Seychelles Trip Expenses

Seychelles is home to 79,330 people with English and French as the spoken languages.  115 islands make up Seychelles, among which you will find definitely a tropical paradise that you will see in numerous advertisements and the glossy pages of travel pamphlets.  The images you see would be really tempting but those would not compete with seeing the Seychelles paradise in person.  Be ready for clear blue waters and amazing beaches and the costs of course.  Seychelles after all is not a destination that comes with cheap expenses so before you decide on going there, you should learn about the expenses that you will incur and better be prepared for those costs.

Seychelles hotels are actually handled (regulated) by their tourist committee and if you think that you can just camp to save up on accommodation expenses, well you should know that camping is not allowed.  You will find some cheaper guest houses but you have to make sure to stay away from the water sports if you your budget is only US$100 per day.  If you went to Seychelles because you would want to do some diving or eat scrumptious seafood then you should prepare at least US$200 up to US$300 to be able to do that.  With that amount you will also be able to stay in a fairly nice hotel.  Now if you have the funds to burn and would want to stay in pricey hotels, it is recommended for you to get a package tour to get a better deal.

In terms of foreign exchange, Seychelles has complicated rules that include foreigners or visitors being required to pay not only accommodation but meals as well as drinks, transport (pick up and transfers), excursions, etc. using a major foreign currency through credit card or cash.  After all, the prices of services in the city are quoted in US dollars, euro, UK pounds, etc.  The Seychelles rupees can only be used in restaurants or cafes outside of your hotel and also for transportation fares (e.g. cabs, buses).  The best advice is for you to just use your credit card as much as possible and then be sure to have a lot of cash with you for emergency purposes or for backup.

Tipping is not an obligation because there is a 5-10% service charge that is included in your bill in restaurants and hotels.  You may also do some bargaining wherein you might be able to get discounts on your car rental but in terms of shop prices, those are non negotiable.  In the market though, you are free to do some haggling.

Seychelles Travel Advices

Since Seychelles has become a popular destination, tourism facilities have been developed and the technology in the islands has been improved.  If you have decided on taking that Seychelles travel and would want to ensure a problem free vacation, then you should learn all about “prevention”.  It is recommended that you learn first about visa rules, passport rules, the local laws and customs, etc. for you not to encounter problems while in Seychelles.

The first thing you have to make sure of is to have a valid passport.  The Seychelles visa will be issued upon your arrival which would expire after a month but may be extended if requested.  In fact, the longest time your visa may be valid in the islands of Seychelles would be up to one year.  Make sure to also write down the numbers of your family or friends in the emergency information portion of your passport so that Seychelles authorities will know who to contact in case of emergencies.

Be sure to bring medicines that you might need while on vacation as medical institutions in Seychelles are very limited.  There are a few private clinics and only one main hospital so better be prepared.  Take note that the Ministry of Health in Seychelles do offer ambulance services only in the following islands: La Digue, Praslin, and Mahe – just dial 999.

Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes most especially during the rainy season in Seychelles by bringing an insect repellant lotion. Spray, etc.  This is to prevent you from getting dengue fever.  Water in the islands can de drank but to be safer, you better boil the water before drinking or better yet, purchase bottled water to drink.  Those are available in Seychelles.  Do not also forget to have travel insurance so that your emergency medical needs would be covered while you are out of your country.

Violent crimes are rare but petty crimes occur often.  That is why you have to store your valuables in the hotel safe as well as keep your hotel doors and even the windows closed and locked.  Do not wear a lot of jewelries and do not carry unnecessary cash or credit cards while exploring Seychelles to avoid being a target of thieves.

Follow the Seychelles travel advice mentioned here for you to be safe and for you to spend your days in Seychelles with no problems or worries.