Expat Ash
South African looking for information about Mauritius
Forum posts
43
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2
About me
South African
Registration: 29 August 2022
Police clearance certificate from South Africa - living in UK by nicholasmound
HI EveryoneI am wanting to apply for a retirement visa and am currently living in the UK for the past 5 years, having relocated from South Africa in 2019.I believe I need a police clearance certificate for the past 10 years so will need an SA police ...
@nicholasmound try the SA High Commission in London. Read More
Retirement Visa Application (50+) for my Wife (dependent?) by karibi
I have completed the application form on the ECB portal for myself, but not submitted it. However, there is no option to enter my wife's details.My questions are:(a) Should my wife make her own application on the portal? OR(b) Do I wait for my Visa ...
My wife (sponsored by me) did not need a police clearance certificate. She did need to complete the medical tests. She did need passport photographs. Read More
Anticipated problems with retirement permits by Tookays
Hi. If I apply and get a retirement permit for 10-20 years, and my wife will be included on it as dependent spouse, what happens if I pass away? Does she then need to apply again in her own name, and show finances - anticipating that monthly income ...
@Tookays she is going to have to apply in one form or another. In my experience you get better service as the main applicant than a sponsored applicant. Try use that to motivate her. Read More
Shipping furniture over or not? by Posy_and_I
Hello, We are moving to Mauritius early February. My husband's employer is paying for shipping our belongings. We read that most rentals are furnished. However we have young children so their furniture is quite specific, and also we plan to furnish ...
@Posy_and_I we came from the UAE with IKEA furniture that I disassembled. It survived the move. My main reason for doing this was that the furnished rentals are sparsely furnished and not to our taste.In my opinion furniture in that style is quite ... Read More
Thinking of moving to Mauritius but have some questions by Littleone626
Hi all 馃my husband, 5 month old daughter and myself are looking seriously into moving to Mauritius but I have some questions. We are South African but currently living in Europe.we have two dogs and two cats. Is it possible to take the dogs ...
@Littleone626 shipping and vat & duty make sending purchases to Mauritius expensive, depending on how you do it you can expect the costs to be 50% to 100% of the item cost.You will get nearly everything that you need on the island, for ... Read More
Living in Mauritius by susanhilling
My husband and I are considering retiring to Mauritius. I know holidaying there and living there are completely different so we are coming over in November and will be looking at it differently!! I read with interest five reasons NOT to live in ...
@susanhilling for your 3 week stay try act like you are living here not a tourist. So shop and cook, go to the pharmacy etc. Read More
Living in Mauritius by susanhilling
My husband and I are considering retiring to Mauritius. I know holidaying there and living there are completely different so we are coming over in November and will be looking at it differently!! I read with interest five reasons NOT to live in ...
@susanhilling if you rent a property make sure it has a fibre connection, then you can select the connection speed you want at a reasonable cost.The stray dogs are a problem, my wife and I feed and sterilize stray dogs.There is litter in areas but I ... Read More
Gluten-free products in the North by rushikay
Hello,I am looking for gluten-free baked goods in the north around Grand Baie/Mon Choisy/Trou Biches / Triolet.I know SuperU sells some gluten-free stuff, but it isn't so 'fresh', so any bakeries or suppliers (even online) will be appreciated.
@imsierram00 if you don鈥檛 mind please message me the list. Read More
How to get a Postal Address/Box? by peterg123
We will soon be in MU for a year. How to get a postal address? Do you rent聽a Post Office Box? Or do you use a residential reference?聽Or do you need to collect from a Post Office?Is mail delivered to your house?聽Any and all information ...
@peterg123 I suggest you go to your nearest post office and talk to them. In our road everyone has a post box. They are all different but they have a name on them not a house number. When our postman was changed we greeted the new person and helped ... Read More
How to get a Postal Address/Box? by peterg123
We will soon be in MU for a year. How to get a postal address? Do you rent聽a Post Office Box? Or do you use a residential reference?聽Or do you need to collect from a Post Office?Is mail delivered to your house?聽Any and all information ...
