Question 1

What is the currency in Seychelles and can I use cards?

Accepted Answer

CURRENCY:
Seychelles Rupee (SCR)Exchange rate: ~SCR 13-15 = €1 / ~SCR 14-16 = $1Notes: SCR 25, 50, 100, 200, 500Coins: SCR 1, 5, 10, 25 cents and SCR 1, 5

PAYING BY CARD:
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) widely accepted at:
✓ Hotels and resorts
✓ Larger restaurants
✓ Supermarkets (STC, Spar)
✓ Tour operators
✓ Dive centers
✓ Major shops

CASH NEEDED FOR:
✗ Taxis (always cash!)
✗ Market vendors
✗ Small local restaurants (takeaways)
✗ Beach vendors
✗ Some guesthouses
✗ Tips

BUS PAYMENT (SPTC):
Buses do NOT accept cash! You must use:SPTC Bus Card (SCR 50 with SCR 50 credit, buy at select stores, top up at same stores). One card can be shared between passengers.SPTC Mobile AppFare: SCR 8 flat rate

ATMs:Mahé: Victoria, Beau Vallon, airportPraslin: Baie Ste Anne (ferry area), Grand AnseLa Digue: La Passe (one ATM, often empty!)

Tips:Bring sufficient cash to La Digue (ATM unreliable)Euros accepted at most tourist placesUSD and GBP also accepted at some placesHotel exchange rates are usually poorBank hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-2pm, Sat 8:30am-11amNotify your bank before travelingGet SPTC bus card early if planning to use buses

Question 2

What should I budget per day in Seychelles?

Accepted Answer

Rough daily budgets for 2 people:

Budget (SCR 2,500-3,500 / €170-235):Guesthouse: SCR 1,500-2,000Local food/takeaway: SCR 500-800Bus transport: SCR 14Activities: free beaches, hiking

Mid-range (SCR 5,000-8,000 / €330-530):3-star hotel: SCR 3,000-5,000Restaurants: SCR 1,500-2,000Mix of taxis/buses: SCR 5001 paid activity: SCR 1,000

Luxury (SCR 15,000+ / €1,000+):Resort: SCR 8,000+Fine dining: SCR 3,000-5,000Private tours, car rental

Key costs:Ferry Mahé↔Praslin: €58-79 per personFerry Praslin↔La Digue: €16 per personVallée de Mai entry: SCR 430

Question 3

Where is the best place to exchange currency in Seychelles?

Accepted Answer

The most cost-effective way to exchange foreign currency, such as Euros (EUR), US Dollars (USD), or British Pounds (GBP), into Seychelles Rupees (SCR) is through licensed Bureau de Change locations found in Victoria or at the airport. While most hotels offer currency exchange services for guests, they typically provide the least favorable rates. For the best value, travelers should prioritize using local ATMs or dedicated exchange offices in the main town centers.

Upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, you will find several exchange counters and ATMs (MCB, Absa, and Nouvobanq) located in the arrivals hall. It is highly recommended to withdraw or exchange an initial amount of SCR 1,500 to 2,500 immediately to cover airport taxis, which usually cost SCR 500-800 to Victoria or Beau Vallon, and for smaller purchases where cards are not accepted.

In Victoria, the capital city, the most competitive rates are found at bureaus along Independence Avenue and near the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. These shops are open typically from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. On Praslin, you should look for exchange facilities in Baie Ste Anne near the ferry terminal or in the Grand Anse village area. If you are heading to La Digue, your options are more limited; most services are clustered around the La Passe jetty area, so it is wise to have enough cash before leaving the larger islands.

Local Insights and Pro Tips:
  ATM Strategy: Withdrawing SCR directly from an ATM is often the most convenient method and offers a fair mid-market rate. Banks like MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) and Absa have widespread ATM networks. Expect a small local bank fee of roughly SCR 25-50 per transaction, plus whatever your home bank charges.
  Cash Requirements: While credit cards are standard for hotels and car rentals, you will absolutely need cash for local bus fares (SCR 12 per trip), authentic Creole takeaways (SCR 85-150), and buying fresh coconuts or fruit at roadside stalls.
  Note Condition: If you are bringing cash to exchange, ensure your notes are crisp and clean. Many bureaus in Seychelles will refuse older USD notes (typically pre-2013) or bills that are torn or heavily marked.
  Passport Requirement: You must present your original passport for any physical cash exchange at a bureau; a digital copy or photo on your phone is often rejected due to strict local financial regulations.

