What is the best currency to use in Seychelles?

The **Seychelles Rupee (SCR)** is the best and most practical currency to use for almost all daily transactions while visiting the islands. While the Euro is the most widely accepted foreign currency and is often used for quoting prices in the tourism sector, using local currency ensures you get the fairest price and avoids the unfavorable exchange rates often applied by local vendors.

For most travelers, a combination of SCR for daily spending and a credit/debit card for larger expenses is the most efficient approach. When you are visiting local markets like the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria or buying a quick meal at a "take-away" stand in Beau Vallon, you will always be expected to pay in Rupees. Typical prices for these daily items include: - A standard bus fare on Mahé or Praslin: **SCR 12** - A local take-away box (Creole curry or grilled fish): **SCR 80-150** - A 1.5L bottle of water from a local "boutik": **SCR 15-25** - A local SeyBrew beer: **SCR 35-50**

The Euro has a historical and functional advantage over the US Dollar in Seychelles. Many guesthouses, car rental agencies, and excursion operators on islands like Praslin and La Digue quote their rates in Euros. If you choose to pay for these high-value services in cash, Euros are preferred and will be accepted at a much more stable rate than USD. However, if you try to pay for a small souvenir or a taxi ride in US Dollars, the vendor will likely apply a "convenience" exchange rate that could cost you significantly more than the official bank rate.

**Pro tips from locals:** Always carry a mix of small Rupee notes (SCR 25, 50, and 100) for taxi rides and small shops, as vendors often struggle to provide change for the SCR 500 note. While credit cards are widely accepted in supermarkets on Eden Island or larger restaurants in Anse Royale, many smaller shops have a minimum spend requirement (often SCR 100-200) for card transactions. Additionally, while you can exchange money at the airport upon arrival, you will often find slightly better rates at the commercial banks or independent "Bureau de Change" located in the center of Victoria or near the Baie Ste Anne jetty on Praslin.

It is also important to note that most ATMs (operated by MCB, Absa, or Nouvobanq) dispense only Seychelles Rupees. These ATMs are plentiful on the three main islands, but they are scarce in more remote areas like south Mahé. If you are heading to La Digue, ensure you withdraw enough cash at the jetty area, as there are very few machines scattered elsewhere on the island. By keeping a healthy supply of **Seychelles Rupee (SCR)** in your wallet, you’ll navigate the islands with the same ease as a local resident.