Gurjinder
@gurj
English expat in Mauritius
Forum posts
86
Contacts
6
About me
English
Speaks English, Punjabi, petit peu francais
Registration: 25 February 2013
Any Greeks in the house?
there is also a Greek orthodox church in coromandel and Zorbas in Grand Baie - owned by a Greek guy ( Dimitri) and lots of Greeks go there .... Read More
The Needful, the Necessary, the Same. Noooooo!!! Stop it! by Neo-UK
Why, in Mauritius, am I being bombarded with the overuse and total abuse of these terms? Everywhere I go, everyone I speak to in a professional or business capacity, they all say [i]"I will do the needful"[/i] or [i]"the ...
spot on! That's the frustration - you're given all this flowery language but no action!!! Read More
The Needful, the Necessary, the Same. Noooooo!!! Stop it! by Neo-UK
Why, in Mauritius, am I being bombarded with the overuse and total abuse of these terms? Everywhere I go, everyone I speak to in a professional or business capacity, they all say [i]"I will do the needful"[/i] or [i]"the ...
hahaha - here-under and above mentioned all in one sentence!!!! Yes my husband just found that they haven't done something they asked and is sorely tempted to reply via email with " it appears you haven't done the needful!" Read More
The Needful, the Necessary, the Same. Noooooo!!! Stop it! by Neo-UK
Why, in Mauritius, am I being bombarded with the overuse and total abuse of these terms? Everywhere I go, everyone I speak to in a professional or business capacity, they all say [i]"I will do the needful"[/i] or [i]"the ...
hahaha - tell me about it - I though it was just me who thought it was hilarious! Just received an email that began "further to your hereunder request...." :/ The key to English is - keep it plain and keep it simple! Using phrases ... Read More
stray dangerous dogs
A friend of mine who lives near the beach is currently being kept awake ALL night by a pack of about 20 stray dogs. It seems that there is a female on heat and this has attracted many other strays. Consequently they are also fighting and we feel it ... Read More
Recommendations for good secondhand English bookshops? by TamarG
Hi Everyone, Can you recommend any good secondhand English bookshops? I found Ankara Bookshop in Quatre Bonnes but it has a pretty limited amount/range of books. Thanks Cheers, Tamar PS I'm in Trou Aux Biches
Hehehehe "second hand book heaven" !!!!! :top: happy to help....please spread the word about the PAWS shop if you can..it is such a good cause! And please remember to recycle your books there when you're finished as it now looks ... Read More
Credit cards and deposit by aakayb
Hi all, I am looking to get a bank card that will allow me to shop online and I was previously told I will need a credit card, as the standard debit card here will not allow online purchases. I currently have a bank account with SBM and I ...
look into the prepay cards from either HSBC, MCB or Afrasia no deposit required, you can top up online, and use it for online payments as well as POS in shops restaurants etc You don't need to bank with them to get the card either! Read More
Recommendations for good secondhand English bookshops? by TamarG
Hi Everyone, Can you recommend any good secondhand English bookshops? I found Ankara Bookshop in Quatre Bonnes but it has a pretty limited amount/range of books. Thanks Cheers, Tamar PS I'm in Trou Aux Biches
yes there's not much going on there at all - it seems a bit of a white elephant but the charity shop is a good cause and lots of things to be found - they have some limited opening hours as it is run by some lovely volunteers so I would go on a ... Read More
Recommendations for good secondhand English bookshops? by TamarG
Hi Everyone, Can you recommend any good secondhand English bookshops? I found Ankara Bookshop in Quatre Bonnes but it has a pretty limited amount/range of books. Thanks Cheers, Tamar PS I'm in Trou Aux Biches
the PAWS charity shop @ Mont Choisy Shopping Promenade has loads of second hand English books. :) Read More
Dangerous Roads in Mauritius by lesjar
I know the title sounds grim, but good information for the newcomers to the island about roads that have many accidents or lots of dangerous drivers will help them be more aware of the situation and avoid if need to or drive at other times. I would ...
Another tip - watch out at roundabouts esp on the motorway - people seem to wander all over the lanes to tackle it ie: left lane on approach - inside lane actually on the roundabout (or they just go straight over it ) then back to left lane after ... Read More
New to Grand Baie by sarahis
I've recently moved here from London with my 4 year old son...wondering if there's any clubs/activities in English for kids expat mums in the area can recommend? He's getting rather bored and I'm still undecided as to schooling ...