Lastly, try to avoid "buying back" your original currency at the end of your trip. The exchange spread in Seychelles is wide, meaning you will lose a significant percentage of the value when converting SCR back to Euros or Dollars. It is much better to spend your remaining rupees on local souvenirs, vanilla tea, or at the duty-free shops at the airport before you depart. Consider using your card for large meals at Eden Island or Beau Vallon and saving your cash for the small, local experiences that make Seychelles unique.

Question 4

Can I exchange currency and use Seychelles Rupees at the airport?

Accepted Answer

The Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) at Pointe Larue on Mahé is well-equipped with currency exchange facilities to serve both arriving and departing passengers. You will find several exchange bureaus and ATMs in both the international arrivals hall and the departures check-in area. Whether you need to acquire your first Seychelles Rupees (SCR) or convert your remaining balance back to foreign currency before flying home, the airport is the most convenient location to handle these transactions.

In the Arrivals Hall, after you clear customs and exit into the public area, you will see booths for major local banks like Absa, MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank), and Nouvobanq. These are typically open for all international flight arrivals. There are also several ATMs located right outside the arrivals exit that accept international cards (Visa and Mastercard are most common), usually dispensing cash at a fair mid-market rate plus a small bank fee. For departures, there are exchange desks located in the main check-in concourse before you pass through immigration and security. These desks, including private operators like Cash Plus, allow you to sell your remaining SCR for Euros, US Dollars, or British Pounds.

When it comes to the Duty-Free zone located after immigration, you can indeed pay in Seychelles Rupees (SCR). However, it is important to note that most prices in the duty-free shops, such as the STC (Seychelles Trading Company) Duty Free, are primarily listed in Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD). While the shops will accept your local rupees, they will apply their own internal exchange rate, which may be slightly less favorable than the official bank rate. For this reason, many travelers prefer to use up their small change on snacks or souvenirs at the airport cafés, where a coffee or local pastry typically costs between SCR 80 and SCR 150.

Pro Tips for Currency Exchange:
Keep your receipts: If you plan to exchange your leftover SCR back into foreign currency at the end of your trip, some exchange bureaus may ask to see your original exchange or ATM withdrawal receipt to prove the source of the funds.
Exchange before security: Once you pass through passport control and security into the departure lounge (airside), there are no dedicated currency exchange booths. If you have a large amount of SCR left, ensure you visit the bureaus in the public check-in area before heading through to the gates.
ATM limits: Most airport ATMs have a withdrawal limit of SCR 5,000 to SCR 10,000 per transaction. If you need more for a car rental or guesthouse payment, you may need to perform multiple transactions.
Small denominations: When exchanging money upon arrival, try to ask for some smaller notes (SCR 25 or SCR 50), as these are very helpful for paying bus fares (SCR 12 per person) or buying small items at local "take-away" shops in Victoria or Beau Vallon.

It is also worth noting that while credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, cash is still essential for small expenses. Exchanging a small amount—around SCR 1,500 to SCR 2,000—at the airport upon arrival is usually enough to cover your initial transport and first few local meals while you get settled. Combining your currency needs with a local SIM card purchase (available at the Cable & Wireless or Airtel kiosks in the arrivals hall) will set you up perfectly for your Seychelles adventure.

Question 5

What is the best currency to use and exchange in Seychelles?

Accepted Answer

The official currency of the Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR), and it is the most practical and cost-effective currency to use throughout your stay. While many hotels, tour operators, and high-end restaurants will accept Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD), they often use a less-favorable internal exchange rate. For almost all other transactions—including local markets, public buses, and "take-away" food stalls—the Seychelles Rupee is mandatory.

For exchanging money, the best rates are typically found at specialized exchange bureaus like Cash Plus or local banks such as MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) and Absa. In Victoria, the capital on Mahé, you will find several exchange offices along Independence Avenue and Albert Street. On Praslin, look for banks in the Grand Anse and Baie Sainte Anne areas. On La Digue, most financial services are clustered in the main village of La Passe. It is generally better to avoid exchanging large amounts of cash at the airport or hotel receptions, as these locations often provide the least competitive rates.

