Archive for the ‘shopping-markets’ Category

Mauritius Exchange Rates, Mauritius Money and Banks

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Mauritius is a famous tourist destination that attracts a big number of tourists across the world. It’s one country that receives visitors throughout the year. As you plan to visit Mauritius, you must have your money exchanged to the Mauritius’ local currency which is called Mauritius Rupee. If you fail to do it prior to living, you can exchange it at the airport. They have the best forex bureaus with good rates. Majority of Mauritians love being paid in Euros and this is because they can get some profits from the money that tourist pay. But to be on a safer side, it’s much better to have your money exchanged before departure. If you decide to exchange your money from the country, all the banks of Mauritius have an exchange rate for their major currencies. The internet has the best sites that can display Mauritius exchange rate of the Rupee so this should not a problem.

Just like the other currencies that keep on fluctuating, Mauritius exchange rate tend to vary although not at a high speed. It takes ages for it to change and this is because it’s not valued compared to the Euros, pounds and dollars. Many of the sites online that deal with exchange rates keep on updating the currency each time it changes. Therefore have it in mind that you will not be cheated. To have your money changed to rupee, you can go to a bank or various exchange offices situated at several corners of the island.

Regularly the exchange rate for;
1 pound is between Rs 60-Rs 64
2. Dollar is between Rs 30-Rs33
3. Euro is between Rs 40-Rs 45.

How to Get the Best Foreign Exchange Rates When Travelling Overseas
Research Market Rates before Departure.

With a lot of research done, there are many ways to enable you get the best exchange rates once going overseas. Some people may be wondering where to get the accurate rates without being cheated, online is the best and if possible check out on travel tips, local economic situations as well as printed materials. If a destination is under pressure with its economy, this may be your change to get a good exchange rate. Take time and compare on how the Mauritius currency changes over the past years.
Research will give the actual exchange rate and the best sites where to get them from. If you show that you are well informed about the exchange rate, it will be hard for people to swindle your money.Newpapers are quite convenient and have the best everyday updates on exchange rates, therefore as you travel keep this close to you.

Airports, ferries and trains
Places like train stations, ferries as well as Airports offer high exchange rates but they are well known to be convenient to all travelers. You may not save a lot if you this option but at least you are contented to get your money without being swindled. Airport rates can be accessed on the internet and if possible you can have it ordered online and have it on your arrival at the airport. This method is simple and reliable. Keep in mind that ferries and train stations work on a fixed time table and so you must visit within the working hours.

Banks
The best way to have this done is by having your local currency exchanged prior to your travel. Such services are also offered in other countries but it’s simple and convenient to have your money exchanged. Countries have foreign exchange banks that offer services to businesses along with individuals at the best rates.

Other Foreign Exchange Options
Take note that tourist destinations may have high foreign exchange rates sold at both large and small shops. At this point, they target tourists of all kinds because of the money they are willing to spend. Oftentimes, hotels give the best exchange rates to their clients. With this advanced technology; you can have your money transferred to another country. This method is fast, safe and affordable. Banks and post offices offer the best foreign exchange rates and if you are stranded, they are the best places to visit first. You can be offered travelers cheques or even gift cards depending on your choice.

Different places charge different prices although the majority charges up to 25% exchange rate. Move from one shop to another as you compare prices before you settle with the best transaction.

Foreign Exchange Brokerage
So many people wonder how this business is done but several exchange brokerage companies purchase currencies in big volumes at smart rates.Professinals that deal in this market are proficient in trading exchange currencies. They are popular for offering the best rates compared to the banks and post offices; however they have higher fees to settle with.

Different Foreign Exchange Rates
On your move, you will discover many different rates with some shops quoting one rate that is a bit cheap and when you go to buy they increase the rate compared to what is quoted. Take note of such people that confuse buyers. Just in case the local exchange rate is different from that of the government rate, you are likely to get a good offer. The only way to benefit from such business is by exchanging big sums of money, they will give you at the best rate.

Credit Cards
Carrying out your research from one bank to another for the exchange rate can give you a chance to get the lowest or fair rates. For those that use credit or debit cards, their banks offer the exact exchange rate. Some credit card firms as well as banks charge a fee of about 3% on transactions made with the currency.

Before you proceed to visiting another country, carry out research on your financial institutions and compare their rates, fees and policies for the exchange rate.

Many travelers buy a special credit card, cash passport card or even debit card for those traveling overseas with no fees on the exchange rate. If you are to use this method, it’s the easiest and you will be able to enjoy without thinking about your expenditure. Keep in mind that these cards have exceptional rules that must be followed. You can use your debit or credit card for big purchases like food, travel and housing rather than using your ATM card.

Additional Fees
Remember extra fees may be deducted once you use a credit card in another country.
1. Handling fee
2. Interest charge on balance
3. Foreign exchange load fee.

Have it in mind that there may be some fees that may come up like some commissions and surcharges. Minimum amount as well as flat rates may be charged. After getting this information, compute the actual net exchange rate after commissions are added on. Be cautious of Commission free packages because they will give a less cutthroat exchange rate.
Look out for lively currency conversion and the offers that vendors will charge you on your home currency. This may sound as a better deal but it’s expensive in the long run. When you are in another country, you must know how to rate everything in their local currency to avoid being cheated.

ATM
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) set of connections have spread across the world. If you open up an account with any bank, get to know that you are part of the system. This complex gives a change to withdraw any amount of money at any time. As you carry out these transactions, your bank at home makes the conversion.
The money that is withdrawn from the ATM is usually in local currency thus you are advised to get big sums to be charged at once. The ATM have a fee  of 1 to 3 % each you withdraw and remember it has a withdrawal limit which may inconvenience you if you did not about this.
The internet may help you carry out your research on different websites and what they offer in terms of credit card or ATM services. Any option chosen must have an attachment, amalgamation as well as connections to the big networks of financial institutions. For instance the American Expree Qantas credit card. Consult your bank on the important policies and rates prior to your travel.

