Guide of Seychelles(11)
USEFUL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION
All owners and their staff have codes of standards aimed at ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
AIRLINES
Direct services are provided by Air Seychelles, British Airways, Air France and Kenya Airways covering Euro pa, Africa. Middle East, Asia and other Indian Ocean islands. Air Seychelles provides a regular internal service between the major islands.
BANKS
The Seychelles Savings Bank, branches of Barclays Bank International, Banque Francaise Commerciale, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Credit & Commerce, Hobib Bank, Standard Bank will exchange foreign currency and travellers cheques. (For opening hours please consult your hotel or guesthouse.) Banks at the Airport always open for arrivals and departures of International flights.
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE
The Duty-Free allowances are: 200 gms Cigarettes; 50 gms Cigars; 250 gms Tobacco or any combination of these up to 250 gms. 1 Litre of Spirits and I Litre of wine. 125cc. Perfume and 25cl. Toilet Water, Other dutiable articles up to a value not exceeding SR400/- (adults) and SR200/-(under 18's). The importation of arms, ammunition, drugs and spear guns is prohibited; animals, food, agricultural produce are strictly controlled and subject to licensing.
CURRENCY
The currency unit is the Seychelles Rupee (SR) which is divided into 100 cents. For dally foreign exchange consult any local bank.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must have a valid passport to enter the Seychelles and onward or return tickets, valid travel documents, accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay. Camping is not allowed. Visas are not normally required. A one month visitors' pass is issued by the Immigration Authorities on arrival. This may be renewed for up to 3 months free of charge.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Visitors may obtain emergency treatment under the National Medical Service for illness and accident at a basic consultation fee of SR75. Prescribed medicines and drugs can be bought at the Hospital Pharmacy or some Chemists. The main hospital, Out-patients Clinic and Dental Clinic are located at Mont Fleuri (near the Botanical Gardens). Most other districts also have a clinic.
POSTAL SERVICE
The main post office is in Victoria. Airmail collections are at 3.00pm on Weekdays and at noon on Saturdays.
TELECOMMUNlCATIONS
Telephone, telex, telegraph and radio links world-wide are operated by Cable & Wireless Ltd. on a 24 hour basis.
TIME DIFFERENCE
The Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of G.M.T. (3 hours ahead of British Summer Time). Or 3 hours of Central European Time in winter and 2 hours in Summer.
TIPS
These are not expected in the Seychelles. All hotel and restaurant tariffs include service.
TRANSPORT
There is an efficient bus service on Mahe and Praslin from 5.30am and 7.00pm. Cars are easy to hire - the Mini Moke is most popular. Taxis stand at major hotels, the international airport and Victoria's central taxi station. There are also regular ferries between the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
VOLTAGES
Electrical current is 240 volts A.C. 50Hz. Plugs are square pin, three point.
WEATHER
The climate is tropical - mostly equable as the surrounding ocean has a moderating effect. The Seychelles ate outside the cyclone belt so high winds or -thunderstorms are rare.
| Index / Month&Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Rainfall(mm) | 392 | 300 | 180 | 192 | 101 | 51 | 63 | 110 | 125 | 221 | 230 | 306 | 2271 |
| Sunshine(hrs per day) | 5.1 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.4 | 7.9 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.1 | 6.7 | 5.2 | 6.9 |
| Mean Max Temp.() | 29.8 | 30.3 | 30.9 | 31.3 | 30.5 | 29.3 | 28.3 | 28.4 | 29.0 | 29.5 | 30.0 | 29.8 | 29.8 |
| Mean Min Temp.() | 24.1 | 24.7 | 24.8 | 25.0 | 25.5 | 24.8 | 24.1 | 24.0 | 24.3 | 24.3 | 24.0 | 23.8 | 24.4 |
| Humidity(Ave.%) | 82 | 80 | 79 | 80 | 79 | 79 | 80 | 79 | 79 | 80 | 80 | 82 | 80 |
WHAT TO WEAR
Women - light cotton dresses, slacks and shorts at any time of year. Formal dress is seldom worn in the evening. Men - lightweight slacks or shorts and open neck shirts. Slacks and shirts are fine for the evening. All clothing should be lightweight and easily washed.