What should I know before traveling to Seychelles?

**Before traveling to Seychelles, you should know that no visa is required for most nationalities (including Portuguese passport holders), you don't need vaccinations, and practical essentials like SIM cards, currency exchange, and car rentals are readily available – but planning ahead saves money and hassle.** The most common mistakes travelers make involve currency exchange timing, inter-island logistics, and underestimating how spread out the islands are.

**Entry Requirements & Health:** Seychelles doesn't require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourists – you'll receive a free visitor's permit on arrival valid for up to 3 months. **Portuguese and most EU passport holders simply need a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.** No vaccinations are mandatory, though routine immunizations are recommended. Chikungunya cases occur occasionally (it's mosquito-borne), but serious outbreaks are rare. **Bring insect repellent with DEET**, especially for early morning and evening. Medications can be in pill organizers, but carry a prescription or medical certificate for controlled substances.

**Money & Connectivity:** **Currency exchange is best done at banks or CMB bureau de change in Victoria, Mahé** – airport rates are slightly worse. Most major businesses accept cards, but carry **SCR 1,000-2,000 cash** for beach shacks, buses, and small vendors. For SIM cards, **Airtel and Cable & Wireless shops at Mahé airport sell tourist SIMs for 100-250 SCR** with data packages. Praslin airport has limited services – get your SIM and exchange money on Mahé. International e-SIMs (like Airalo) work well, but local SIMs offer better value for longer stays.

**Island Itinerary Planning:** **For first-timers with 7-8 nights, split between Mahé (3-4 nights) and Praslin (3-4 nights) works best**, with a day trip to La Digue from Praslin. Staying only on Mahé means missing Seychelles' best beaches (Anse Lazio, Anse Source d'Argent). **Families should consider 4 nights Praslin + 3 nights Mahé** – Praslin offers calmer beaches and easier access to La Digue. **Ferry between Mahé-Praslin costs 1,200-1,500 SCR per person** and takes 1 hour (book Cat Cocos in advance). La Digue day trips are easily arranged from Praslin (**600-800 SCR return ferry**).

**Car Rental & Transport:** **Book car rentals 2-3 weeks ahead, especially for April and peak season (July-August, December-January).** Rates run **600-900 SCR/day on Mahé and Praslin**. You'll find contacts through your accommodation or SeyFind's directory. **On La Digue, bikes (150-200 SCR/day) are the main transport** – cars aren't necessary. Buses on Mahé are dirt cheap (**7 SCR per ride**) but infrequent to remote areas.

**Souvenirs & Special Items:** **Takamaka rum miniatures (50ml) are sold at duty-free shops at Mahé airport** and some supermarkets in Victoria. **Coco de Mer perfume is available at Kreol Fleurage shops in Victoria and Eden Island** – expect to pay **800-1,500 SCR**. Small drones under 250g require registration with Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority before arrival – check their website for permits to avoid customs issues.

**Best Time & Activities:** **August falls during SE trade winds** – excellent weather but windier, with choppier seas on southeast coasts. Northwest beaches (Beau Vallon, Anse Lazio) remain calm. Perfect for hiking (Morne Blanc, Copolia, Anse Major trails), island hopping, and snorkeling. Book popular excursions (Curieuse, St. Pierre, Vallée de Mai) through your accommodation or tour operators in advance.