Discover the story of two expatriates, Julien and Carine, who made the bold decision to settle in Mauritius with their family in January 2021. They share their journey, their experiences, what led them to choose Mauritius, and how they are enjoying their life there.
If you’re considering settling in Mauritius with your loved one, with your family, or even solo, this testimony will surely inspire you!
Let’s dive in!
Introductions
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
My name is Julien, I’m 33 years old, and I’m French. I moved to Mauritius with my partner Carine and our 17-month-old son. Over the past six years, we have traveled extensively, moving to a new country every six months: Switzerland, Vietnam, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United States, Germany, Singapore…
Then back to Portugal, where we stayed longer, feeling the fatigue of constant relocation. We remained there for nearly two years before deciding to make Mauritius our new home.
How did your expatriation project come about?
We were searching for a nanny to look after our son for a few hours a day and came across a Mauritian woman. She told us about her homeland, which we had never seriously considered before, and suddenly it became clear: we wanted to live in Mauritius. A few days later, we made the decision to go for it.
Did you have other destinations in mind initially? What criteria did you consider when choosing? Why did you decide on Mauritius?
At first, we wanted to move away from big cities and considered Bali or Costa Rica, places we adored during our travels. However, it was quite complicated, especially with a young child. Mauritius emerged as the perfect compromise.
The official language was crucial for us; we learned this lesson while living in Portugal. Unfortunately, not speaking Portuguese made daily life challenging, especially when dealing with administrative matters. Therefore, finding a French-speaking or English-speaking country was essential.
In Mauritius, everybody speaks both languages fluently!
Did you have any fears before embarking on this adventure?
Honestly, no, we had no fears. With our experience, we’re accustomed to changing locations regularly, so it didn’t intimidate us. No concerns at all!
Formalities
You chose the Self-Employed Visa. Was your job in France the same as it is now, or did you leave everything to start a business?
Carine and I are both entrepreneurs, so it’s business as usual for us. Moreover, we’ve been working remotely with our teams and collaborators for several years (well before Covid-19). Our work habits haven’t changed. We can work from anywhere we choose, which is perfect for living in Mauritius!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of developing your business from Mauritius?
There aren’t really any specific advantages or disadvantages to being in Mauritius. Our work can be done from anywhere in the world, as long as we have a decent internet connection! The internet here is excellent and reasonably priced.
You were assisted by Smart Traveller in obtaining your visas. How were the initial interactions with our team? What points required reflection before you embarked on this Self-Employed visa?
We had a call with Anaïs, which went very well. Within a few days, we decided to go ahead and start the expatriation process. The only thing that held us back was the status of the borders due to the pandemic. We wanted to ensure we could enter the country at the right time!
Ultimately, the process was smooth, and we arrived in Mauritius as a family in January to finalize our Work and Residence Permits with SmartTraveller.
How did you find the administrative procedure for applying for the visa?
Honestly, I hate dealing with administrative stuff. Anaïs was a great help with this. Everything was very easy from then on.
A few words to describe your experience with SmartTraveller? What do you think are the benefits of having assistance in preparing for your move abroad?
One word: smooth!
Having assistance is reassuring and extremely helpful. SmartTraveller saved us a lot of time at every step: gathering information on the procedures, preparing the files, and starting the processes…
We only had to do what SmartTraveller couldn’t do for us, such as gathering documents and visiting the administration when necessary. Everything else was taken care of, and it was really pleasant!
How did you organize your move to Mauritius in advance? Did you arrange accommodation for after your quarantine? A vehicle for getting around the island? A daycare/nanny for your little one?
We booked an Airbnb for two months right after quarantine, giving us time to choose where we wanted to live and find a suitable house without being rushed and subjected to the market.
We found a vehicle very easily during quarantine; everything was arranged by phone, and the rental company delivered the vehicle to our Airbnb as soon as we arrived. Finding a good nanny for our son was a bit more complicated; it took more time, but we finally found the perfect one!
What was the biggest challenge for you during this move?
There wasn’t really a challenge: since we are used to moving, it was just another new adventure.
Happy to have arrived in the sunshine and obtained your “pass” for 10 years?
Absolutely delighted! We’ll be even happier post-lockdown.
An usual week-end in Mauritius
Arriving under the sun
You arrived in Mauritius amidst the pandemic. How was your arrival experience during this unique period?
We opted for Air Mauritius from Paris, and the journey went smoothly overall. Pre-flight PCR tests were mandatory, but aside from that, it was a relatively standard flight experience. Upon landing at the Mauritius airport, things took a different turn. We were greeted by personnel in white coats and promptly directed to undergo PCR testing.