I think funky monkey has moved to next to Fit club on Sotisse road - apparently its even better now! And actually I think you will find restaurants a lot more child friendly than in London - mainly as Mauritius is very family orientated and I have ... Read More
can i work in mauriitus on a tourist visa? by Joelenea
will be visiting for about 12 months? can i work at the same time? would also like to find friends in mauritius your help is appreciated
and I was lead to believe that a tourist visa was only for max 3 months :/ Read More
Ophtalmologist
I would suggest seeing an Optometrist first and getting a referral from them. Read More
next flea market at Mont Choisy Sat 26 July by gurj
The next flea market at Mont Choisy shopping promenade is on 26 July 10am - 2pm. Lots of interesting bargains to be had!
If you want to reserve a table to sell your wares yes you need to book via: videgreniergbaie@hotmail.fr Read More
next flea market at Mont Choisy Sat 26 July by gurj
The next flea market at Mont Choisy shopping promenade is on 26 July 10am - 2pm. Lots of interesting bargains to be had!
30 august - its on the last Saturday of every month Read More
no good barbing saloon here by clintonjay
Hi guys I stay in the north here. , I've move around but still can't find a barber who can give me a nice hair cut!
have you tried Darwin in La croisette - it is a hairdressers but loads of guys go there! They have a young guy in there who just does mens hair.... Read More
To buy or rent a car: that is the question! by Bennet-Steam
Hi all, I've spent the last month looking at online used cars catalogues, and I'm still unsure about whether to buy or rent a car. I'll have a budget of around 300,000R, which could feasibly rise to as high as 350,000R, and will be on ...
If you are here for 3 years I would suggest buying - the maths speaks for itself really - also lots of cars easily sold and bought as expats coming and going all the time.... Renting for 3 years would cost you MORE than your average car and nothing ... Read More
fresh milk now available by gurj
Fresh milk is now available in all major supermarkets its called Mia Milk. Skimmed, semi-skimmed and full fat available and also cream - I've tried it and it is delicious...I'm sure all us expats will be glad of this and I hope Mauritians ...
Yes really! :D Mine's been open 3 days and it still tastes great - no clotted cream forming either! The company is educating the delivery drivers and supermarkets on how to transport and store. I got it in Intermart and its in Super U. ... Read More
next flea market at Mont Choisy Sat 26 July by gurj
The next flea market at Mont Choisy shopping promenade is on 26 July 10am - 2pm. Lots of interesting bargains to be had!
its usually held on the last Saturday of every month. Variety of items available; I think you would have to visit it to see for yourself. There are a few others around the island - maybe other members can advise......? Read More
fresh milk now available by gurj
Fresh milk is now available in all major supermarkets its called Mia Milk. Skimmed, semi-skimmed and full fat available and also cream - I've tried it and it is delicious...I'm sure all us expats will be glad of this and I hope Mauritians ...
I am a happy customer first but have recently met the company owners as well - I will pass on your feedback! Read More
next flea market at Mont Choisy Sat 26 July
The next flea market at Mont Choisy shopping promenade is on 26 July 10am - 2pm. Lots of interesting bargains to be had! Read More
fresh milk now available
Fresh milk is now available in all major supermarkets its called Mia Milk. Skimmed, semi-skimmed and full fat available and also cream - I've tried it and it is delicious...I'm sure all us expats will be glad of this and I hope Mauritians ... Read More
Residential areas in Mauritius by poojasomani
Hi all, I am from Mumbai, India and am planning to move to mauritius in a couple of monthswith my husband and 4 mh old daughter. Was wondering what will be ideal area to stay?
Yes, lots of availability of housing - depends on your budget! Sorry, I'm not too sure on jobs in your field. Read More
Dangerous areas by Maria Ad
Hello everyone!! I am going to work in Mauritius for a year and among my doubts there are: -Are there dangerous areas? Are there places where it is not recommended to go? -In general, how is the people? Are they open, or is it difficult to talk ...
I'm curious as to why you rule out the North. I live in the North and its great - lovely beaches and weather here always a bit warmer than rest of island. Lots to do and great mix of all communities up here - maybe that helps. I would suggest ... Read More
Residential areas in Mauritius by poojasomani
Hi all, I am from Mumbai, India and am planning to move to mauritius in a couple of monthswith my husband and 4 mh old daughter. Was wondering what will be ideal area to stay?
