Seychelles - Tourist Information |
Statistics
Population: 81,541 (July 2006 est.)
Area: 455.3 sq. km.
GDP per capita: US$ 7 800
Languages: Creole, English (official language)
Capital: Victoria |
Climate
The Seychelles islands have a year-long warm climate, which makes it always a good time to visit. The temperature seldom drops below 24ºC or rises above 32ºC.
Conditions for swimming, snorkelling and...
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Currency And Credit Cards
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR) which is divided into 100 cents.
Notes: 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 Rupee.
Coins: 5, 10, 25 cents; 1 and 5 Rupee.
MasterCard and Visa cards are widely...
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Visas and Entry Requirements
There are no Via requirements to enter the Seychelles. However, travellers must be in the possession of the following documents to obtain immigration clearance:
* A passport valid on the date of...
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Public Holidays
There are 12 public holidays in the Seychelles of which 5 are official holidays and 7 religious holidays.
Official:
01 & 02 January - New Year
01 May - Labour Day
05 June - Liberation Day
18...
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Brief History
Although there is some evidence that Seychelles Islands were known and visited as long ago as the 8th and 9th centuries, Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement...
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Economy
Since independence, the economic growth has been led by the tourism sector, which employs about 30% of the labour force. At the same time, the government is promoting the development of farming,...
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General
Seychelles is famous for having some of the best beaches in the world, pristine and uncrowded. Some are framed by age-old granite boulders. Others offer powder-soft sands, turquoise waters and superb...
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Geography
The Republic of Seychelles consists of over 116 islands scattered in the middle of the Western Indian Ocean, and lies between 480 km and 1,600 km from the east coasts of Africa. The Seychelles...
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Physical Features
Mahe is the most important island of the Seychelles. It is 27 km long and 11 kms wide with its highest point being the Morne Seychellois at 905 meters. Two other islands of major importance with...
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Political Features
After Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976, a period of single party rule by the government of Mr. France Albert René followed. In 1991, President René announced a return to the...
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Accommodation
Accommodation is currently available on 16 islands. These range from 5+ star resorts to rustic island lodges and cozy beachside bungalows. |
Banks and Foreign Exchange
Banking hours:
Monday - Friday: 08h00 - 14h00
Saturday: 08h00 - 11h00
All banks process traveller's cheques and foreign exchange transactions. Visitors are required to show their passport and...
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Dining and Drinking
Dining in the Seychelles is a blend of Creole style merged with French, African, Chinese, Indian and English heritages. Fish is plentiful, varieties are abundant and it is always an excellent menu...
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Tipping
A 5% to 10% service charge is included in most charges at restaurants, hotels, taxis etc. and therefore tipping is not obligatory in Seychelles. However, it is at the discretion of the customer...
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Media and Television
The government controls much of the islands' media, and operates radio and TV stations and the sole daily newspaper.
Multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are widely available.
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Medical Care
Medical facilities and call-out doctors are available to visitors on request from accommodation establishments and island resorts.
The rates of private clinics/doctors vary. A call-out can cost up to...
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Telephones
The international dialling code for Seychelles is 00248.
Seychelles enjoys modern, efficient communication services. At present, there are two Mobile Telephone networks in operation. There are...
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Road Travel and Public Transport
On the main islands of Mahe and Praslin, getting aroung by bus is easy with designated bus stops on all routes.
Independently operated taxis are available on Mahe and Praslin, and a handful on La...
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Security
Seychelles enjoy a low level of crime. Nevertheless, it is still advisable to take some routine precautions. Do not carry large sums of money, items of value or important documents such as passport on...
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