Seychelles is a beautiful tropical island nation in the western Indian Ocean. It is known for its luxury resorts and diving, but it also has some great beaches and mountainous terrain that will make your stay here unforgettable.
Here are some things you should know before you arrive in Seychelles:
Currency
The currency is the Seychellois franc (SCF), which is divided into 100 centimes. One SCF = 100 centimes and can be changed at most banks in the country. This money will be accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops but not by all taxi drivers or tuk-tuk drivers who may try to take advantage of you if you do not speak French fluently or have any knowledge about local customs.
Visa requirements
If you are traveling from the UK, you can get a visa on arrival. However, if you are traveling from another country and have no idea how long your trip will be, it might be better to apply for a visa beforehand. The current visa requirements for all visitors to Seychelles include:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Seychelles
- Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., cash) to cover any expenses during your stay in Seychelles
Health and vaccinations
There are a few vaccinations that you will need to get. For example, if you plan on traveling to any country in Africa, including Madagascar and Seychelles, then it is recommended that you receive a yellow fever vaccination. You may also want to take precautions against Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever by getting vaccinated against both diseases.
There are also vaccinations that you can take to protect against diseases like Diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Even if you do not get these three shots, it is a good idea to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Arrivals by sea and air
You can arrive in Seychelles by sea or air.
Sea: The main port of entry is the Seychelles International Airport, which is located on Mahé Island. There are direct flights from all major cities around the world to this airport.
Air: In addition to many airlines that fly into Victoria International Airport (on Praslin), there are also daily flights from Mahe Island to Fakarava Island operated by Air Seychelles and Fly Seychelles (which has its airport).
Departure tax
Departure tax is payable on all flights, and the amount varies depending on which airline you take. The base rate for a domestic flight from Seychelles to Johannesburg, South Africa is US$40 per person. This includes any children under 12 years old traveling free of charge (with exact change).
Departure taxes are paid in cash at an airport counter before check-in, or via credit card, if you wish to pay online. They can also be paid at any airport in Port Louis or Mahé that accepts debit cards; however, these fees may vary depending on which airport you fly out of and what time it is when your flight departs.
Booking a hotel before arriving in Seychelles
If you are looking for the perfect place to stay on your trip to Seychelles, look no further than STORY Seychelles. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, it is the best place to stay in Seychelles. It is important to book the hotel before arriving in Seychelles as it will help you plan your trip in an organized way.
They offer to book both hotels and villas in Seychelles. This is the perfect place for any occasion—whether it is your honeymoon or simply an escape from the busy city life. They have the best accommodation for your budget and taste, whether you are looking for luxury accommodation or something more affordable.
What to wear in Seychelles
It is pretty much always sunny and hot, so it is best to pack light clothes. The dress code is casual and you can pretty much wear whatever you want without getting into trouble. No need to pack a suit or tie—no one will ever see them! If you do have a dress or bikini, good luck because they are not allowed on the beaches.
Tipping and service charges on holiday in Seychelles
There are no service charges or tips on your bill, but if you do tip, it should be 10% of the total bill. Tipping is not required in Seychelles and is not customary over here. However, if you want to give someone a little extra money for their hard work and efforts, that is fine too!
They will likely accept it anyway because most people in this part of the world are very friendly and open-minded about giving their guests some extra cash for anything from taxi services to meals at restaurants—even when they know that others might not see this as appropriate behavior (as we all learn when traveling abroad).
Electricity, water, and telephone services
Electricity is 220 volts, with three-pin plugs. You will need to bring your international adapter or purchase one at the airport. Water is safe to drink and many shops sell bottled water in plastic bags.
There are fixed telephone lines throughout the island; however, mobile phones are more common than landlines in Seychelles because it is easier to get service on a cell phone than dial-up a landline (which requires electricity). If you want to call someone from your hotel room or elsewhere on the island, you can use their number as long as they have one too!
Time in Seychelles
Seychelles is on GMT+4. This means that Seychelles uses UTC+4, while most of the world uses UTC. If you were to fly to Seychelles and arrive there at noon, it would be 8 pm in your time zone (that is because GMT is based on time zones).
You can also think about it another way—Seychelles is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 1 hour ahead of Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).
The Seychelles calendar of events
In addition to the usual tourist attractions and activities, there are also plenty of cultural events that you may want to attend. Some examples include:
The annual Seychellois Festival takes place in November at Anse Royale. This festival celebrates the history and culture of this beautiful country by highlighting its unique heritage through music, dance and food.
The Maison du Tourisme (Tourism Office) hosts an annual Christmas fair during December that showcases local craftsmen’s work while providing visitors with a chance to shop for souvenirs from around the world!
If you want to go to Seychelles at any time of year, STORY Seychelles is the ideal option since they offer the best hotel services in Seychelles all year.
Final word
We hope this guide has helped get you ready for your journey. It is important to remember that many things can happen when traveling abroad. However, with a little planning and preparation, it will be easier than ever to have a great time on your Seychelles vacation!
