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Seychelles rupees

Seychelles rupees

The local currency of the Seychelles is the rupee. 100 Seychelles rupees (SCR) is approximately € 4.22 or US$ 5.93 (official exchange rates of 28th December 2008). The strange thing about the Seychelles however is that as a tourist you’ll be obligated to pay in a major currency like euros, dollar or pounds on most occasions. In restaurants, hotels, national parks and for your rental car you’ll be asked to pay in euros. Rupees are not accepted from foreigners. Local supermarkets and taxis (sometimes) however can be paid in rupees.

Somewhere during the first months of 2008 a new law was passed that obligates foreigners to pay in euros, dollar or pounds.

What does this mean for you as a tourist?

• Easy on the rupees: Don’t withdraw too many rupees from ATM’s in the Seychelles, you probably won’t be able to spend them all and exchanging back from rupee to a foreign currency is extremely dificult and limited. There’s a maximum amount of rupees that you can exchange back and you have to do this with the exact bank you withdraw the money from, plus you’ll need the exchange receipt or ATM slip.
• Bring along euros/dollars in cash: Sometimes you won’t be able to pay by credit card and since rupees aren’t accepted you’ll need to have cash euros or dollars. Both are accepted, but euros are preferred. Make sure you bring along enough cash, so you won’t run out of it during your holiday. Once out of cash there’s no way to get a new supply, because ATM’s don’t give foreign currency. Make sure you have enough small amount bank notes, because you’ll receive change in rupees.
• Use your credit card as much as you can: Since rupees aren’t accepted and you don’t want to carry around a suitcase filled with euros or dollars you should pay with credit card as much as you can. Hotels and most restaurants will accept credit cards. Best credit cards to bring with you are Visa and Mastercard.

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