 general
information on Seychelles |
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The
Seychelles is an archipelago of 118 islands spread
over 1.3 million square kilometres in the western
Indian Ocean. Almost the total estimated population
of 82,000 live on the three main islands of Mahé,
Praslin and La Digue. Most of the islands remain uninhabited.
Mahé, home to
90% of the population, is the most developed island and
its capital Victoria is the political and commercial
centre.
The islands take their name from Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles,
Controller-General of Finance in the reign of Louis XV
of France.
The Seychellois people are a mixture of African, Arab,
Indian, European and Chinese origins. They speak a common
Creole language and most people are fluent in English
and French. The language of the judiciary and business
is English.
Fishing and tourism are the mainstay of the economy. |
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for the traveler |
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 Climate |
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Generally
hot all year round. The temperature can reach a low of
23ºC (at night) and reach a high of about 34ºC
When traveling around the islands it is advised to wear
sun protection and sun hat. It is advised not to go unprotected
in the midday sun. |
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Clothing |
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The
dress code in Seychelles is decidedly informal, even
on
formal occasions. In the evening men are required to
wear long trousers in public places but these may
be casual. Warm
clothing is not needed although long sleeves are advised
if going out at sea at night. Suits and ties are generally
not worn. |
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Money
& Finance |
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Currency: Seychelles Rupee SR
Exchange rate: Approximately SR6 to
1 US$
Credit Cards: Visa, Access, MasterCard,
American Express and Diners Club
Banks: The banks listed below all operate
ATM cash-points. These, as well as the Seychelles Savings
Bank, Bank of Baroda and Habib Bank will exchange all
major foreign currencies and Travellers Cheques. Banks
at the airport are open for all arrivals and departures
of international flights.
Banque Française (Mahé & Praslin) 08:30-15:00
Monday to Friday; 08:30-11:00 Saturday; Tel: +(248)284555
Barclays Bank (Mahé & Praslin) 08:30-14:30
Monday to Friday; 09:00-11:00 Saturday; Tel: +(248)383838
Nouvobanq (Mahé) 08:30-14:00 Monday to Friday;
08:30-11:30 Saturday; Tel: +(248)293000 |
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Communication
& other services |
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Telecommunications: modern international direct dialling
and GSM services are provided by Cable & Wireless (Seychelles)
Ltd. Public coin and card phones are situated around the islands.
Airtel can support your mobile communication needs. International
roaming facilities are also available. Phone plugs are standard
European models, and temporary internet access can be bought from
the two local providers (Atlas
and Kokonet).
Internet access points can be found in a number of cyber-cafés
around the island. The international prefix for calling Seychelles
from abroad is 248.
Postal Services: Seychelles has a relatively fast
postal service. Courier companies such as TNT, DHL and FedEx also
operate in the region.
Electricity: 240 volts / 60Hz.
Water: Public Utilities Corporation (PUC)
manages and distributes clean, hygienic and treated water
to most parts of the main islands. Storage capacity, however,
is insufficient for present demand and this usually leads
to annual water stoppages. Several mineral water bottling
plants supplement the supply of treated water. |
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Time |
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Seychelles
are 4 hours ahead of Universal Time (GMT +4). |
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Health
& emergencies |
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Emergency
services: dial 999 for Police, Ambulance or Fire
Services. Victoria Hospital and Anse Royale Hospital have
Casualty wards with 24 hours service. All major hotels
have a doctor on call if needed.
UN Physician: Dr Sethu Chetty. Normal
hours Tel: 321911; Emergencies (after 17:00 hrs. and weekends)
Tel: 266670 (3-11 December and 12-14 December (number
to be provided later)). |
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| getting
around |
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click
here for maps of Mahé. |
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Inter
islands trips |
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Domestic
flights: Air Seychelles tel. 384233
Helicopter flights: to the islands of
Denis, Frégate, La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette,
contact Helicopter Seychelles tel. 385858
Ferry Services: Cat Coco operates from
Mahé to Praslin on all days; the journey time is
1 hour. Cost of tickets are US$27, US$33, US$54 and US$66.
Food and refreshments are available. Tel: 324843. Click
here
for the latest Cat Coco Schedule.
There are also boat journeys between La Digue and Praslin.
The first boat La Digue/Praslin leaves at 07:00 hrs and
the last boat leaves at 17:30 hrs. |
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Local
transports |
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Bus
Services: Seychelles Public Transport Cooperation
(SPTC) operates bus services on Mahé and Praslin
between 05:30 and 19:00 hrs. Timetables are available
from the SPTC offices at Victoria Central Bus Station
on Palm Street. The flat rate fare is SR3/- for any one
single journey.
Taxis: Taxis are stationed in Victoria,
the International Airport and all major hotels. Fares
are standardised on a meter system.
Car Hire: There are many hire firms on
Mahé. Prices range from SR350-450 per day all inclusive.
Vehicles available include standard air-conditioned cars,
jeeps and mini Mokes (an open door canvas roofed vehicle). The
Commission has been able to obtain special discounts for
delegates. However, in order to avail of these discounts,
reservations must be made through the Commission.
Parking: A scratch card system is in
force around Victoria. Scratch out date and time and display
card on dashboard. Available at all petrol stations and
other outlets displaying signs. |
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| for
more information |
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www.virtualseychelles.sc |
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the
official website of Seychelles. |
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www.sey.net |
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a
commercial website offering information on travel, accommodation,
activities etc. |
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