In general the whole island has Indian origins so hopefully you should feel ok most anywhere. However I understand Quatre Bornes has a massive expat Indian community and they speak Hindi a lot in that area. I know expat Indians just love to stick ... Read More
immigration medicals
Our medicals took 1 appointment, however we are from the UK so pretty straight forward for us; it's probably different for different countries eh? They can send the results straight to relevant authorities. Most medical centres are really ... Read More
Dangerous areas by Maria Ad
Hello everyone!! I am going to work in Mauritius for a year and among my doubts there are: -Are there dangerous areas? Are there places where it is not recommended to go? -In general, how is the people? Are they open, or is it difficult to talk ...
Its been mentioned MANY times before on this forum but once again: there are good and bad in all countries. I wouldn't walk anywhere on my own at night. I have not found any problems with safety in Mauritius, but I do take sensible precautions, ... Read More
Off-season rates for hotels by CAJT
Hello friends, I am in Mauritius since now close to 2 months now and was given to understand that July-August are generally the off-season months for tourism industry, and hence, u may get some good deals in hotels especially during this time... ...
I would recommend this website: - marideal.mu/alldeals.html Also if you get in touch with some of the resorts and ask for their current offer for residents they usually get back to you. Read More
Gel Nails and Make Up by johanmedic
We are relocating back to Mauritius in August. My wife will open a small salon for Gel nails and make up and will also travel to your place if needed. What is the demand for Gel Nails (Nail Art etc) on the Island? Regards Johan.
Permanent gel nail varnish is still a fairly new concept in Mauritius but they are becoming more widely available. Brands such as Shellac and Gelish are around, however it is in the expertise of application that I have found a problem. Then there is ... Read More
Customs by Maria Ad
Hy everyone, I don't know if I'm writing on the right topic... I will be living in Mauritius for a year and I have some questions about what can I bring with me. Can I bring medicaments? In this case is iron supplement, I don't have ...
you can easily get iron supplements all over Mauritius and in Port Louis I have found they are even cheaper then UK, and yes authentic reliable brand! Read More
Vide grenier at Mont Choisy shopping Prom Sat 28 June
There is a flea market/attic clearance sale this Saturday (28 June) at Mont Choisy shopping Prom 10am to 2 pm. lacase.mu/fr/communaute/evenements/vide-grenier---mont-choisy-shopping-promenade-1761 Read More
How do you feel Mauritius markets itself locally?
I seem to have to answer about 20 questions first - like what nationality I am, where exactly do I live... the list goes on! It's as if they are screening me before they part with any info :D Read More
Prices in the North
After discussion with friends this weekend there is some debate on prices in shops in the North compared to further South. I am not talking about small tourist type shops but the larger generic stores that have branches in both Croisette and ... Read More
How do you feel Mauritius markets itself locally?
Why is it so difficult to obtain any information from hotels? With the exception of a few I am finding it increasingly frustrating to obtain info regarding resident rates for overnight stay/day use. Am I being naive in thinking that this is the ... Read More
Recommended restaurants (all round the island) by Natasha Glover-Webber
Hi guys! Just wanted to propose to share our recommendations regarding the various nice restaurants around the island. As I am living in the north, I know the places around there better. But what can you recommend in your area?
Sakura in Grand Bay - great tepanyaki! Read More
Recommended restaurants (all round the island) by Natasha Glover-Webber
Hi guys! Just wanted to propose to share our recommendations regarding the various nice restaurants around the island. As I am living in the north, I know the places around there better. But what can you recommend in your area?
for special occasions as its a bit pricey, Chateau Mon Desir @ Maritim hotel ( esp their Champagne brunch on a Sunday) Also Rasoi @ St Geran hotel on east coast I would debate some of the suggestions already given by others but let's not go down ... Read More
Recommended restaurants (all round the island) by Natasha Glover-Webber
Hi guys! Just wanted to propose to share our recommendations regarding the various nice restaurants around the island. As I am living in the north, I know the places around there better. But what can you recommend in your area?
Botteghita (Italian) on coastal road grand bay selFish on coastal road pointe aux cannoniers Read More
tailoring
Does anyone know where I can get some (cheap) Kurtis/tunic tops made up and can I buy simple cotton material anywhere. Ideally both jobs done in the same place; something similar to what they do in India. I don't need anything fancy! And obviously ... Read More
quality butchers
Does anyone know of any really good quality butchers in the North? I have NO restrictions (ie: non-halal is fine for me) but just wanted some good quality and choice in the 1 place, and for the butcher to cut,skin or prep the meat for me as well. Read More
beach clubs in the North by gurj
Any suggestions??? I keep hearing about C beach club in the south but any equivalent in the North?
