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PRACTICAL INFORMATION |
In an increasingly polluted and stress-filled world, Seychelles represents a powerful antidote
to the demands of everyday living.
The 115 islands of Seychelles, with a collective landmass of only 455 square kilometres, are scattered across
1,400,000 square kilometres of warm crystal clear waters, offering immense diversity and variety. This
extends from sculptured granite boulders to coral reefs, from untouched forests and bird sanctuaries to private
resorts and exotic hideaways. Never before has the visitor been so spoiled for the sheer choice of accessible,
unspoiled islands.
An efficient network of inter-island boats, aeroplanes and helicopter transfers can accommodate almost any
tailored schedule.
An enviable reputation for social harmony and an enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that almost half
of the limited landmass has been set-aside as nature reserves. A year round temperate season and a healthy
tropical climate places Seychelles in the fortunate position of being able to responsibly plan, control, and
limit the development of the tourism industry to ensure it will never impact negatively on the sustainability
of their unique ecosystems.
GETTING TO THE SEYCHELLES
Air Seychelles, departs from Paris, London and Rome non stop. The flights are 9-10hrs.
Air France, Royal Emirates, Qatar and Kenya Air all fly to Seychelles.
Connections from Africa and Asia are regularly scheduled.
Upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport, we normally make arrangements to have
our clients personally greeted by a representative and transferred to their resorts.
From the USA flights generally connect through Europe. Seychelles is a wonderful
destination by itself, or combined with a safari in Africa, or an add on to Mauritius or
any European vacation.
Seychelles is a long haul destination and packages carry substantial cancellation
penalties. Trip cancellation and medical insurance is strongly recommended.
US Citizens require a valid passport, with at least 6 months validity remaining by
the date of your return from vacation. If you or any member of your party is not a
US citizen, please check with the appropriate Government department of the country
to (or through) which you are intending to travel. A visitor’s permit valid for
four weeks is issued on arrival.
No vaccinations are required for the Seychelles,and Mauritius. You must ensure that
you have complied with any health requirements such as vaccinations, for any country
you may be visiting, for example East Africa and these requirements do change.
Therefore it is wise to consult your doctor at your earliest opportunity.
If you have a medical condition or if you are pregnant then you must get clearance to
travel from your own doctor.
We cannot accept responsibility if you are refused entry onto any transport or into
any country due to failure to comply.
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Please ensure you wear appropriate attire for all sports, particularly footwear. Please
also bear in mind that any sporting equipment you intend to take will form part of your
luggage allowance. In the Seychelles, there are luggage restrictions of 10-15 kg per
person on most island-hopping flights. Scuba divers taking their own gear will need to
pack carefully, as in some cases when travelling in small aircraft, excess luggage is not allowed.
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2 liters of spirits, two cartons of cigarettes and 200ml perfume or 200ml Eau de toilette.
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Direct dialing is possible from most hotels.
Pre-paid cellular cards, phone cards, internet and e-mail services are
available on the main islands.
Please note that Internet is very slow as it is dial up. Also check that your cell phones are unlocked so it can accept local prepaid cards.
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240 volts AC 50 Hz. Most hotels have UK style 13 amp sockets but it is wise to take an
adapter just in case.
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Restaurant bills normally include a service charge.
Tips are at your discretion and although well received are not generally expected.
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Mid range hotels: Beer(Seybrew) from $7-10 –(in shops $2.60); Soft drink $5 (in shops $1.70); glass of wine $8; gin/tonic $10; meal main course from $20 (local takeaways cheap $2.50.) Per day car rental $68; bicycle rental $15; full day excursion from $100; 1/2day excursion $50; Public bus is only .50 cents. Gas $1.17 per liter; Cigarettes $8(packet 20). Taxi from airport to Beau Vallon approx $20-$25. Exchange rupees to dollar fluctuating Rs11-12 for $1 (subject to change ).
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Victoria, the capital, has an efficient hospital and there are health clinics
on the main islands. Private doctors are available. For details contact your
hotel reception.
It is very important to purchase insurance.
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Seychelles is 12 hours ahead of US Pacific Time Zone in the winter and 11 hours ahead in summer.
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Light clothing are worn all year around. Long sleeved clothes are only required for
the air journey. It is advisable to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen under the
tropical sun. Men are expected to wear long trousers at night.
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A bus service operates on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue from 05:30 to 19:00hrs.
Taxis, car and bicycle are available.
A valid International or US driving licence is required for car hire and the
minimum age is 21 years.
Driving is on the left side of the road. Manual transmission cars from $68.00 per day.
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Air Seychelles:
20 kg in economy class, 30 kg in business class.
Excess baggage, if permitted, is charged by the airlines.
Fees are normally charged by the kilogram.
Hand Luggage: limited to one piece per passenger with a maximum weight of
7Kg (5kg in UK). Dimensions of hand luggage should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
Air Seychelles as a general rule will grant free of charge, up to
10kg for any sporting equipment, but a volumetric rule will be applied for bulky equipment.
How to convert to Kg:
For cm(L x H xW) 6000; For inches (LxHxW/327)
Internal flights within Seychelles are often limited to 10-15 kg. Passengers who are
island-hopping are encouraged to leave non-essential baggage, not required for their island
trip, at their hotel or with the airport police left luggage
(Provided bags are locked – bring a padlock).
Please note that there is a strict restriction of one piece of luggage per person on helicopter
transfers generally.
If you are planning to get married abroad, due to carry-on baggage restrictions, airlines
cannot guarantee that you will be able to take your wedding dress on board.
We recommend therefore you ask the dressmaker to pack the dress in a traveling box or
pack it in a hard-sized suitcase.
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The currency is Seychelles Rupees made up of 100 cents. Main credit cards are widely accepted.
As part of the Economic reform program, revision of taxation system and fiscal practices; a new foreign exchange regime is now being implemented in the Seychelles .Effective as of 1st November 2008, Visitors are allowed to settle any payments of goods or services in Seychelles rupees. However should a visitor wish to do any transaction in foreign currency this is still acceptable. With the floating of the Seychelles rupee, it is the market or financial system, meaning the banks and bureau de change that will determine the exchange rate. Note that the rate of any currency will vary from day to day and from different time of the day. You do not need to change a lot of dollars into rupees – most establishments are happy to accept dollars or euros. ATM’s are available on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Visa, Mastercard or American Express are all accepted. Some small properties may only accept Visa or Mastercard.
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Handicrafts include baskets are, table mats, hats, jewelry, paintings. Shops open Monday
to Friday 08:00 to 17:00hrs, Saturday 08:00 to 12:00hrs (some close for lunch).
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Creole, French and English are the official languages.
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