Exchange Rate Calculator
The Exchange Rate Calculator will help you compute the cutthroat market rates by discovering the average between the sell and buy rates for the big transactions. The exchange rates can change any time of the day. Having this calculator will save you a lot of stress because you will be more informed about changing rates. If you can’t get access to the calculator, you may visit the World Wide Web.
Tips for Getting the Best Foreign Exchange Rates When Travelling

It will be to your advantage if you have a small amount of your money exchanges before traveling, this is because you may find the airport forex bureaus closed which may hind your next move. If not you may want to buy something en route and if you don’t have the money exchanged it may be so hard to get anything.
Trust Your Instincts
Be cautious of Black market moneychangers, these are everyway and you can’t tell from the reliable source. They may give you fake money or less than what you are supposed to get. They always think that people can’t take time to count the large sums of money given to them. Some local banks may as well give you less because they know that if you are to realize this problem, you could have traveled. Therefore you feel your instincts are not fine with the bank you are going to exchange your from, be careful and take note of every paper given to you. To avoid all this, carry out enough research to have a wonderful travel.

Shopping in Mauritius Markets

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

Shopping is such an exciting experience; it’s a modern way of having your desires fulfilled. Shopping in Mauritius is one of those best moments that will make you love the country. You will appreciate culture as you come across monuments, drums with an African style as well as beautiful sarees tat diversities the country. When you visit Mauritius, you are going to be welcomed by stunning traditional art and craft shops that are centered in beach resorts and towns. You will be forced to buy a souvenir that you will take back home. The products are locally made with an African design and these can’t be found anywhere else apart from Muaritius.Duty free shops are also in plenty with the best products at an affordable rate. Mauritius is as well popular for its traditional and vibrant markets that give you a chance to encounter the way people live their lives as well as the bargaining power that is displayed.

Duty-Free Shops
Since they sell their products at a half price, you have an opportunity to shop all the stylish clothes and perfumes want. You may take this slightly but the best in Mauritius. You will be surprised by the various luxury-branded products that you will fine at duty-free prices. Other common shops include electronics as well as jewelry shops that offer their goods at a discount. Visitors in the country are only allowed to pay in foreign currencies or even the Rupee accompanied by a return ticket or passport as you purchase. If you order in bulky, you will have your products delivered at the airport prior to setting off.

Central market
Mauritius has the best markets that will make you compare with those of home. Shopping in Mauritius gives a change to purchase some of the distinctive goods that are liked by the people. The markets are vibrant with different colors as well as scents that make it a unique place of diversity. If I may say there is no place that best depicts Mauritius than its beautiful Port Louis Market at the hub of the capital. On your arrival to the market, your eyes will be drawn to the colorful fruits, vegetables, different spices as well as medicinal plants in all corners of the market. The market is big with many sections which include clothes and craft shops. Therefore whatever you want, you will be able to get in the same market. Quatre Bornes is yet another famous market that takes place on special days like Thursdays and Sundays. It mainly deals with textile products that are sold at an affordable price and yet beautifully well designed to suit people of all classes. Mauritius towns or villages have their own markets that are held on particular days. Currently the Grand bay market is open with products of all kinds ranging from souvenirs to pareos.

Shopping centres/arcades
Just like any other country, Mauritius also has many arcades and shopping centers in villages and towns. These shops sell products of all kinds for instance clothes, jewelry, fabrics, books and other products at duty free prices. If you are looking for leisure facilities, Caudan and Port Louis waterfront are the best places to visit and get genuine products. These shopping centers are designed with wonderful facilities like restaurants, bars, casinos, cinemas and craft shops with the best prices. Quatre Bornes as well as Curepipe have a wide collection of products can be found at one place without moving from shop to shop. Grand Bay has products specifically for the tourist.

Arts and Crafts
Mauritius has the best arts and crafts shops that are situated majorly in towns and some of the market places. Besides these places, there are specific places set aside for the display of these beautiful products that are liked by tourists. As you visit the majority of markets, you will see a section of craft products like corals, shells, hats as well as baskets sold at a cheap price. These can also be discovered adjacent to the beach resorts. Crafts Market in particular le Caudan Waterfronts offers a big collection of products for instance stylish hats, baskets, sculptures, paintings along with model ships that are usually brought by tourists as souvenirs. Recently a craft market was opened up close to Mahebourg Museum. Like in any other country, bargaining power is a key to enable you get something good and at a cheap price.
If we are to talk about the various craft markets in Mauritius, this has gained the country its status in the construction of model ships that are a great attraction to the tourists. These small wonders have put Mauritius to another level when it comes to the best art and craft markets in the world. For any tourist can purchase his or her own La Confiance and be the subsequent right after Surcouf King of Corsairs.

Jewellery
For so long Mauritius has been famous for its stunning jewellery.This is believed to have originated from the Arabian and Indian Immigrants. These people are acknowledged for having left a mark of quality and perfect finishing to the products. Recently you can find these African traditional in many jewellery shops in Mauritius. The majority are duty free shops that offer the best prices.

Textiles
Mauritius is acknowledged to be the leading producer of textiles. Your visit to the country will enable you tour the several factories as well as shops surrounding the island. Stylish cardigans along with Cashmere sweaters can be bought at a cheap price. The exact products are exported to Europe and sold expensively. If you love tailored clothes, you will have these delivered within 24 hours and the price is really affordable. Some shops in Mauritius sell Indian clothes commonly called Sarees at a cheap price. Bargaining is as well allowed to enable you get something nice at a discount rate.