@peterg123 post is delivered to your residential address. A few tips:Ask senders to address your mail Care Off Your Landlord鈥檚 Name, In some areas there is no street number so the residence is identified by the landlord鈥檚 name and street ... Read More
Scooter/motorbike? by Andyn1981
Can you rent a motorbike (scooter) on the island as a cheap way of getting around? What licence needed? Thanks!!
@oshudofsky there are scooter rental places in Flic en Flac. I am at your disposal, contact me when you land and I will come to The West to have coffee with you. Read More
Does Mauritius really want to save stray animals ? by Guestposter006
I have been trying to adopt a dog now for about two weeks. I want to save a dog rather than buy one because it means I can save a life rather than buy a dog that is sellable & therefore saveable. I have joined/liked/followed several sites on FB ...
@oshudofsky at PAWS the runs (a covered sleeping area and a small open area are shared with more than one dog. The staff are busy all day cleaning and caring. If you volunteer you can offer to walk dogs and play with puppies. The later might seem ... Read More
Does Mauritius really want to save stray animals ? by Guestposter006
I have been trying to adopt a dog now for about two weeks. I want to save a dog rather than buy one because it means I can save a life rather than buy a dog that is sellable & therefore saveable. I have joined/liked/followed several sites on FB ...
@shirley1421971 on it. PS see my edit about PAWS. Read More
Does Mauritius really want to save stray animals ? by Guestposter006
I have been trying to adopt a dog now for about two weeks. I want to save a dog rather than buy one because it means I can save a life rather than buy a dog that is sellable & therefore saveable. I have joined/liked/followed several sites on FB ...
@shirley1421971 we feed a string of street dogs on the beaches and have adopted one. If I find a young male that suits your needs should I let you know? You would have to get it vaccinated and sterilized.We have also volunteered at PAWS and respect ... Read More
Scooter/motorbike? by Andyn1981
Can you rent a motorbike (scooter) on the island as a cheap way of getting around? What licence needed? Thanks!!
@pbrough as far as I know you need a motorcycle license from your home country. I know some countries let tourists ride scooters with a car license, I don鈥檛 think this applies in Mauritius. Read More
Scooter/motorbike? by Andyn1981
Can you rent a motorbike (scooter) on the island as a cheap way of getting around? What licence needed? Thanks!!
@oshudofsky I have been riding motorcycles for 5 years and I don鈥檛 recommend it anywhere for tourists or inexperienced riders. Whether it is Thailand or Mauritius, it will all be fine until it goes really wrong. I ride with full protective ... Read More
Scooter/motorbike? by Andyn1981
Can you rent a motorbike (scooter) on the island as a cheap way of getting around? What licence needed? Thanks!!
@RonanF it depends on the brand AND the engine size. Import duty increases as capacity increases. Yes there is a Vespa dealer. Maison De La Moto. Read More
POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE - NOT ACCEPTED by traciwoodley
Hi again. EDB is not accepting our Police clearance from SA as they are older than 6 months. They are also not accepting just our UK Police Clearance. We are South Africans living in UK for past 2.5 years and have never returned to SA (so no crime ...
@Sidd T I have sent you a personal message. Read More
Buying a car and premium visa by Laura91
Hi guys does the premium visa need to be approved before you can buy a car?
@Laura91 I THINK that all you need to buy a car is proof of address and a passport. Read More
4 ?s: Soda Stream Canisters, Dollar Stores, Banking, & Car Rentals by macaDive
Hi there, I just relocated to Mauritius and have 4 questions.1) Would anyone have advice about how to purchase refills for Soda Streams in Mauritius? (CO2 canisters). I brought mine and just moved here and would love to find a store where it is in ...
@macaDive Sodastream refills are available in supermarkets (I have seen them in Super U), they seem to come in and out of stock. I bought my machine and spare bottle from Zilo Water. I am sure they offer refills. Read More
Safety of water by Kethani
I have just arrived in Mauritius from SA. Is the tap water safe for drinking and cooking, or should I boil it first or stick to bottled water. Currently I am using bottled water for everything.
We use a water filter. Send me a direct message if you want two company names for quotes. Read More
Fly ticket back/premium visa/ tourist visa by Laura91
Hi guys. When you relocated to Mauritius and entered with a 3 month tourist visa from Europe did you need to show a flight ticket back when you intend to apply for the premium visa? I know that you need it for the premium visa but wonder if it is ...
@Laura91 when you enter as a tourist you must show your return ticket. Read More
Where do people living in Mauritius invest their savings? by zurtle
I was wondering what most people in Mauritius do with their savings.Is it invested in bank fixed deposits?How viable is the Mauritian stock market? (I saw the MUA Insurance stock gave a decent return)Are there high yield govt bonds that can be ...
@Novalis1 then consider a BankOne Custody account. Their fees for such are lowest of all the banks on the Island. Read More
Where do people living in Mauritius invest their savings? by zurtle
I was wondering what most people in Mauritius do with their savings.Is it invested in bank fixed deposits?How viable is the Mauritian stock market? (I saw the MUA Insurance stock gave a decent return)Are there high yield govt bonds that can be ...
@Novalis1 why would that online platform need to be Mauritian? Why not just use something like eToro? Read More
Where do people living in Mauritius invest their savings? by zurtle
I was wondering what most people in Mauritius do with their savings.Is it invested in bank fixed deposits?How viable is the Mauritian stock market? (I saw the MUA Insurance stock gave a decent return)Are there high yield govt bonds that can be ...
@prospectorland a few words of advice from a layperson: don鈥檛 hold 1 to 2 years living expenses in cash, that is a lost opportunity. Don鈥檛 convert excessive foreign currency to MUR as you cannot easily convert it back. As far as I know ... Read More
POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE - NOT ACCEPTED by traciwoodley
Hi again. EDB is not accepting our Police clearance from SA as they are older than 6 months. They are also not accepting just our UK Police Clearance. We are South Africans living in UK for past 2.5 years and have never returned to SA (so no crime ...
@DiannaR I sent you a message, please take a look at your messages if you still need help. Read More
Packing up and leave !? by oshudofsky
Hi to all the already emigrated people,I am wondering how you managed to pack up a complete house, with personal belongings that are often collected over many years? Do you spend money to ship it all to the island or do you set up an "open house ...
@Tookays you make some great points. It is important to understand what you can buy in the destination country and at what type of price. Moving to Dubai we only took 3 suit cases each. In Dubai you can shop on Amazon and at IKEA to have the items ... Read More
POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE - NOT ACCEPTED by traciwoodley
Hi again. EDB is not accepting our Police clearance from SA as they are older than 6 months. They are also not accepting just our UK Police Clearance. We are South Africans living in UK for past 2.5 years and have never returned to SA (so no crime ...
Not every country requires finger prints to issue a police clearance certificate. For example South Africa does but Dubai does not. Read More
Best places to rent east-side? by ellen_d
Hi everyone, I have just moved to Mauritius to begin a new job and I'm excited to discover the island and meet new friends here :)I'm from the UK and have relocated from Dubai on my own, I'm in my 40s. I will be working in the East (Beau Champ) I'm ...
@ellen_d we moved from Dubai in November. If you want an easy sense of community I would say Azuri. We did not like the cookie cutter feel of Azuri after so much of that in Dubai. We live in Poste Lafayette and love it but it is quiet鈥� Read More
Retirement in Mauritius by Pogespark
Hi All,I have been contemplating on retiring in Mauritius.So, from what I gather -To retire in Mauritius, you have to meet the following criteria:You have reached the retirement age of 50 years or above.You must transfer a minimum monthly amount of ...
The requirement is definitely USD1,500 per month.If you feel nervous about the value being changed up then there is an opportunity after living on the island under the retirement permit for 3 years and proving inward transfer of USD54,000 to apply ... Read More
Retirement documents by oshudofsky
Hi there, are there a lot of documents I need to collect before starting the retirement visa process? Do they have to be in English because I am Dutch? Can I also come on a tourist visa and then apply for the retirement visa? Is it advisable to hire ...
