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Tourism is still developing in the Seychelles and although there are now some excellent resort hotels, in general one cannot always expect the international standards of more established destinations. In many ways this has been an attraction of the Seychelles to those travellers seeking a relatively unspoilt paradise where natural beauty is more important than tourist luxuries.

The location and preservation of its environment means that much has to be imported and in relatively small quantities, hence to some, the Seychelles may seem expensive.

Passports, Visas & Health     Luggage allowance  
British citizens require a full 10-year British passport for the Seychelles with at least 6 months validity remaining by the date of your return from holiday. If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non-British passport, please check with the appropriate Government department of the country to (or through) which you are intending to travel.

No vaccinations are required for the Seychelles, Mauritius,  Dubai or the Maldives. You must ensure that you have complied with any health requirements such as vaccinations, for any country you may be visiting, and these requirements do change, therefore it is wise to consult your doctor at your earliest opportunity.
If you have a medical condition or if you are pregnant then you must get clearance to travel from your own doctor.
We cannot accept responsibility if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure.		   20 kg in economy class, 30 kg in business class and 40 kg in first class are the allowances for international flights from the UK to the Indian Ocean.
Excess baggage, if permitted, is charged by the airlines.
Fees are normally charged by the kilogram.

Internal flights within Seychelles are often limited to 10-15 kg. Some resorts will store your luggage if you are planning to return to the hotel before you leave the country.
Please note that there is a strict restriction of one piece of luggage per person on helicopter transfers generally.

If you are planning to get married abroad, due to carry-on baggage restrictions, airlines cannot guarantee that you will be able to take your wedding dress on board.
We recommend therefore you ask the dressmaker to pack the dress in a travelling box or pack it in a hard-sized suitcase.
Sports     Currency  
It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself as to applicable insurance (if any) particularly for water sports, and activities are generally at your own risk. Clients who wish to partake in scuba-diving require a doctor's certificate to confirm medical fitness. Water sports service may vary during the year depending on the weather conditions. Please ensure you wear appropriate attire for all sports, particularly footwear. Please also bear in mind that any sporting equipment you intend to take will form part of your luggage allowance. In the Seychelles, there are luggage restrictions of 10-15 kg per person on most island-hopping flights. Scuba divers taking their own gear will need to pack carefully, as in some cases when traveling in small aircraft, excess luggage is not allowed.   The currency is Seychelles Rupees made up of 100 cents. Main credit cards are widely accepted such as American Express, Master and Visa cards. Some small properties may only accept Visa or Mastercard. It is not advisable to purchase Seychelles Rupees before you travel as they are rarely required in the islands. Visitors are required to use only foreign currency in making payments in hotels, guesthouses and for other expenses such as car or boat hire, excursions, patronage of casinos and inter-island domestic transfers within Seychelles. Other purchases or payments such as in restaurants outside hotels, shopping (excluding duty free shops) and taxi fares are payable in Seychelles rupees. Exchanging money may only be done at banks, authorised dealers at the main airport or with the hotel cashier.
Duty Free Allowances     Shopping  
Unlike most countries, Seychelles' current allowance is two litres of spirits, two cartons of cigarettes and 200ml perfume or 200ml Eau de toilette.   Handicrafts include basketware, table mats, hats, jewellery, paintings. Shops open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00hrs, Saturday 08:00 to 12:00hrs (some close for lunch).
What to wear     Restaurants & nightlife  
Seychelles has a very relaxed dress code which is ideal for the climate. No requirements for jackets or sweaters once landed. In the evenings gentlemen will be expected to wear long trousers and sometimes tailored shirts in hotel restaurants and for ladies, smart casual.
We suggest you pack light easy clean clothing e.g. cotton.
Jackets and ties are to be left at home.

The tropical sun is very strong and even on overcast days one should take great care to cover-up and use high factor suntan protection. A hat and sunglasses are recommended.		   There is a wide range of restaurants available from French, Indian to Asian. Local Creole cooking and seafood are specialities. Good quality restaurants are rare and the best restaurants are found in the top hotels. Apart from the hotel restaurants, one can experience traditional Creole cuisine in small family run restaurants or enjoy a Creole take-away in one of the small outlets.
Seychelles is not well known for its nightlife but most of the large hotels offer programmes for evening entertainment ranging from themed evenings with live bands to folklore shows. In addition you have two casinos on Mahe and one on Praslin plus a few small discos.
Facilities in low season     Safety features  
In low season, a few facilities may be withdrawn, for example, a pool for cleaning or renovation or the temporary closure of a restaurant.
Occasionally groups booked at the hotel may take over a whole restaurant for an event.
Under these circumstances the hotel will ensure there is adequate alternative dining choice and will notify you during your stay.
It is not possible to notify you of most changes before you travel.		   Please note we cannot guarantee lifeguards are on duty at the swimming pools at all times. Some do have a sign indicating this and that swimming is at your own risk. Please be cautious, particularly with children. The depth and design of hotel pools varies.We suggest in all cases that you familiarise yourself with each pool, particularly prior to any diving. We also advise extra care when staying in accommodation with private pools. This can be very dangerous for young children, even when not supervised for a split second. When hotels provide cots for infants it is suggested that parents satisfy themselves with the safety features prior to use, and particular caution should be exercised with regard to room facilities.
Transport     Average cost of living  
A bus service operates on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue from 05:30 to 19:00hrs. Taxis, car and bicycle are available.
A valid International or British driving licence is required for car hire and the minimum age is 21 years.		   In a middle range hotel:
Large bottle of water £2.50 - Bottle of Seybrew beer £2.50
Bottle of wine £20 to £35 - Champagne £65 - Whisky £3.00
Soft drink £1.00 - Fresh juice £1.50 - Cigarettes £6.50
Lunch\snack menu £5.00 onwards - 3 course dinner £27.00
Communications     Medical services  
Direct dialling is possible from most hotels.
Pre-paid cellular cards, phone cards, internet and e-mail services are available on the main islands. 		   Victoria, the capital, has an efficient hospital and there are health clinics on the main islands. Private doctors are available. For details contact your hotel reception.
Electricity     Time zone  
240 volts AC 50 Hz. Most hotels have UK style 13 amp sockets but it is wise to take an adapter just in case.   Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 3 hours ahead of British Summer Time.
Tipping     Language  
Restaurant bills normally include a service charge.
Tips are at your discretion and although well received are not generally expected.		   Creole, French and English are the official languages