Travel guide – seychelles
seychelles
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Overview
The breathtakingly beautiful Seychelles islands are surely the most romantic destination there is. They cast a siren-like spell over everyone who experiences its crystalline turquoise sea washing the pristine coral reefs and the powdery beaches that encircle the vast granite pinnacles which emerge from the verdant green rainforest. The islands stretch like an array of jewels across nearly one million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean east of Kenya, and even have their own unique suggestively shaped fruit, the famous 'coco de mer' double coconut, to emphasise their seductive charms. Only a few of the 115 islands are inhabited, most of the local population (known as Seychellois) being gathered on the main island, Mahé, around the capital city of Victoria.
The Seychellois are an alluring mix of freed African slaves, Arab, Indian and Chinese traders, and British and French settlers and seafarers who go about their business speaking a Creole patois. The multi-party democratic Republic was once a thriving pirate's haven but today it serves as a refuge for sunseekers, honeymooners and nature lovers who congregate in the top quality hotels and resorts on the main island shores. Whether you come to dive among the more than 800 species of fish in the island waters, marvel at flocks of colourful birds flitting among rare jungle trees, soak up the equatorial sun on silver sands or to cement your marriage vows, the Seychelles archipelago will impress as being just about as close to paradise as it is possible to get on earth.
Regions and cities within Seychelles...
Mah
Praslin Island
Climate
Seychelles is constantly hot and humid, with an average annual temperature of 84°F (29°C), and the average sea temperature is the same, seldom dropping below 81°F (27°C). The heat is usually tempered by sea breezes. The islands lay outside of the hurricane belt, so storms are rare, but tropical rains fall during January and February. It is easy to escape the showers, though, because it can be sunny on one side of an island while it rains on the other.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry, but immunisation against hepatitis A and typhoid are highly recommended. Medical facilities on the islands are limited, but there is a government hospital in Victoria and some private clinics. Medical insurance with full evacuation cover is necessary. Visitors are advised to bring their own medication to avert the risk of travellers' diarrhoea, as well as sun block and insect repellent, local supplies being erratic and costly. During the rainy season in particular, visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites due to the risk of dengue fever and the Chikungunya virus spread by bites. Tap water meets World Health Organisation standards, but most visitors prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled and meat well cooked before being eaten. Travel to the island of Silhouette is currently not allowed due to a case of typhoid that is being investigated.
The basics
Time
Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220-240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs are of the English type, with three square pins.
Language
Creole, English and French.
Tipping
Charges for most services include service charge of between 5 and 10%, so tipping is therefore not obligatory, but it is appreciated for exceptional service.
Safety
Violent crime is unlikely and most visits are trouble-free, but there have recently been some incidents of theft and assault in the Seychelles, targeted mainly at residents. Visitors should be vigilant, particularly after dark in Victoria and in isolated areas. Avoid taking valuables to the beach, where they could be pilfered by petty thieves. Women should avoid walking alone on isolated beaches.
Communications
The international dialling code for Seychelles is 248. Direct lines to most countries are available at most hotels. There is excellent GSM coverage for mobile telephones, and most hotels offer a postal service, email and Internet connection. There are Internet cafes in Victoria.
Duty Free
Travellers to the Seychelles over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 500g tobacco; 2 litres alcohol; 200ml perfume or eau de toilette; sporting equipment to the value of SR500; jewellery and precious metals to the value of SR500; and all other goods for personal consumption to the value of SR3,000. For the import of video cameras and other cameras, musical instruments, sports equipment, portable electronic or electric goods and other leisure items, a deposit in Seychelles rupees may be charged and then refunded in rupees on re-export provided it is within six months of the arrival date. There are also restrictions on tea, seeds, plants, meat and meat products, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Prohibited items include drugs, narcotics, firearms and spear-fishing equipment. It is forbidden to export unprocessed coco de mer, shells, fish and live tortoises. A permit is required for processed coco de mer.
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