As your family settles into Mauritius, the scents and flavors of this new life welcome you… When embarking on a journey in a new country with your loved ones, finding your footing and adapting to your environment gradually is key. Remember, every thousand-mile journey starts with that crucial first step! Here’s a guide to help you navigate and embrace your neighborhood and region. Let’s go!
Finding Your Way and Crafting a Mauritian Routine
1. Discovering your neighborhood
Your transition to your new life in Mauritius is now complete! You’ve settled into your new home and are ready to embrace the island lifestyle… Before diving into exploration, take a moment to get acquainted with your surroundings using the Google Maps app: pinpoint nearby shops, main roads, and locate the nearest shopping center. Consult our guides to the North, South, East, and West regions of Mauritius for a comprehensive overview of each area’s vibe and unique features. Once you’ve done your initial research, it’s time to hit the streets! Take a leisurely drive around the neighborhood, pop into a café, strike up conversations with locals and shopkeepers, or simply observe the daily rhythm. You’ll gather invaluable insights into your upcoming lifestyle. Exploring on foot is an option too, but be mindful of traffic as sidewalks can be narrow or non-existent in Mauritius!
2. Must-haves for living in Mauritius
Embarking on a family relocation to Mauritius can be a blend of excitement and stress. That’s why establishing a new routine that caters to everyone’s needs is crucial. Over the coming weeks, you’ll be crafting your own ecosystem together:
- Your go-to supermarkets: Super U, Intermart, Winners…
- Favorite local shops: bakery, hair salon, pharmacy, etc.
- Your family doctor or health center: C-Care, Life Nova+, etc.
- Hobbies, gym, and extracurricular activities (sports or arts).
- Nearest gas station: Shell, TotalEnergies, Engen, IndianOil.
- Your bank and the closest ATM: MCB, SBM, Absa, HSBC, MauBank, among others.
- Food delivery services: OrderManzer, HungryDodo, DeliveryDodo.
- Booking a taxi: MoTaxi, Yugo.
For safety, it’s important to know the country’s emergency numbers: ambulance services (or SAMU – 114), fire department (115), police (999 or 112), coast guard (212 2747). Also, be aware of the nearest police station, hospitals and clinics, veterinary services, as well as the embassy or consulate of your home country. Keeping a handy list of all these useful addresses is advisable!
Adapting and Engaging with the Mauritian Community
Traditions and customs in Mauritius
Can you maintain your family’s routines while living in a new country? Perhaps… but it would be a missed opportunity! In Mauritius, we embrace various religious festivals, transact in Mauritian rupees, drive on the left side of the road, enjoy roadside fruit and vegetable stalls, and use the word ‘korek‘ to convey that everything’s fine! But fear not, you won’t feel completely out of place. In fact, you’ll find many familiar international brands in Mauritius, making shopping a breeze. To ensure a smooth transition, especially for your family, you can continue to enjoy many of your usual products. Gradually, you’ll sync with the Mauritian lifestyle, adopt local customs, and relish in delectable Mauritian specialties… It’s a chance to explore new experiences while being kind to your budget! Don’t miss out on sampling street food, picking up fresh produce from local vendors, or wandering through bustling markets called ‘bazar’. This advice holds true in both personal and professional spheres! Because yes, attitudes, work practices, and managerial styles vary from one country to another. The keywords here are curiosity, respect, and adaptability.
Seeking Guidance and Cultivating Connections in Mauritius
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Becoming familiar with your new environment takes time, but fortunately, you’re not alone. With a thriving community of expatriates who have chosen Mauritius as their home, you’ll have access to invaluable advice. This not only saves you time but also opens up opportunities for meaningful connections! Platforms like Facebook (groups such as “Expats in Mauritius,” “Mums of the North,” “Mums & Dads of the West Mauritius,” and more) are excellent for this purpose.
There, you can ask questions and receive recommendations from fellow expats. Who knows, perhaps one day you’ll be the one offering guidance to newcomers! Additionally, we regularly share testimonials from expats whose relocation to Mauritius we’ve facilitated, offering insights and valuable perspectives on expat life.
Mauritians are known for their warmth and hospitality, so don’t hesitate to engage with locals, whether it’s your taxi driver upon arrival, colleagues at work, neighbors, or even the friendly shopkeepers in your area. And, of course, you can always count on the SmartTraveller team and our vibrant community for support and guidance!
« GO THE EXTRA MILE »
Learn Mauritian Creole!
To better understand your environment and to make yourself understood, it will be necessary to go the extra mile. In Mauritius, the official and administrative language of the country is English… However, Mauritian Creole, French, and various Indian, Arabic, and Chinese languages are also spoken. You’ll understand that here we speak French and Creole, but we write in English!
It’s a beautiful blend of cultures that gives rise to some colorful expressions and Anglicisms. Don’t be surprised to hear “ATM” for an automated teller machine, “filling” for a gas station, or “bus stop” for… well, a bus stop. And even if you don’t speak Creole, having some knowledge of it is important! Here are some Creole expressions that could be useful in your daily life:
“Ki position?” = How are you?
“Korek” = All good, okay.
“Mari” = Very.
“Tabagie” = Corner store, convenience store.
“Kas enn poz” = Relax.
“Nou zwenn demin” = See you tomorrow.
“Kot la plaz?” = Where is the beach?
Let’s not forget the interjection “Ayo,” but we’ll let you discover that one on site! Make an effort, because understanding and speaking Creole will be a fantastic asset for you as an expat!
Explore Mauritius
Once your daily routine is set, it’s time to break out of it! Don’t limit yourself to the usual home-work-sleep cycle and commuting between your job or your kids’ school. To meet new people, consider joining family-friendly activities, attending cultural events in your area, or getting involved in community groups.
In Mauritius, we’re lucky to have regular long weekends that feel like mini-vacations, so make the most of them by exploring the island! Also, set aside some weeknight evenings to enjoy a delightful family dinner at one of the island’s charming restaurants. And with kids in tow, boredom is never an option – check out our article on family-friendly outings in Mauritius for inspiration.
Achieving a smooth integration sometimes requires patience, so take your time and enjoy the journey. With these simple yet effective tips, you’ll establish a routine in your neighborhood, meet new people, and fully embrace this family experience. And if you ever have any doubts, feel free to download our free expatriation guide or check out the great resources in our Toolbox.
Ready to live the dream of a long-term expatriation with your family in Mauritius?
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team, who will be delighted to guide you through every step of your expatriation journey!
