Mauritius, first time!
 

Is anybody out there to give me some help with transportation options in Mauritius. We are booked at the IC, which is on the northwest side of the island, compared to the airport at the southeast side. Is there some sort of a shuttle bus or is my only option a taxi or expensive car rental? As a Westerner should I even consider driving there? Where to change money? Airport? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

We stayed in Flic en Flac on the west coast and I think we paid about $35 for a car and driver from the airport (arranged in advance). It was 10pm or so and took 30-40 minutes.

Most of the major hotels & resorts in Mauritius have their own shuttle bus. Suggest you email / phone the IC to see what options they offer. There may also be some info in this thread. (Disclaimer - I did not read the whole thread myself.)

As a former British colony, they drive on the left in Mauritius. As a tourist then, driving yourself may or may not be a problem. Mauritius is pretty small so it doesn't exactly take very long to get anywhere from anywhere. :) I've never taken a taxi nor have I rented a car in MRU so unfortunately can't comment on those options.

Money - just use a bank machine. They'll have the usual change options at MRU if you really want to do things that way.

What time of year are you going?

A poster went there last year and he wrote a trip report . Check if you can touch base with him via PM to get the coordinates of his taxi driver if IC does not provide or arrange for transportation.

You can use bank machines - there are quite a few banking branches of in that area - i don't know whether in Balaclava per se but in and around Grand-Baie you will see some - HSBC/Barclays/ MCB etc

I already have contacted the IC, but no response yet. We are there from Oct 13-28. Looking forward to it, hope the water is a little warm.

The IC should have a shuttle. October is a great time to go. It will not be as hot as in December/January.

You may want to goto www.travelinmauritius.com for sightseeing/shopping tips.

You will love the island, the people, the food, the scenery... and of course the water!

Enjoy your stay!:p