Following that, a government bus transported us to quarantine, escorted by police. It was a surreal and somewhat intense experience, but the organization was commendable. When we arrived in January, the island had already been declared Covid-free, a testament to the stringent measures in place to safeguard the local population.
You underwent the mandatory quarantine period in a hotel. Could you encapsulate your experience during this time?
Our quarantine was at Long Beach, and it went smoothly throughout the 14 days. Given our accustomed lifestyle, spending extended periods with our son wasn’t an issue. Opting for a room with a small garden area allowed him to play, which made the experience more manageable.
As we exited quarantine and boarded the golf cart to head to our taxi, a sense of relief and satisfaction washed over us—a moment we truly savored. While a 14-day confinement isn’t something I’d choose to repeat every six months, it wasn’t akin to imprisonment. In fact, without the responsibilities of parenting, I could envision enjoying the opportunity to delve into activities often neglected due to time constraints.
Would I recommend it?
It truly depends on individual preferences. For those craving daily outdoor excursions and constant social interaction, postponing may be preferable.
Their view during quarantine
How did your transition unfold after quarantine?
Our transition went smoothly. With everything prearranged, it was a seamless process!
What was your first outing post-quarantine?
Our initial excursion was, predictably, a grocery run. But our first proper outing was to Trou-aux-Biches beach, conveniently close to our Airbnb.
How were you received by the locals? Did you manage to establish new connections?
We received an incredibly warm welcome. Overall, our impression has been overwhelmingly positive. While it took some time to acclimate, we now feel right at home.
Regarding food and local products, are you satisfied with the options available in Mauritius? Where do you typically shop?
We couldn’t be more pleased. Mauritius offers a diverse array of products, although some may require a bit of hunting. Our shopping destinations include Super U, specialty shops, butcher stalls, local markets, and fruit and vegetable vendors.
However, sourcing fresh organic produce remains a challenge, if not impossible in some cases (such as fruits, vegetables, and meats). It’s perhaps the island’s biggest drawback, especially considering the prevalent use of insecticides and pesticides. This contrasts starkly with the heightened awareness in the West. Nevertheless, we adapt.
How do you navigate the island?
We opted for a small rental car at €250 per month. However, we’re contemplating a 3-year lease for a larger vehicle, as smaller cars don’t fare well on Mauritian roads.
Have you found it easy to connect with locals and fellow expats?
We’ve made a few connections with both locals and expats, but the onset of the second lockdown in early March slowed our progress. In terms of professional networking, we’re still in the process of establishing contacts. It seems the international tech scene isn’t heavily represented here. If there are individuals from that sphere, we’re eager to connect.
What differentiates life in France from life in Mauritius?
Though we’ve only been here for four months, two of which were spent in lockdown, we’re discovering significant differences. Life here embraces a different rhythm and cultural ethos. Efficiency takes a backseat to human connection, exemplified by the warm interactions we’ve encountered on the streets, particularly with our son.
Moreover, the quality of life for our son (and for us) is markedly improved. He thrives in this environment, surrounded by nature, sunshine, and ample space for play.
Was transitioning to expat life in Mauritius with a young child challenging? Are you satisfied with the quality of life for children in Mauritius?
Transitioning with a child didn’t present any major hurdles. Our family dynamics remain largely unchanged, albeit in the vibrant setting of Mauritius! While it took some effort to find a nanny who met our standards, we’re delighted with the outcome.
Life for children in Mauritius far surpasses that of a bustling metropolis. It was one of the driving factors behind our decision to relocate here. Consequently, yes, we’re thoroughly satisfied!
Trou-aux-Biches
Looking back, do you have any regrets or things you wish you’d known before your expatriation journey?
None whatsoever!
Would you advise future expatriates to consider arriving in Mauritius at the end of lockdown? Any other advice for those planning to move abroad?
In the midst of global upheaval, every region experiences its own ebbs and flows, and this flux seems unending. The key is to adapt and embrace the uncertainty. Ultimately, pandemic or not, the decision to relocate remains consistent: if the allure of a tropical island lifestyle beckons, with its unique blend of advantages and challenges, seize the opportunity!
Mauritius stands out as an exceptional choice in this regard. Having embarked on a journey of slow travel around the world, we’ve finally found our haven, with no imminent plans for departure.
A single word to encapsulate this extraordinary adventure?
An emoji:☀️!
Feeling inspired by Julien and Carine’s expatriate journey in Mauritius? Let’s dive into the conversation about taking that leap!
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