Seychelles International Airport sits on the east coast of Mahé, approximately nine kilometers from Victoria. The airport opened in 1971 and was named after former president James Mancham until 2017. All international flights serving the archipelago land here, with no scheduled commercial service to Praslin or La Digue. Air Seychelles operates regional routes from Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, and connections through Paris and Frankfurt. Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and several charter carriers maintain regular service. The single terminal processes approximately one million passengers annually. Immigration procedures require a passport valid for the duration of stay, confirmed accommodation, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. No visa is required for stays up to three months regardless of nationality. Visitors receive a Visitor's Permit on arrival. Extensions are possible through the Department of Immigration in Victoria.
The Seychelles rupee divides into one hundred cents. The Central Bank of Seychelles issues notes in denominations of twenty-five, fifty, one hundred, and five hundred rupees. Coins circulate in values of one, five, and twenty-five cents and one and five rupees. The rupee floated freely from 2008 after decades of currency controls. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Banks in Victoria on Mahé include Barclays, Mauritius Commercial Bank, Seychelles Commercial Bank, and Nouvobanq. Banks on Praslin and La Digue operate limited hours, typically closing by 14:00 on weekdays and remaining closed on weekends. ATMs exist in Victoria, at the airport, in Beau Vallon, and in limited numbers on Praslin and La Digue. Machines dispense rupees only. Credit cards function at hotels, larger restaurants, and dive shops, but cash remains necessary for small guesthouses, markets, and bus fares. Currency exchange counters operate at the airport during flight arrivals and at banks during business hours. Hotels exchange currency but offer less favorable rates than banks.
The Seychelles Rupee replaced the Mauritian rupee in 1914 at parity. From 1976 to 2008, the government maintained a fixed exchange rate that created a significant parallel market for foreign currency. The liberalization in 2008 eliminated official restrictions on holding or exchanging foreign currency. As of 2024, the rupee trades at approximately fifteen to eighteen rupees per US dollar, fluctuating based on tourism revenue and import costs. The Central Bank of Seychelles maintains a managed float system.
Most hotels and restaurants quote prices in euros, particularly establishments targeting international visitors. Payment typically occurs in rupees at the prevailing exchange rate. The dual pricing reflects tourism dominance in the economy. Visitors should clarify which currency applies before confirming bookings or services. Some businesses accept euros, US dollars, or British pounds directly but apply unfavorable exchange calculations. Converting currency to rupees before payment generally costs less.
Mobile phone coverage on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue operates on GSM nine hundred and eighteen hundred megahertz networks. Cable and Wireless Seychelles and Airtel Seychelles provide service. Visitors can purchase SIM cards at the airport, in Victoria, and at shops on Praslin and La Digue. Identification documents are required for SIM card registration. Prepaid packages include data bundles. Coverage on outer islands is limited or absent. Internet access exists at hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in Victoria and resort areas. Connection speeds vary significantly. Several establishments offer wifi to customers without additional charge. Public wifi does not exist in most locations.
Electric power throughout Seychelles operates at two hundred forty volts AC, fifty hertz. Wall sockets accept British-style three-pin plugs, type G. Adapters are not widely available for purchase on the islands. Visitors using devices from regions with different standards require both voltage converters and plug adapters. The Seychelles Public Utilities Corporation generates electricity primarily from diesel generators. The Victoria power station supplies Mahé. Praslin and La Digue maintain separate generation facilities. Power interruptions occur occasionally during heavy rain or equipment maintenance.
Tap water on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue is treated and generally safe for consumption. The Public Utilities Corporation operates desalination plants and surface water treatment facilities. Visitors with sensitive digestion may prefer bottled water during initial days. Bottled water is available at shops and supermarkets in rupees per liter. Outer islands may rely on rainwater collection or untreated groundwater. Confirm water safety on smaller islands before drinking from taps.