Seychelles’s currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins are 5, 10, 25 cents, and 1 and 5 Rupee denominations. Notes come in 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 Rupee denominations. The best currencies to bring are US dollars, Euros and British pounds in a mixture of travelers’ cheques, cash, plus a Visa or MasterCard for withdrawing money from ATMs.
Banks are generally open from 0800hrs to 1400hrs Mondays to Fridays, and 0800hrs to 1100hrs on Saturdays. All banks process traveler’s cheques and foreign exchange transactions. Passports are required for visitors’ transactions and nominal commissions may be charged. ATM facilities exist at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and at the airport on Mahé and Praslin.
Exchanging foreign currency into Seychelles Rupees must only be done at banks, with authorized money dealers such as a bureau de change, or with other licensed operators.
BE WARNED! It is a criminal offence to change money with any person or business other than those authorized to do so and who are mentioned above.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Seychelles. When acquiring rupees by credit card, it is advisable to exchange only what is needed on a daily basis.
Customs Formalities
Here is some information to help you with Customs formalities when you arrive in Seychelles. Being well prepared should prevent problems and reduce the time needed to get through Customs and Immigration.
If there is anything you are not quite sure about, contact any Customs office or talk to a Customs officer when you arrive. Remember, if you don’t have the right papers you may be delayed, have goods impounded or even be prevented from entering the country. The duty free allowance for all liquors (including wine, beer, stout etc), perfumes and tobacco is: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 200ml of Perfume, 2 litres of Spirits and 2 litres of wine.
In addition to the duty free allowances listed above, each visitor may import tax-free video camera, other camera, musical instrument, electric equipment, sports requisites and other leisure equipment.
Offensive weapons such as stun guns, mace, bows and arrows, knuckle dusters, daggers, swords, tear gas, whips, firearms and ammunition are prohibited imports unless the appropriate import permit or official authorization has been obtained in advance from the relevant authorities.
Pornography in the form of obscene articles, publications, video tapes and software is strictly forbidden. Where goods are imported in excess of allowances, payment of import tax is to be made in cash. Credit card facilities are not available for the payment of import tax.