Why Seychelles?
Ever tried looking for Seychelles on the world map? you would see it as a tiny dot in the Indian ocean. but on the contrary, you will be surprised to see that this island nation comprises of 115 islands! located off the coast of east Africa in the Indian ocean, it is one of those isolated, dreamy locations you often see in movies.
Today, the Seychelles offer a diverse blend of cultures such as French, British, African, Indian, Chinese and Arab as well as some of the best beaches in the world.
The Seychelles offers no shortage of beautiful sights, relaxation opportunities, and exciting activities and adventures. whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or for a vacation that the whole family can enjoy, the Seychelles has something for everyone.
Car Hire:
- Drivers should be minimum 22 years old, with a driving experience of at least two years.
- In Seychelles, you should drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- The roads in Mahe and Praslin are well maintained and in good condition but often they are bumpy narrow and sometimes steep too. you have to drive carefully when you see ditches, unless you want to dip your car in a deep ditch.
- Wearing seat belts are mandatory in Seychelles
- You have to maintain a maximum speed of 60kmph in less populated areas and 40kmph in populated areas.
- Most of the car hires will demand to give back the car with same amount of fuel when it was delivered.
Airlines Service The Seychelles:
- Emirates (6 flights weekly)
- Etihad (4 flights weekly)
- Ethiopian (3 flights weekly)
- Air France, Condor (twice per week direct from Frankfurt)
- Air Seychelles (3 flights weekly from Paris, 3 flights from Mauritius, 4 from Johannesburg )
- Air Seychelles 1 weekly flight each from Beijing and Mumbai, India).
- SriLankan Airlines (4 times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday)
- Transaero (from Moscow)
- Meridiana, Air Mauritius, Air austral (twice a week from Paris) and Kenya Airways.
- From Australia, it's probably best with Etihad via Abu Dhabi.
- From Prague (Czech Republic) to Seychelles via Abu Dhabion Czech airlines/ Etihad 3-4 times a week.
Currency:
- The currency in seychelles is seychelles rupees and cents, new currency notes have just been introduced by 2016 and the old notes will be in circulation for another two years.
- You will find banks and licensed money changers on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. At any ATM you can withdraw money with debit and credit cards. Before you exchange money, it is wiser to compare rates. As money changers will give you better rates than banks. The exchange rates of Seychelles stands at around 13.75 SCR for a Euro, 16.20 SCR for one British Pound and 13.75 SCR for 1 US$.
- VISA and Master/maestro card are the best choice as many family run guesthouses do not accept credit cards like upmarket restaurants and hotels.
- Restaurant bills can always be paid in Rupees/you can pay with your card.
- NOTE: The ATMs at Beau Vallon only accept VISA, no cirrus/maestro cards. It is advisable to get your money from the ATM at the airport in Victoria.
Shopping:
- There are big supermarkets around Victoria and also small shops owned by Indians mostly.
- On Praslin, Baie St.Anne and Anse Volbert , there are only small supermarkets with limited supplies.
- Gregoire supermarket is in La Digue. This is somehow expensive from other shops. But, you will get anything here.
- Wine is available in Seychelles (simple imported wine ranges from 100 to 150 SCR). It is allowed in some guesthouses to bring your own.
- Seychelle brewed beers are available as SEYBREW, EKU and Guinness. Bottle goes around 25 Rupees in shops. To note: it comes in too small bottles (280ml).
- Fruit juices and long-shelf milk are also available at shops wide.
- Baby food and diapers are available but rather expensive.
Time Zone:
- The Seychelles are 4 hours ahead of London-time.
- +3 hours to Paris, Rome, Berlin
- +2 hours to Cape Town
- +1 hour to Moscow
- -4 hours to Beijing
- -5 hours to Tokyo
- -6 hours to Brisbane
- -12 hours to Los Angeles
- +9 hours to New York
Climatic Facts:
- Seychelles Islands are sanctified with a warm and humid tropical with revitalizing sea breezes located outside the cyclone belt. The warmness of Islands here of temperature ranges from 24* C to 32*C that makes the Seychelles, people perfect perennial destination.
- January is the season of rainfall and so the wettest month of the year, which mountain Mahe and Silhouette receives the most. The downpour is between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. , not affecting the sunshine hours.
- July and august are the arid months. The annual temperature flits around 24°C and 31°C upholding the humidity.
- Driving and snorkeling with visibility at 30+ meters are ideal on April, May, June and September, October, November
Taxis:
- A rental car for whole day won't cost you much than a single taxi jaunt. Count on 25 to 30 Euros from the airport to the ferry terminal.
