Tips on Avoiding Mauritius Tourist Traps

Mauritius Tourist Traps

After all the time and expense you invest in planning the perfect vacation, it can be frustrating to get caught up in pricey tourist traps once you get there. Here’s what you need to know when visiting Mauritius.

Hotel Traps

Be careful of inflated product prices at hotels. Bottled water at hotels often costs up to three times as much as it does in the local shops. Also, beware of the “all inclusive” drinks at your hotel–you’ll need to drink a lot just to break even. You can get cheaper in the supermarket or local bars. Save your money and go half-board.

Exchange rates at hotels are often not good, so be sure to do any exchanges in town instead of at your hotel.

Taxi Traps

Don’t order a taxi through your hotel, you may be charged twice as much. Instead, go out on the street and hail a cab on your own.

Beware of taxi scam artists. Many drivers are friendly and ethical; however, a few may try to con you by saying where you want to go is too far away and instead try to steer you somewhere else. Rumor has it that such taxi drivers get commissions from shop owners or people who own attractions for delivering passengers.

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Shopping Traps

Factory shops are a natural tourist trap, but the ones on Mauritius are particularly big rip-offs. The island is dotted with tourist shops that will openly tell you many of their labels are fake, but then they will also show you the “real” thing, for instance a Burberry or Hermes bag. Travelers fall for this because the items are really good knock-offs. They look and feel real; but don’t be fooled.

You are better off going to the market in Port Louis to buy beautiful cheap sarongs, spices and other authentic, locally made and grown souvenirs; and simply forget about supposed deals on luxury items. Alternatively, look out for Duty-Free bargains.

Museums

Beware of the museum at the glass factory–it’s a huge tourist trap! You’ll pay an additional entry fee on top of the standard sightseeing price you’ve paid. There’s simply not a lot to see here; it’s just a small room. Skip it; you’ll find the better stuff outside anyway.

There are plenty of great things to see and do in Mauritius. Avoiding the tourist traps will make for a more enjoyable visit.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in Mauritius.