The currency for Reunion Island is Euro, the island being a French overseas department.

CASH

Only a small amount of cash is needed if you are going to do some shopping at the market or to give out a tip. If you will be spending some nights up in the mountains, then payment is in cash only. 

CREDIT CARD

Visa and Mastercard are the most popular and accepted credit cards. Credit cards are widely accepted except in chambres d'hôtes (B&Bs) and mountain lodges.

 
ATM

There are cash points all over the island, in the main towns. once you are in the mountains or in the cirque, there will be no cash points. 

There are no specific health risks in Reunion.

No vaccinations are necessary before coming, except for those passengers flying in from a country currently affected by cholera or yellow fever where a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival. When you go up in the cirques, there are no chances of mosquitoes as from 1800m high. While on the coast, it is advised to protect yourself well from mosquito bites. A good insect repellent is good enough.

The island also has an advanced medical and pharmaceutical network, which means that it is easy to get good medicine and hygiene products. The sun in the tropics can be particularly hard. It is advised to protect yourself well while at the beach or up in the mountains.

For long drives up in the mountains, it is prudent to take preventative measures against carsickness.

WATER

Tap water is usually safe and in restaurants, often it is tap water served when you ask for ‘carafe’. However, as a traveler, it is always advised to drink bottled water.

ELECTRICITY

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are standard.

INTERNET & COMMUNICATIONS 

Most hotels have internet access but you often have to pay. Free WiFi in the towns is developing, especially in shopping centres and malls. However, when up in the mountains or the cirques, be prepared to be cut off.

There are three local mobile operators, (Orange, SFR, Only) and roaming is possible with operators in mainland France and many other countries. Be careful though, as the cost of roaming can be high. Whether making or receiving calls, each one is billed as if you were in another country in Europe.

Reunion Island is a safe place to go to. Visitors and tourists can leisurely visit the island, without any fear or doubt. However, as in any country, there is a required level of vigilance and precautions to take. For instance, lock your car, keep your wallet and valuables safe, avoid extravagant display of wealth among others.

Shark attacks are often a concern in Reunion and it is advised to be aware of sign notices on the beach and not to swim during alerts.

The Piton de la Fournaise volcano is an active volcano and an eruption is always possible, but volcanic activity is carefully monitored and always flows on the ocean side.

It is advised to always take a travel insurance whenever you go on holidays.

Ideally travel insurances should cover:

• Medical expenses and hospital benefit.
• At risk activities such as rafting, rock climbing, hiking, bungee jumping.
• Personal accident and liability.
• Cancelling and cutting short your holiday.
• Abandoning your trip.
• Delayed departure.
• Accommodation cover.
• Scheduled airline failure.
• Personal belongings and baggage

Some useful tips when buying your insurance:

• With the medical coverage, check there’s a 24-hour medical emergency number.
• Most insurances exclude so-called dangerous or extreme sports or at risk outdoor adventures unless an extra premium is paid: in Reunion island, this cover is very important specially if you are doing mountain hiking, canyoning or abseiling or similar type of activities.
• When securing baggage cover, make sure that the limit per article, will cover your most valuable possessions, like a camera or phone or tablet.
• If you need to make a claim, check if you should keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment.
• In the event you have anything stolen, check if an official statement from the police is required to be able to make a claim. 

BEFORE YOU GO

• If you are going out trekking, it is better to travel light and to carry a soft backpack with essentials.
• Arrange for appropriate travel insurance.
• Inform your debit-/credit-card company that you are travelling.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your arrival date.
• Return ticket and tour reservations are important documents to have handy on arrival for immigration.
• Have your International Vaccination Card (or Yellow fever vaccination certificate) ready if you have visited infected areas in the last 6 months. 
• Keep your tour voucher or transfer voucher in an easily accessible place, as you will have to submit them to your welcome ground agent on arrival.
• Driving license if you plan on renting a car on arrival. It is important to note that driving is on the right hand side in Reunion.  
• Insurance Certificate- it is often required as a pre-requisite for entry into the country, especially for people with visa on arrival and living outside of the EU.

FINANCE

As you venture out of town, it is important to have some cash to spend at local shops, markets or to give as tips. If you are spending a night in the mountain gites or table d'hotes, then take cash. Elsewhere in the towns, credit cards are widely accepted.

CLOTHES AND SHOES

Depending on the nature of your holidays in Reunion, you need to be prepared.

If you are planning to have a nature based holiday and to sleep up in the mountains, it is important to have warm clothes as it can get chilling at 1500m altitude. Have a raincoat and waterproof bag, in case it rains during your trek. It is advised to always wrap your clothes and belongings in a plastic bag before putting them in your bag, to ensure they say dry in case of rain. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes.

While being off the beaten rack, it is important to wear comfortable clothes. Avoid jeans.

Normally you will end your holidays in Reunion at the beach. It is then important to pack your beach wear. Also some nice clothes if you are ending up in a resort, you might want a well-deserved dinner in a nice restaurant while in town.

TRAVEL AIDS

• A sunhat and sunglasses
• A camera
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• A pen – always good to have a pen handy
• Charger
• Camera
• Adapter
• Small torch light
• Spare batteries

English to Reunion Creole 

Hello: Oté!

How are you: Koman i lé?

Good bye: Nou artrouv

Lets go out: Allon bat karé