Yes i suppose I was asking about hotels! :lol: It's just the hotels don't seem to advertise their day packages much - I'll ring them up and ask! Although any recommendations on here are welcome! Read More
beach clubs in the North by gurj
Any suggestions??? I keep hearing about C beach club in the south but any equivalent in the North?
actually I'm looking for a place to spend the day on the beach, where there are nice toilets, place to eat, loungers, maybe even a pool etc.... not asking for much am I? ;) Read More
beach clubs in the North
Any suggestions??? I keep hearing about C beach club in the south but any equivalent in the North? Read More
The new terminal - Beware it's a bitching post by Sleeping Cookie
Beware - it's a bitching post. They build a new and luxurious terminal / airport. I must say I expected more. * I would have expected that for the arrivals, the people would be able to wait inside the building to welcome their relatives / loved ...
vancouverboy77 - actually I don't think calling people ignorant is respectful! That aside, we are only discussing positives AND negatives. Yes its a great initiative to build a new airport - the design is cool from what I've seen of the pics and ... Read More
The new terminal - Beware it's a bitching post by Sleeping Cookie
Beware - it's a bitching post. They build a new and luxurious terminal / airport. I must say I expected more. * I would have expected that for the arrivals, the people would be able to wait inside the building to welcome their relatives / loved ...
I doubt it's a matter of "International Airport Security" considering at the busiest airport in the world ( Heathrow London) visitors can go inside to either see off or greet passengers and plenty to do, eat and see while you wait! Yes they're not ... Read More
The new terminal - Beware it's a bitching post by Sleeping Cookie
Beware - it's a bitching post. They build a new and luxurious terminal / airport. I must say I expected more. * I would have expected that for the arrivals, the people would be able to wait inside the building to welcome their relatives / loved ...
oh dear - not a good first impression for tourists then and all that money spent on it as well!!!! Hang on - maybe quite a good impression of level of customer service experienced on the island ( outside of hotels!) - hope you feel better now ... Read More
best milk for kids by goshika74
Hi, Today was my 1st day in Mauritius. Im in love with this place especially tge weather. I went to super market to pick up milk but confused with wide range. Pls suggest which brand is good for kids (3yr n 9yrs). They are used to cow milk. Pls ...
Don't know about kids but I love milk and was really finding it difficult at first to get it! I hate the powdered stuff and normal long life. But the brand I have found now which tastes great is called Devondale - they do skimmed/ semi skimmed / ... Read More
re. any good doctors in the north
not sure about maternity but I had to go to Grand Bay clinic once - the big one opposite the Engen at la Croisette - they were great! Read More
English speaking ex pat wanting to get to know other ex pats in mru by NorthMUL
Hi Im a Londoner whose been Mauritius for a while but havent had much opportunity to meet many ex pats. Maybe due to work and not knowing where to meet new people here. Anyone whose interested in a girls day out or just to hang out please let me ...
Hi I'm Gurj also from the UK - never thought I would say this but yes I am craving some Brits to communicate with, esp girls just to have a coffee or something! I'm in the North too! :) Read More
Did moving to a wealthy country not make you any happier? by linapascal
Good evening everybody, I'm writing a story for Weekly magazine about a new research study showing that people who immigrate to wealthier countries do not end up happier than they were before the move. If you are a Mauritian who has lived abroad ...
just read your article in Weekly - really interesting! More in a similar vein would be nice! :) Read More
police certificate which is for requests for immigration purposes? by melandmike
Hi there I have been to my local constabulary and they have given me a form but I'm not sure if I need a 'police certificate' which is for 'requests for immigration purposes' or just the normal disclosure stating that I have no criminal offences ...
when we got here we went to an approved clinic and they did everything for us. dead easy! Read More
Places to visit in Mauritius by Julie
Hi, For the ones living in Mauritius, what would you suggest to discover the country? When you have friends or family visiting you, where do you go with them? What are the must-see places in Mauritius, the tourist sites? How to visit the ...
Port Louis veg & meat markets! Real eye opener to anyone from Europe. Any beach on a Sunday where you can join in a sing song with some local Mauritian family and their guitar player!! :) Also there's sometimes a guy on Mont Choisy beach with a ... Read More
police certificate which is for requests for immigration purposes? by melandmike
Hi there I have been to my local constabulary and they have given me a form but I'm not sure if I need a 'police certificate' which is for 'requests for immigration purposes' or just the normal disclosure stating that I have no criminal offences ...
