Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Mauritius: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
The best option in Mauritius is to take out money at ATMs from major banks like MCB or SBM. Budget MUR 1,800-2,500 per day depending on whether you’re eating local or joining tours. Exchange a token amount at the airport, maybe €20-30, just for transport. Withdraw in bulk once in town to minimize fees. Keep smaller rupee notes for markets and street food. ATMs consistently beat airport counters on rates.
Mauritius airport exchange desks are a poor deal. I converted €150 when I landed and later realized I’d lost nearly MUR 800 compared to what ATMs were offering. That’s enough to cover two decent meals. I was budgeting MUR 2,000-2,500 daily, and wasting money straight away was frustrating. Even with ATM fees, I got more value from machines than from counters. If you want your rupees to stretch further, avoid doing big exchanges at the airport.
I landed in Mauritius and swapped €20 at the airport to pay for my cab. The rate wasn’t good. Later, I withdrew from an MCB ATM near my hotel in Flic en Flac, and the difference was clear - I got many more rupees. Meals cost me about MUR 500-700, and a catamaran trip was around MUR 2,000, so the ATM savings added up. I budgeted MUR 2,000 daily and found ATMs gave far better value than airport counters.
ATMs in Mauritius generally offer better rates than the exchange counters at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport. Bank of Mauritius, MCB, and SBM machines provide decent conversion into Mauritian rupees, while airport desks often have higher margins. If you’re budgeting MUR 1,500-2,500 daily for meals, taxis, and excursions like Chamarel or Île aux Cerfs, withdrawing directly from ATMs is smarter. Use the airport counter only for a small amount to cover your first taxi or snack, then switch to ATMs for the bulk of your cash.