Travel Tips to Madagascar
How to Get there
Air Austral flies to Reunion twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.
Visa Requirements
As Reunion is a French Province, South African passport holders will require a visa. This is best done through a travel agent or visa service, as the process is somewhat tedious. EC, British and American passport holders do not require a visa.
Health Requirements
Reunion is a malaria free country, the water is potable and no immunizations are required.
Dress Code
Can vary from the informal to the formal. If just going on a holiday, beach wear is a necessity and warm clothing for the mountains as well as good comfortable hiking shoes with strong grips. Always remember to pack some raingear as well as sun protection. If visiting Reunion Island on business, or if you intend visiting some of the more formal restaurants and venues, appropriate attire is advisable. (smart lightweight clothing).
Getting Around
The best way of getting around Reunion is by car as the road infrastructure is excellent. Driving is on the right hand side.
Language
Predominantly French and Creole and it is advisable that English speaking visitors travel with a small English/French phrase book. Language can be a stumbling block but most people will be polite and try and assist where possible.
Accommodation
There are approximately 48 hotels on the island with only two 4-star hotels, the rest being 2-star or 3-star rated according to the French system. They are of a high standard, with restaurants serving good food, ranging from continental to Creole to Indian and Chinese cuisine. There are also numerous B&B establishments and mountain houses (Gites) at reasonable rates, where visitors sit down to enjoy meals with the proprietor's family.
Times to visit
Reunion can be visited all year round, although February generally is not a good month as cyclones may occur. Climate: hot and humid in the coastal regions, cool in the mountains.
Currency
At the moment the French Franc, but Reunion is converting to the Euro. All till transactions now have both values, the French Franc amount and the Euro equivalent. $US are also easily exchangeable. American Express is not readily accepted.
Luggage Allowance
20 kg, 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine
Power Supply 220 V, European 2 prong plugs
Cost-Saving Tips
Pack some teabags, travel kettle or small immersion element, some coffee, bottle opener (corkscrew) and a small cooler bag and shop for your incidentals and the supermarkets in Reunion. It is a LOT cheaper than purchasing such items through the hotel.
