Which currency should I use in Seychelles?

**The official currency is Seychelles Rupees (SCR), and it's the best currency to use throughout the islands.** While many tourist-facing businesses accept euros and US dollars, you'll get better value and avoid unfavorable exchange rates by paying in rupees. Most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that accept foreign currency use their own exchange rates, which are typically 5-10% less favorable than official rates.

**Getting Seychelles Rupees:** - **ATMs** are the most convenient option – you'll find them at Seychelles International Airport (immediately after customs), in Victoria on Mahé, and in main areas of Praslin (Grande Anse, Baie Ste Anne) and La Digue (La Passe). Major banks include MCB, Seychelles Commercial Bank, and Nouvobanq. Most ATMs dispense up to 10,000 SCR per transaction with minimal fees (your home bank's international fee applies). - **Currency exchange bureaus** at the airport and in Victoria offer competitive rates – the airport bureau is open for all flight arrivals, which is handy for getting initial cash. - **Banks** provide official exchange rates but involve more paperwork and queuing (avoid unless exchanging large amounts).

**What to know about using foreign currency:** While **euros are widely accepted** at hotels, car rentals, and tour operators, smaller guesthouses, local restaurants (especially take-aways), market vendors, and SPTC buses only accept rupees. **US dollars are less commonly accepted** than euros in day-to-day transactions. If you do pay in foreign currency, you'll usually receive change in rupees at their exchange rate.

**Pro tips from locals:** Withdraw 5,000-7,000 SCR at a time to cover daily expenses – this covers meals at local restaurants (150-400 SCR per person), bus fares (7 SCR for any distance), fruit from markets, and small purchases. Keep rupees for casual dining, buses, taxis, beach vendors, and tips. **Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted** at hotels, upscale restaurants, larger tour operators, and car rental companies, but many smaller businesses add a 3-5% surcharge for card payments.

**For a typical day:** Beach parking and snacks might cost 100-200 SCR, a local Creole lunch 180-250 SCR, bus rides 14-21 SCR, and fruit from roadside stalls 50-100 SCR. Having 1,000-1,500 SCR in cash per day covers most scenarios comfortably. Before leaving Seychelles, spend remaining rupees as it's difficult to exchange them outside the country.