Capital city in Réunion, Reunion
Saint-Denis
Réunion's Creole capital: markets, colonial houses, a seafront promenade and the main airport, with Salazie and the island's volcano hikes within reach. Few beaches; hot, built-up and busy at rush hour.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,030–3,040Comfortable, one person · €1,800–2,700Details
- Best time to goMay–NovWarmest: Feb, 30°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe in most towns; locals drink it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: rareDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Saint-Denis
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centre-ville (Rue de Paris) | Historic buildings, markets, shops and restaurants |
| Le Barachois | Waterfront promenade, cafés and sea views |
| Bellepierre and La Montagne | Hillside residential areas, calmer and greener |
| Sainte-Clotilde | Newer districts near the university and malls |
Apps that work in Saint-Denis
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works in Saint-Denis; fewer drivers late at night |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Covers Saint-Denis and nearby areas |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Cars Jaunes: Intercity bus timetables
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and best booked by phone; ride apps are most reliable in Saint-Denis and the airport area.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Reunion.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. Carry some euros for market stalls and mountain refuges.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs are common; foreign-card fees come from your own bank.
- Tipping: Service is included; leaving small change is optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards work widely.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- French rules apply: EU/Schengen citizens need only ID; many others are visa-exempt for 90 days but Réunion is outside the Schengen area.
- Visa and entry rules differ from mainland France; confirm with French authorities before booking.
- Direct flights from Paris and Mauritius; no separate arrival card.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from Orange, SFR and Zeop shops require ID; EU roaming from French plans usually applies. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Reunion
Going to Saint-Denis solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Saint-Denis meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.