Port Louis Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Port Louis.
Healthcare System
Mauritius operates a dual healthcare system with free public healthcare for residents and a well-developed private healthcare sector. Public hospitals provide free emergency treatment to tourists, but private facilities offer faster service and higher comfort levels.
Hospitals
Major facilities include Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital (public, central Port Louis), Wellkin Hospital (private), and City Clinic (private). Private hospitals accept international insurance and provide services comparable to Western standards. For serious medical emergencies, medical evacuation to Reunion Island or South Africa may be recommended.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (called 'pharmacies' locally) are widely available throughout Port Louis. Most common medications are available, though some may be under different brand names. Pharmacies operate on a rotation system for after-hours service. Bring prescriptions for any regular medications, and note that some medications requiring prescriptions elsewhere may be available over-the-counter.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended. While emergency treatment is available, repatriation, private healthcare, and specialized treatment can be very expensive. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy and emergency contact numbers at all times
- Private healthcare requires payment upfront or insurance guarantee, so have your insurance details readily available
- Tap water in Port Louis is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Pharmacists in Mauritius are knowledgeable and can provide advice for minor ailments
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists, particularly in crowded areas. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, with one creating a distraction while another steals valuables.
Opportunistic thieves on motorcycles or scooters sometimes snatch bags from pedestrians, particularly those walking near the roadside. This can result in injury if victims don't release their belongings quickly.
Traffic in Port Louis can be chaotic with aggressive driving, poor adherence to traffic rules, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. Drivers often don't yield to pedestrians, even at marked crossings.
While Port Louis itself has limited beaches, nearby coastal areas can have strong currents, sharp coral, and occasional jellyfish. Swimming outside designated areas or during rough weather can be dangerous.
While food hygiene standards are generally good, eating from street vendors or unhygienic establishments can occasionally lead to stomach upset or food poisoning.
Drug use exists in Port Louis, and some areas have drug-related activity. Tourists are rarely targeted but should avoid involvement and be cautious in certain neighborhoods.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers quote inflated prices or claim the meter is broken, taking advantage of tourists unfamiliar with local rates. Some drivers take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Individuals approach tourists offering unofficial guide services at inflated prices or leading them to shops where they receive commissions on purchases. Some may provide poor quality or incomplete tours.
Street money changers offer better rates than official exchanges but use sleight of hand, provide counterfeit notes, or shortchange tourists during the exchange process.
Vendors sell fake or low-quality gemstones, particularly claiming they are locally sourced or offering 'investment opportunities' in colored diamonds or other stones at inflated prices.
Some restaurants add items to bills that weren't ordered, charge for 'extras' not mentioned, or add service charges when they're already included.
Criminals attach devices to ATMs to capture card information and PIN numbers, later using this information to create counterfeit cards or make unauthorized withdrawals.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Learn basic French or Creole phrases as not everyone speaks English
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable items
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Keep money in multiple locations on your person
- Use ATMs during daylight hours, preferably inside banks
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry small denominations for markets and taxis
- Be discreet when accessing money or valuables in public
Transportation
- Use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services
- Avoid walking alone at night; take taxis after dark
- If renting a car, keep doors locked and windows up in traffic
- Don't leave valuables visible in parked vehicles
- Be extremely cautious as a pedestrian; drivers often don't yield
- Public buses are safe but can be crowded - watch for pickpockets
- Agree on taxi fares before departure or ensure meter is used
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations in well-lit, populated areas
- Use all available locks and security features in your room
- Don't open doors without verifying who is there
- Keep ground floor windows locked
- Report any suspicious activity to hotel management immediately
- Know emergency exit routes from your accommodation
Markets and Shopping
- Keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowded markets
- Bargain respectfully but firmly at markets
- Don't flash large amounts of cash when shopping
- Be particularly vigilant at the Central Market during peak hours
- Avoid buying from aggressive street vendors
- Check items carefully before purchasing
Beach and Water Activities
- Don't leave belongings unattended on beaches
- Be aware of your surroundings when swimming or snorkeling
- Follow lifeguard instructions and warning flags
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral
- Stay hydrated during water activities
- Book water sports through reputable operators with proper safety equipment
Food and Drink
- Drink bottled or filtered water, especially when first arriving
- Be cautious with ice in drinks from street vendors
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Choose busy food stalls where food is freshly prepared
- Be cautious with raw seafood and salads
- Try street food but select vendors carefully based on cleanliness and turnover
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially at religious sites
- Remove shoes when entering temples and mosques
- Be respectful during religious festivals and ceremonies
- Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas
- Learn about local customs regarding greetings and interactions
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Mauritius is generally considered safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The culture is relatively conservative but respectful, and serious incidents involving female tourists are rare. However, women may experience some unwanted attention, particularly in crowded areas or from taxi drivers and vendors. Catcalling and staring can occur but are usually not threatening. Taking standard precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Dress modestly, especially outside beach areas - cover shoulders and avoid very short skirts or shorts in the city
- Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Avoid walking alone at night; stay in well-lit, populated areas
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention from vendors or touts
- Consider joining group tours for excursions rather than going alone to remote areas
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts
- If staying in budget accommodations, choose female-only dorms when available
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) if you want to deter unwanted attention
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers
- Sit near other women or families on public transportation
- Have your hotel call taxis for you rather than hailing them on the street at night
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is technically illegal in Mauritius under colonial-era laws, though these laws are rarely enforced and prosecutions are extremely uncommon. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships, and LGBTQ+ individuals have limited legal protections against discrimination.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, as you would in many conservative destinations
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; international hotel chains are generally more accepting
- Be aware that discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly may not be well-received in all contexts
- Major tourist areas and resorts tend to be more accepting than local neighborhoods
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations online before traveling for current advice and support
- Consider booking accommodations as 'friends' rather than as a couple if concerned about reception
- Be cautious about using LGBTQ+ dating apps as attitudes vary and safety can be a concern
- Remember that what is acceptable in tourist areas may not be in local communities
- If you experience discrimination, contact your embassy for support and guidance
- Trans travelers should carry documentation matching their gender presentation to avoid issues with authorities
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Port Louis and Mauritius. While basic emergency medical care is available free at public hospitals, private healthcare (which offers better service) requires payment, and costs can be substantial. Medical evacuation to Reunion Island or South Africa for serious conditions is extremely expensive. Additionally, insurance protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions, particularly important during cyclone season.