Island in Inner Islands, Seychelles
Mahé
Seychelles' main island: granite-and-turquoise beaches, hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park and a Creole capital. Beautiful but expensive; a rental car and early starts make it affordable.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,580–4,070Comfortable, one person · SCR38,000–60,000Details
- Value for money18/100Better value than 17% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Apr, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and generally safe on Mahé; some travelers prefer bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–81Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPublic bus (Seychelles Public Transport Corporation)You'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards almost everywhere; carry rupees for buses, markets and small cafés.Details
Where to stay in Mahé
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Beau Vallon | Longest beach, restaurants, dive shops and the most nightlife |
| Victoria (capital) | Market, ferries and cheap eats; fewer beaches |
| Anse Royale | Quiet southern coast with beaches and small guesthouses |
| Port Glaud | Remote west coast with quiet beaches and waterfalls |
Apps that work in Mahé
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps; taxis are expensive and hotels arrange transfers. Buses are the budget option.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Seychelles.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards almost everywhere; carry rupees for buses, markets and small cafés. Hotels often quote euros.
- Currency: Rupee (SCR). US$1 ≈ SCR14.75 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue dispense rupees; foreign-card fees apply and some machines run out.
- Tipping: Not expected; 10% is welcome if no service charge. Many restaurants add 10%.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at some contactless terminals; local wallets are not used by visitors.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Apply for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation online before travel; it is required for all visitors and costs a small fee.
- You need a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation and proof of funds; visitors get up to 3 months, extendable to 12.
- Declare 50,000 SCR or more in cash when applying.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 151 · Fire 999
Plugs
Type G · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tourist SIMs at Mahé airport and shops cost a few hundred rupees for data; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Seychelles
Going to Mahé solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.