Hi meland mike.... It's called a CRB check which we got before leaving the UK, and it was about 拢10 ( if I remember correctly) and more ( about 拢30) if you wanted it express delivery! Eventually though when we applied, it wasn't even looked at. ... Read More
PSYLLIUM HUSK FIBRE by trish_sewpersad
Hello... does anyone know where I can find some of this amazing stuff? Im also looking for alternative healing... meditation retreats.. spiritual mentoring... etc etc... I live in the centre and hope to be able to find some of this close by... Thank ...
oh... and Quartier Gourmet, Quatre Bornes! Read More
PSYLLIUM HUSK FIBRE by trish_sewpersad
Hello... does anyone know where I can find some of this amazing stuff? Im also looking for alternative healing... meditation retreats.. spiritual mentoring... etc etc... I live in the centre and hope to be able to find some of this close by... Thank ...
not sure if they'll have it but have you tried Axios health shops? They have shops in Tamarin, Floreal and Grand Bay. See their web page. Read More
Health food supplies - nuts and seeds by gillid
Anyone know if it's possible to get hulled sunflower seeds or buckwheat seeds in Mauritius? Also a bulk source of almonds and other nuts would be handy. Thanks Gilli
have you tried the Jumbo at Riche Terre.... Read More
work permit details. by yoge
Sir,how can i apply for the work permit of Mauritius.
have you looked here for a start! /en/guide/africa/mauritius/3_visas.html Regular expat-blog contributors please correct me if I'm wrong, but there seems to be frequent messages in this vein - just wanting an answer to a ... Read More
office window tinting by gurj
Does anyone have any good contacts for window tinting. I need to get a large office window tinted in Port Louis, and would prefer a tint rather than blinds. I want something that reflects the heat but not necessarily all of the light. Thanks for ...
I am looking for a small company rather than an individual. Read More
office window tinting
Does anyone have any good contacts for window tinting. I need to get a large office window tinted in Port Louis, and would prefer a tint rather than blinds. I want something that reflects the heat but not necessarily all of the light. Thanks for ... Read More
Hello All!
Have you tried the driving range at Forbach? you can pay per play, they provide everything and its a good way to start! Read More
It turns out that Citizenship not even an option! by SirRichBranson
Hello, My wife and I have been reading the forum for last few days but we seem to have discovered what for us would be a show-stopper in ever immigrating across to Mauritius. I am a senior ICT professional though even that wont help if we've ...
My husband and I have moved over here from the UK. We have sold up everything and are here on a 3 year permit. I agree with Rosie - if anything it is the experience. I know we would've regretted it if we didn't do it. We could not see a future for ... Read More
Indian groceries by gurj
Please could anyone help me find out where can I get Indian groceries from. I know there are some items in the supermarkets, I have bought small quantities, but I was considering things like wholemeal atta for chappatis( 10kg bags) imli, methi etc. ...
Thank you Vayid (and to your wife!!!) - I will look for it. V helpful!!! Read More
Indian groceries
Please could anyone help me find out where can I get Indian groceries from. I know there are some items in the supermarkets, I have bought small quantities, but I was considering things like wholemeal atta for chappatis( 10kg bags) imli, methi etc. ... Read More
optometry in mauritius by ekta dedhia
i have just come to the island and have been looking for a work opportunity here.but sadly i have known that mauritius dosent register or allow an optometrist from india to work here.i really dont understand as to what is the problem.please do guide ...
Not sure - may be the Indian qualification??? I am an Optometrist from UK and although I am not currently working I found that it would not be problem for me to work here if I wanted. Read More
Quatre Bornes living cost
Hi, There is a small Gurdwara in Port Louis, not really open all the time - mainly Sundays. I would also like to know about indigenous Sikh/Punjabi community??? Read More
registering for health insurance.
does anyone know anything about Momentum Mauritius as a provider???? Read More
registering for health insurance.
thanks - had some inbox messages recommending BAI - went to see them today. looks good - they only deal with appollo bramwell - but went to see that as well and it looks fab. much more variation on waiting periods with BAI also, eg 6 months on ... Read More
What to bring when moving to Mauritius? by jamboree
Hello, soon moving to Mauritius, settling for 4 years with family. I have been advised to bring small kitchen electrical appliances with me because they are apparently difficult to find and bad quality in Mauritius. Is this true? What about ...
Hi Rosiewestie. I'm Gurj, also from England. I noticed on one post you mentioned that you can get cheap bed linen ( as supplied to hotels) from factory shops - are these any sort of factry shops or anywhere specific? I am in grand bay. I'd really ... Read More
registering for health insurance.
Hi,loving this forum. My husband and I have just moved to Mauritius from the UK. We are British with Indian parentage and loving the island ( visited 4 times over the past 10 years - always with a view to move here and now we've done it!!!!) Just ... Read More