Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
The Seychellois are generally tolerant of gay and lesbian relationships as long as couples
don't flaunt their sexuality, but there is no open gay or lesbian scene in the Seychelles. For
gay and lesbian travellers there's little to worry about. We've never heard of any problems
arising from same-sex couples sharing rooms during their holidays. That said, open dis-
plays of affection between gay or lesbian couples could raise eyebrows.
INSURANCE
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a good idea. Some
policies specifically exclude dangerous activities, which can include scuba diving. If you
plan on diving, we strongly recommend purchasing dive-specific insurance with
DAN
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services
. You
can buy, extend and claim online anytime - even if you're already on the road.
INTERNET ACCESS
There are a couple of internet cafes in Victoria. Outside the capital, internet cafes are
harder to find. Expect to pay around Rs 40 for an hour's access. Connection is still fairly
slow by Western standards.
Wi-fi is increasingly available - most often wi-fi access is restricted to public areas and is
not free of charge.
Establishments with wireless are identified in this topic with a icon.
If you will be in Seychelles for a while, consider buying a USB stick ('dongle') from
Cable & Wireless (the local mobile provider;
Click here
)
, which you can then load with
airtime and plug into your laptop.
MONEY
The unit of currency is the Seychelles rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents (¢).
Bank notes come in denominations of Rs 10, Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 500; there are
coins of Rs 1, Rs 5, 1¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 25¢.
Euros are the best currency to carry. Prices for most tourist services, including accommod-
ation, excursions, diving, car hire and transport are quoted in euros and can be paid in
euros (and less frequently in US dollars), either in cash or by credit card. But you can also
pay in rupees. In restaurants, prices are quoted in rupees but you can also pay in euros.
The four main banks are Barclays Bank, Seychelles Savings Bank, Nouvobanq and Maur-
itius Commercial Bank (MCB). They have branches on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
You'll also find numerous money-changers. There's no commission for changing cash.
Don't lose time shopping around; rates are almost the same everywhere.