- We will be happy to serve you a cherishing stay in Seychelles, if you book your car hire with us.
Buses:
- Busses are very cheap and time consuming transport of getting around.
- Despite the distance you travel, the ticket costs 3 to 10 Rupies.
- There is a frequency of busses on most travelled routes in Mahe.
- It is a query if the busses can wait for you as most of the busses here are operated as school vehicle.
- There are chances that they might leave you standing at any time.
- We suggest to you take taxi's of your choice or a rental car that so that you never miss out any of your tour memories by waiting in a bus stop.
Water:
- W.H.O (World Health Organization) has certified water in Seychelles is safe to drink.
- Just because it is highly chlorinated for proper hygiene, it doesn’t taste good.
- we recommend you to drink packaged drinking water preferably 5 to 10 liter packaged bottles which is available in any supermarkets and petrol stations.
- It is smart choice to buy 15 or 18 liter bottles, if you are going to stay at a place for days altogether.
- Water restrictions are common and applicable during the months of June to September.
- During these months,water supplies will be off from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- kindly try as best not to waste water. Each drop counts!
Entry Requirements:
- This is true for all passport holders that there are no restrictions whoever stays up for 3 months. You will get free tourist visa on spot at the entry.
- You will need a passport along with return ticket and accommodation voucher, valid for the period of the planned stay until arrival back in your country of origin.
- Camping is not allowed in Seychelles.
- People who come from area of infectious diseases (e.g. yellow fever, Ebola, Swine flu) are requested to check with their embassy, the Seychelles immigration and with the airline.
- Temporary visa requirements may be in place.
- Those who hold passport issued in the Republic of Kosovo, the Seychelles seem not to recognize Kosovo as a state.
Goods Of Tax Free:
- 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or cigars/cheroots
- 2 litres alcohol with less than or equal to 16% alcohol by volume(abv)
- 2 litres alcohol with more than 16% abv
- 200 ml of perfume or eau de toilette
- Goods obtained overseas or purchased duty free in Seychelles with the combined value of SCR 5000 for adults or SCR 3000 for under 18.(this does not involve commercial goods)
Internet:
- Victoria has some internet café near the clock tower and opposite the STC supermarket.
- In Praslin, there are internet cafés at Baie Saint Anne and at Grand Anse.
- In La Digue you’ll find internet cafés near the La Passe jetty.
- For mobile internet, send a text messege (Internet) to9633.
Snorkeling/Swimming:
- Seychelles snorkeling is pretty good than any. Sea turtles, corals, wide variety of colorful fishes are encountered.
- Watch out in some places as strong currents may and pass as people have drowned because of strong waves.
- unless you want miss the best snorkeling experience of your life, you can skip snorkeling in Seychelles
- NOTE: own snorkeling equipments are more appreciated as rental gear is expensive and of course not very hygienic.
- (Avoid spots where dried sea grass lies on the beach, sand flies lay their eggs there)
National Parks And Reservoirs:
- On La Digue, Veuve Reserve is recommendable for the tourists to explore Seychelles- Paradise – Flycatcher (Terpsiphone corvina)
- It's an endemic species in Seychelles, if you are lucky you can find it in any part of Seychelles.
- On Praslin Vallee de Mai reserve, which is commonly called as may valley is a nature park and UNESCO world heritage site will be a sure delight for nature lovers.
- unique wildlife island endemic coco de mer, monocot tree and list will go till the end of this page.
- so not to kill your curiosity am leaving it undescribed
- TIME: 8.30 a.m. onwards. LAST ADMISSION: 4.30 p.m.
- ENTRANCE: 305 SCR (12 years and above. Free for child below 12 years (ID showing the age is necessary).
Emergency Contact:
Police
Emergency: 999Hotline: 133
Central Police Station: 4 28 80 00
Hospital
Emergency: 151Seychelles Hospital: 4 38 80 00
Praslin Hospital: 4 23 23 33
La Digue Logan Hospital: 4 23 42 55
SEYCHELLES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES
Emergency: 999Hotline: 4 32 32 42
Fire and Rescue: 4 28 99 50
Ferry:
- Please refer to our ferry schedule to know ferry timings for Mahe-Praslin-la dique.
- we have given you timings according to weekday and weekends for your clear understanding.
- We recommend you to take the upper deck of the ferry boats to experience ultimate ferry trip thrill, if you are not afraid of boat travels.
- Please book your ferries as quick as possible, because in case of funerals, local parties, communal meetings, festivals ferry seats will be booked very fast.
