The currency used in Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee with the Abbreviation MUR or Rs. It became the only legal tender in Mauritius in 1876 following an order by the then known authority as ‘The Council’. But throughout the island’s history of colonisation namely by the Dutch, the British, and the French before becoming independent in 1968, the country has known different types of legal tenders ranging from the Ducaton during the Dutch period, the Piastre Decaen during the French period to the Indian rupee, the sterling and the Mauritian dollar. You can discover the history of Mauritius Currency at the Bank of Mauritius Museum.

The following coins and notes are presently in use:

"Cents Coins": 5 cents, 20 cents & 50 cents. In the past, we used to have 10 cents and 25 cents coins. The 25 cents coin has been replaced by the 20 cents coin and 10 cents coin abolished.

There are 4 "Rupee coins" being in use namely: 1 Rs, 5 Rs, 10 Rs & 20 Rs. Both the 1 Rs & 5 Rs coins have a circular shape with 5 Rs coin bigger than the 1 Rs coin. The Rs 20 coin also has a circle shape but with gold colour. The Rs 10 coin is easily recognisable with its hexagon shape.

"Currency Notes" in Mauritius are: 25 Rs, 50 Rs, 100 Rs, 200 Rs, 500 Rs, 1000 Rs & 2,000 Rs.
 
When travelling to Mauritius, the exchange rate for the Rupee is normally more favourable here. So, you may wish to wait upon your arrival to exchange your money in the local currency. In the arrival hall at the airport, there are counters where you will be able to do so.

Through banks, you can exchange or withdraw cash (in local currency) by:
* cash (your foreign currencies)
* travellers cheques 
* bank debit card
* credit card

Click here to view the latest exchange rates for currency notes & travellers' cheques (TC).

Valid passport is required for almost any transaction made in any of the banks, including: money withdrawals, money transfers, money exchange.

There are also branches of approved ‘bureau de change’ (Foreign Exchange Dealers) throughout the island, especially in the most popular tourist areas.

Credit Cards - All major Credit cards are accepted in Mauritius such as: American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa. Thanks to a bank partnership between MCB (A local bank) and American Express, Amex is now also widely accepted.

ATMs are plentiful and easy to use in Mauritius. However it is good to ensure with your bank institution prior to coming to Mauritius, whether your Maestro/Debit Card will be accepted on Mauritian ATM to avoid any bad surprises. You can then use your debit or credit card to withdraw money easily at the ATMs. Your bank will most certainly charge a fee to process cash withdrawn, you may check beforehand the corresponding fees which apply to control your budget. It is also possible now, to exchange money at the ATM. You enter the foreign notes in the machine and in exchange you get Mauritian Rupees.

If you don’t like carrying a large amount of cash with you, no worries most of the local shops, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets accept payment through debit/credit cards. The places where you will most certainly need cash is when going to traditional local markets or buying street food.

Note: The Mauritian rupee is not the same as the Indian rupee.