Typical costs and money management tips:
ATM Withdrawals: Most ATMs in Seychelles charge a transaction fee ranging from 50 SCR to 100 SCR. It is usually better to withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
Daily Spending: A local take-away meal typically costs 75-150 SCR, while a ride on the SPTC bus is a flat rate of 12 SCR (requires a travel card).
Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in supermarkets and restaurants on Mahé and Praslin, but small guesthouses and island boutiques often prefer cash.

When it comes to tipping, local residents strongly prefer to receive tips in Seychelles Rupees (SCR). While a 5-Euro note might seem like a generous gesture, the recipient would have to visit a bank and pay a fee to exchange it into local currency, which they need for their daily expenses. For exceptional service at a restaurant or for a tour guide, a tip of 50-200 SCR is highly appreciated. Tipping is not mandatory in Seychelles, but it is a common way to show gratitude for personal service.

Pro tips from locals: Always keep your exchange receipts. If you have excess SCR at the end of your trip, you may be asked to show these receipts at the airport to convert your Rupees back into foreign currency. Also, be aware that many small businesses on La Digue may not have functioning card machines due to connection issues, so always carry at least 500-800 SCR in cash when exploring the smaller islands.

Before heading out for the day, check the daily exchange rate displayed at the banks. If you are staying in the Beau Vallon area on Mahé, there are several ATMs and an exchange bureau within walking distance of the beach, making it one of the most convenient spots for managing your travel funds. Combining your card usage for larger bills with local cash for daily adventures is the best way to manage your budget effectively.

Question 6

What is the best way to get Seychelles Rupees (SCR)?

Accepted Answer

The most efficient and cost-effective way to obtain Seychelles Rupees (SCR) is by using ATMs located at the Seychelles International Airport upon arrival or in major hubs like Victoria and Beau Vallon. While currency exchange bureaus are widely available, ATMs generally offer the most competitive mid-market exchange rates, provided your home bank doesn't charge excessive international transaction fees.

For those arriving at the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, you will find several ATMs from major local banks like MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) and Absa situated just outside the arrivals hall. These machines are available 24/7 and accept most international Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards. Withdrawal limits typically range from SCR 5,000 to 10,000 per transaction, which is usually more than enough for initial expenses like taxis or local snacks.

If you prefer to exchange physical cash, there are several Bureaux de Change at the airport, such as Global Exchange and Cash Plus, which remain open to meet all international flight arrivals. They accept major currencies including USD, EUR, and GBP. However, be aware that using a foreign credit or debit card to "buy" local currency at these exchange windows is often processed as a 'Cash Advance.' This usually incurs a high commission (often 3-5%) plus interest from your own bank, making it significantly more expensive than a standard ATM withdrawal.

Pro tips from locals:
Use ATMs for SCR: Stick to ATMs for your daily cash needs to avoid the high margins at exchange bureaus. Most ATMs in Seychelles do not charge a local "convenience fee," though your home bank might.
The Takeaway Economy: While hotels and car rentals accept cards, you will absolutely need cash for local takeaway boxes (SCR 75-150) and small grocery shops in areas like Anse Royale or Baie Lazare.
Keep your receipts: If you plan to exchange SCR back into foreign currency before you leave, some banks may ask to see your original exchange or ATM receipt.
Avoid Amex and Discovery: These cards have very limited acceptance outside of high-end resorts like those on Eden Island or major hotels in Bel Ombre. Stick to Visa or MasterCard.

When traveling to the inner islands, ensure you have sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas. While there are ATMs in La Passe on La Digue and Grand Anse on Praslin, they can occasionally run out of cash during busy festival weekends or public holidays. Having SCR 1,000-2,000 in small denominations is always recommended for seamless travel between the islands. Always notify your home bank of your travel dates to Seychelles to prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity when you make your first withdrawal at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Money & Costs

What is the currency in Seychelles and can I use cards?

What should I budget per day in Seychelles?

Where is the best place to exchange currency in Seychelles?

Can I exchange currency and use Seychelles Rupees at the airport?

What is the best currency to use and exchange in Seychelles?

What is the best way to get Seychelles Rupees (SCR)?

Frequently Asked Questions

💰 Money & Costs

What is the currency in Seychelles and can I use cards?

What should I budget per day in Seychelles?

Where is the best place to exchange currency in Seychelles?

Can I exchange currency and use Seychelles Rupees at the airport?

What is the best currency to use and exchange in Seychelles?

What is the best way to get Seychelles Rupees (SCR)?

Money & Costs