Aldabra Atoll.

Currency 
Local currency: Seychellois Rupee 
Symbol: SCR 
ISO code: SCR 
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rupee) 
Banknotes: 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 cents; 1, 5, 10 rupees 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 14:30 
Weekends: Saturdays: 08:00 – 11:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Seychelles 
International Airports: Seychelles International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Praslin Island Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily on Mahé and Praslin 
Gravel roads: Yes, on smaller islands 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Limited 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes, efficient on Mahé and Praslin 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, between main islands 
Water taxis: Yes, for tours and transfers 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, but bottled water is recommended for visitors 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes, particularly reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Seychellois cuisine is a rich fusion of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences with a strong emphasis on seafood and exotic spices. Dishes like fish curry, octopus curry, and the unique fruit bat curry are popular, alongside rice and tropical fruits. 

Drinks: 
Famous local drinks include Seybrew (local beer), coconut water, and rum cocktails. 

Tipping: Not traditionally expected but appreciated, usually around 5-10%. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by island, generally around 2360 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 27°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Seychelles is during the cooler months from May to September when the weather is drier and ideal for beach activities and wildlife watching. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Not typically needed 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential 
Walking shoes: Yes, for nature trails 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, available in major areas 
Accommodation options: Yes, widely available with good connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, mostly in tourist areas 
Cafes: Yes, in major tourist spots 
Shopping malls: Yes, in Victoria 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes