SafferCA
Canadian looking for information about Mauritius
Forum posts
42
About me
Canadian
Lives in Grand Baie, Rivi脙篓re
Registration: 16 June 2024
Best place to long term car rental? by ramborosak
Hi all, I will be starting work in Mauritius soon and want to find out who is the best and cheapest place to hire a car long term?Would ideally like to hire for between 6 months to a year, before I can lease my own car.
I'm renting for 5 months from a company called ASAS Car Hire. It's not the cheapest. I pay Rs25,000 per month. But they're reliable and good to deal with. Read More
"Guaranteed income" for a 10-year retirement residency visa by gordon081257
Good afternoon. A friend (57) wishes to apply for a 10-year retirement residency visa, but we're both struggling to establish what income will be treated by EDB as "guaranteed income" for the visa. He's not yet entitled to his company or state ...
@Tookays yes you cannot get your income from within Mauritius. Any discussion on this assumes it comes from a foreign source. You may well be taxed in that foreign jurisdiction but if you are a Mauritian tax resident you will be taxed again. There ... Read More
"Guaranteed income" for a 10-year retirement residency visa by gordon081257
Good afternoon. A friend (57) wishes to apply for a 10-year retirement residency visa, but we're both struggling to establish what income will be treated by EDB as "guaranteed income" for the visa. He's not yet entitled to his company or state ...
@Tookays If you become a tax resident, which you would be if you are in Mauritius for more than 183 days, as I will be this year, you pay tax on your income. If it is a lump sum, for example savings or investments, you will only pay tax on taxable ... Read More
"Guaranteed income" for a 10-year retirement residency visa by gordon081257
Good afternoon. A friend (57) wishes to apply for a 10-year retirement residency visa, but we're both struggling to establish what income will be treated by EDB as "guaranteed income" for the visa. He's not yet entitled to his company or state ...
@gordon081257 Correct. Also, if you're going for the US$1,500 per month, they don't care whether it is a pension, a gift or a salary. As long as it is a constant flow that equals US$18,000.My application was approved on a lump sum. It was much ... Read More
"Guaranteed income" for a 10-year retirement residency visa by gordon081257
Good afternoon. A friend (57) wishes to apply for a 10-year retirement residency visa, but we're both struggling to establish what income will be treated by EDB as "guaranteed income" for the visa. He's not yet entitled to his company or state ...
@gordon081257 You can show either a total amount of USD18,000 in your bank account or periodic payments of USD1,500 per month.If the monthly is a problem, then show a lump sum in your account (which has been there for at least 6 months) of ... Read More
Stuck in legal rigmarole by GuestPoster377
How to open a local bank account for a minor who is British, and does not live on the island, but Mauritian decent by mother.No one is able to assist in the banking sector as everyone is quoting different rules and no one seems to be sure.Want to ...
Banking is very tightly controlled. Without proof of Mauritian residence, I doubt you'll be able to open an account. You can try ABSA Mauritius. They do account applications online. Read More
Good areas to live in Mauritius by craigconley
HiLooking for recommendations please for good areas to live. We want to be away from the main tourist places so we don't have neighbours who are partying all the time, but not too isolated. West coast seems preferable because of the better weather ...
I'd probably say around Flic and Flac, Tamarin and Black River. Read More
Looking for friends by radcar12
Hi, I鈥檓 a 25 year old female expat working in Mauritius looking for new friends and experiences. I love exploring the island, cruises, pubs, restaurants and id love to expand my social circle with people from all walks of life. (Within my age ...
@Okie123 Play Padel and meet people that way. There's quite an active community. Read More
Tourist visa by Macmac0065
Hello, im planning to apply for a premium visa for one year this year.聽 I plan to arrive in Mauritius in octobre/novembre. If i for some reason dont get a premium visa, i read that youre able to stay on a tourist visa for 6 months/calender ...
@Macmac0065 I know you can buy open-ended medical travel insurance, good for multiple trips of up to 6 months, valid for 12 months, if you're in North America. Perhaps it's different where you are. Read More
Finding rental properties by craigconley
Hi everyone What's the best way to find long let properties to rent on the island ?Any advice much appreciated. Thanks
The best all-round solution (rent, location, condition) is if you're in Mauritius. Then you can look around and decide.To decide via the internet is tricky because photographs only tell part of the story and you can easily be over-charged. Often key ... Read More
How to adapt to the expat challenges of everyday life in Mauritius by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Adapting to everyday life as an expat in Mauritius can be both exciting and overwhelming: different habits, systems, and sometimes even unexpected surprises! Simple things like paying bills, using public transport, or even ...
I've lived in Canada (18 years) as an expat and now Mauritius. To be honest, the challenges are no different than you'd experience elsewhere. Each country has slightly different challenges which just acts as a reminder that you're a ... Read More
Have you retired in Mauritius? by whistancemichael
Hello good people,My wife and I are busy planning to retire in Mauritius from Cape Town and wonder if there any couples/retirees who have successfully managed this transition? We would dearly like to correspond with you.Best Regards,Michael.
@craigconley Play Padel, paddleboard, cycle, golf, volunteer at a dog shelter, gym, start a small business. You have to build a life but it's easier to do than some other places. Sure, you've lost your networks and goods can be harder to come by but ... Read More
Marriage certificate and South African Police Clearance by nicholasmound
Hi EveryoneJust a question regarding my Wife who will be a dependent on my Retirement visa that I am in the process of applying for:we have been married 32 years,聽 is it a requirement for her visa application that her married name as well as ...
@karibi Was this confirmed to you by the EDB because I'm not sure about that? Read More
Marriage certificate and South African Police Clearance by nicholasmound
Hi EveryoneJust a question regarding my Wife who will be a dependent on my Retirement visa that I am in the process of applying for:we have been married 32 years,聽 is it a requirement for her visa application that her married name as well as ...
@nicholasmound Yes, only the main applicant needs a police clearance. And only you apply. You will feel stressed thinking that your spouse isn't mentioned anywhere. Rest assured, her application is processed on the day you present yourself at the ... Read More
Marriage certificate and South African Police Clearance by nicholasmound
Hi EveryoneJust a question regarding my Wife who will be a dependent on my Retirement visa that I am in the process of applying for:we have been married 32 years,聽 is it a requirement for her visa application that her married name as well as ...
Your spouse is your dependent. She does not compete an application. Only you do. She does not require a police clearance certificate. Her application is completed on the day you visit the EDB in person. Read More
Retirement Residence Permit - Proof of Funds Transfer by karibi
To meet the permit requirements I need to annually submit proof of transfer of funds of at least $18,000 to a local bank to the EDB. Practically how does this work? For example on the anniversary of the permit, do I send them a copy of a bank ...
Once a year you upload it to the EDB website. Read More
Stray dogs issue in mauritius in 2025 by IMpo SibLe
Hello, someone here could tell me about the stray dog situation in Mauritius in 2025? I want to move there and tarvel around in a bike and dogs can be a real issue. Thanks.
Stray dogs are everywhere. They're generally not aggressive. But I have seen the occasional scooter get chased. Read More
Medical tests for 10-year retirement residency permit by mike102
As a 66yo Brit, after three weeks in Ma uritius, I'm 100% sure I want to emigrate here and spend the rest of my (hopefully many!) days here.A question on medical tests for a 10-year retirement residency permit. I'm aware that three tests must be ...
@RusselS No. The clinic takes care of everything. Read More
EDB retirement permit by Jl41
I have completed the process to the point of receiving an approval in principle and opened bank account.Next step is to be in Mauritius at the end of the month to go to the Clinic in Grand Baie for medical and understand that it takes about 2 days ...
@Nmuhammad Yes, you just need it certified as a copy of the original. You won't need to return to the US but you will need whoever certifies it to verify the authenticity by looking at the original online (Presuming you're printing a copy off from ... Read More
Working abroad as a residence permit holder by nicholasmound
Hi there.My wife and I plan to move to Mauritius in November 2025. She will apply for a Retired persons visa. I would still like to continue working for my company. The company is based in Malta and I work on a 17on/13off basis. Would I be able to ...
Yes, you can. There is no physical presence test for the retirement permit, only the requirement to show $18,000 per annum transferred to Mauritius. That said, you would be the retirement permit holder's dependent and therefore not subject to any ... Read More
Cycling in Mauritius by emmarainio
Hi, 馃毚馃徏鈥嶁檧锔廤here is it worth cycling in Mauritius? Are there other cyclists in Mauritius in January? Do you have any opinions on whether it is worth renting/road bike?馃槉
In my opinion, the roads are not bike friendly. People do cycle but you need to decide for yourself what level of risk you're comfortable with. Read More
EDB retirement permit by Jl41
I have completed the process to the point of receiving an approval in principle and opened bank account.Next step is to be in Mauritius at the end of the month to go to the Clinic in Grand Baie for medical and understand that it takes about 2 days ...
@Tookays They cannot work on a retirement permit. Read More
EDB retirement permit by Jl41
I have completed the process to the point of receiving an approval in principle and opened bank account.Next step is to be in Mauritius at the end of the month to go to the Clinic in Grand Baie for medical and understand that it takes about 2 days ...
@davidanddavid2010 No, your spouse cannot work. She may own a business but she cannot pay herself a salary or take any benefits other than the dividends at year-end. Read More
Occupation permit by radcar12
hi guys, my occupation permit is in processing.. have a job offer but my does in the country are almost up.. does anyone know if i can just stay? since its processing does this give me legal stay in the country?thanks
I'm presuming it is being processed by the EDB. Send them an email and enquire. They're very good at responding. Read More
Ban on vaping and other news by Anne-Lise Mty
Hey guys !How have you been?I thought this was an interesting and practical info to share : vaping is banned in public spaces since the 31st of May. You can still enter the territory with your e-cigarette and refills but you will not be able to buy ...
Coincidentally, this issue has been all over Facebook this week. What I find astounding is the number of people that actually encourage breaking the law because it isn't enforced or because they get away with smuggling through customs or because ... Read More
South African Products Available in Mauritius by BlueBell7
Hi there, I am considering moving to Mauritius & wondering if certain South African products are available in Mauritius. Are these available & which retailer stocks them:- Marmite - spread for toast Mrs Balls Chutney Yum Yum Peanut ...
@BlueBell7 Yes both are in the Grand Baie area. Read More
South African Products Available in Mauritius by BlueBell7
Hi there, I am considering moving to Mauritius & wondering if certain South African products are available in Mauritius. Are these available & which retailer stocks them:- Marmite - spread for toast Mrs Balls Chutney Yum Yum Peanut ...
Most supermarkets like Winners and Super U stock a large range of SA products. The SA stores like saffers.mu and, I think, two others have a limited range of groceries. They're a bit clunky when it comes to online websites and ordering, ... Read More
Car Hire vs YuGo (Uber like ride service) by BlueBell7
Hi Once living in Mauitius what鈥檚 the best way to get around?I heard that YuGo which is a ride service like Uber in Mauritius & is good, efficient & much less expensive than normal taxis & car hire.Anyone used their service & ...
I'm here for two months and have rented a car. It isn't pristine. It has bumps and scrapes but seems reliable and light on petrol. You are welcome to contact the person I rented it from to see if he can help you. I will send his details privately. Read More
Ban on vaping and other news by Anne-Lise Mty
Hey guys !How have you been?I thought this was an interesting and practical info to share : vaping is banned in public spaces since the 31st of May. You can still enter the territory with your e-cigarette and refills but you will not be able to buy ...
Not that it changes anything, but I saw someone vaping on the beach yesterday. Read More
Accommodation letter by radcar12
Hi guys. Traveling to Mauritius in a couple of weeks for holiday. I鈥檝e managed to secure private accommodation (an apartment in grand baie)wanted to know what the accommodation letter I present to immigration upon entry of Mauritius say? I ...
@radcar12 if you have a lease it should contain all the information of the property owner. Read More
Rent Car 5 months by Tonyl87
Hi,I'm scheduling to come from January to May 2025. I'm looking for a car with a good price. You can reach me on whatsapp ***
@Tonyl87 I have made arrangements to rent a car for Sep and Oct. Very low rate. Can't vouch for the service as I haven't got there yet but willing to share details. Will send you a DM. Read More
Tax Advice:Tax Residency UK to Mauritius by dawny1307
Hi. Can anyone please give tax advice or recommend a good Tax Adviser please? We're planning to move to Mauritius later this year. My husband works remotely for a large multinational company. We're currently very confused about the tax situation; ...
I'm not a tax expert. However, tax in Mauritius is 15%. If you're a tax resident in Mauritius it would be far lower than what you pay in the UK. This is one of the primary strengths that Mauritius has. It is a low tax jurisdiction. My situation is ... 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 ...
@Expat Ash Thank you. Read More
Exchange Rate MUR - GBP by vichall
Can anyone advise a secure way to transfer quite a large sum from Mauritius to the UK without using banks due to high fees?I am in London and could arrange a secure exchange through a solicitor or another trusted method.Note my money is now in an ...
@vichall This is alarming and suggests there is unofficial exchange control. That would impact me severely.I wonder if this applies if you hold your money in a USD account? Read More
Exchange Rate MUR - GBP by vichall
Can anyone advise a secure way to transfer quite a large sum from Mauritius to the UK without using banks due to high fees?I am in London and could arrange a secure exchange through a solicitor or another trusted method.Note my money is now in an ...
@vichall not sure if you resolved this. Is it possible, and cheaper, to wire money from your MUR account to a WISE account or XE.com and do the transfer from there? 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 ...
Thanks to this thread, I see that your spouse gets added later. It isn't clear in the application guide.That said, do I need to have a police clearance and digital passport pictures for my spouse as well? Does my spouse also need to complete the ... Read More
5 goods reasons for not choosing Mauritius by Julie
Hi, After exploring the positive aspects of living in Mauritius last week, we invite you in [i]Weekly Magazine[/i] to discover the 5 good reasons for not choosing to live here ;). What about you: what would be your good reason for not choosing to ...
Wow, I'm in the process of submitting my application for a retirement visa and found this thread interesting. It seems many people didn't understand the assignment. The topic was "5 good reasons for not choosing Mauritius". I mean, obviously, people ... Read More
Tourist-pack SIM cards only for local use? by Digi-Nom@d
It seems the tourist-pack SIM-cards cannot receive OTP's (validation codes) from outside of Mauritius. I need to do internet banking, but cannot link my banking app because the validation codes don't come in. I have a similar problem with validating ...
You can use a virtual number from Fongo. Just do a Google search. It should work. It is a Canadian service but they have an International Edition for people outside Canada. It works like WhatsApp but can receive 2FA and OTP codes. Read More
New members of the Mauritius forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 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 your ...
Hello everybody. My wife and I (both in our 50s) are currently applying for the retirement visa. We're both ex-South Africans who have lived in Canada for the last 16 years. Obviously we're navigating all the issues and hence why I'm here. Looking ... Read More
Expat contacts by martiniquenz
We are a retired couple, ex South Africa (via New Zealand), newly settled in Tamarin seeking similar people for conversation and friendship. Would love to meet up for coffee or other.
@martiniquenz I'm relocating to Mauritius on the retirement visa as well. I couldn't help noticing you did the same via New Zealand. I'm an ex-South African making the move from Canada after 17 years. I'm interested in asking you why you made the ... Read More