A few answers:You can use an AirBnB or booking.com short term rental address to start the process. The EDB will want to be kept up to date as to your long term address. I suggest you take time on the island to decide where to live. The North, East ... Read More
Retirement documents by oshudofsky
Hi there, are there a lot of documents I need to collect before starting the retirement visa process? Do they have to be in English because I am Dutch? Can I also come on a tourist visa and then apply for the retirement visa? Is it advisable to hire ...
@traciwoodley these are roughly the steps as I remember them:Submit all documents in the portal.Get pre-approval.With the pre-approval letter open a Mauritian bank account and deposit at least USD1,500. Get a letter from the Mauritian bank ... Read More
Retirement documents by oshudofsky
Hi there, are there a lot of documents I need to collect before starting the retirement visa process? Do they have to be in English because I am Dutch? Can I also come on a tourist visa and then apply for the retirement visa? Is it advisable to hire ...
@oshudofsky you enter Mauritius on a tourist visa. There is no need to enter the country until you are ready to do your medical tests. These medical tests are just blood drawn and an x-ray. The EDB website is very clear and easy to use. The ... Read More
POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE - NOT ACCEPTED by traciwoodley
Hi again. EDB is not accepting our Police clearance from SA as they are older than 6 months. They are also not accepting just our UK Police Clearance. We are South Africans living in UK for past 2.5 years and have never returned to SA (so no crime ...
@traciwoodley I went to the police station in Grand Baie, they allowed me to use their ink plate and take the finger prints myself. I used a sample from Visa Logistics to make sure I did what was expected. Read More
POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE - NOT ACCEPTED by traciwoodley
Hi again. EDB is not accepting our Police clearance from SA as they are older than 6 months. They are also not accepting just our UK Police Clearance. We are South Africans living in UK for past 2.5 years and have never returned to SA (so no crime ...
I used Visa Logistics, their service is good and quicker than some of their competitors that I have used before.You can also visit the SA consulate in Port Louis and request an SA police clearance certificate, it will take a bit longer. Read More
Motorbike driving school by billalkajee
Does anyone know of any motorbike / motorcycle driving school contact details.
@shirley1421971 I was interested in a CBX250, late last year I called the dealer and they said there were no plans to bring them in. That may have since changed. A Vstrom 250 2023 model might be interesting, I don鈥檛 know if the 2023 model is ... Read More
Electric stove & oven in 1 by Guestposter006
My house will be finished soon & I am trying to find a fully electric stove top & oven that does not require gas. I cannot seem to find a full stove & oven with 4 electric stove top burners & an oven underneath with 2-3 shelves.Has ...
@Tookays I agree, the compatible pots is not to be ignored. If all your pots and pans are not compatible then the hidden cost will be a shock. As an amateur cook I can tell you that good induction pots on a decent hob are more responsive than gas. A ... Read More
Electric stove & oven in 1 by Guestposter006
My house will be finished soon & I am trying to find a fully electric stove top & oven that does not require gas. I cannot seem to find a full stove & oven with 4 electric stove top burners & an oven underneath with 2-3 shelves.Has ...
HiI strongly suggest an induction hob.I have not been able to find an all in one with induction on the island.Get your kitchen installer to make a cabinet for the hob and oven. Read More
Can one buy a car without a Residence permit by SuchetaP
Hello all, We are an Indian/Dutch couple in our mid sixties. We have bought a villa that will take another year to get ready. Our papers are being processed now and hopefully EDB will give us a Pds by July 2023. We do want to be in Mauritius for a ...
I agree, they asked for my passport and proof of address, my drivers license was additionally requested for the insurance. Read More
Slate Restoration by Expat Ash
Good Morning The house I am renting has slate floors that need stripping and sealing.Does anyone know a specialist on the island?
@Bhavna good idea, let me try. If any member has a recommendation that will be appreciated. Read More
Slate Restoration
Good Morning The house I am renting has slate floors that need stripping and sealing.Does anyone know a specialist on the island? Read More
New members of the Mauritius forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mauritius forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Happy Sunday MorningI am Ashley, I have moved here from Dubai just a week ago. I have travelled to Mauritius many times and it has always been a dream to live here. I am in Poste Lafayette. I love to run, snorkel, scuba dive and ride my motorcycle. ... Read More