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Living in Mauritius


#1  2007-03-31 11:55:46

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Living in Mauritius

Has anybody been to Mauritius?

I've received an interesting job offer for working in Port Louis but I don't know anything about Mauritius, appart from the wonderful beaches there. I read that it's a multicultural island, that they're investing a lot on IT development ...

I am flying there in two weeks to see how is life over there before making any decision. 

If anybody has some info, please let me know smile

(hey I might add a new flag to my signature happy)




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#2  2007-04-16 08:46:28

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

I arrived in Mauritius a couple of days ago. I've got a week to find out if Mauritius is where I'll spend the next months ...

First feelings: people here are really nice and cordial! Everybody tells me "welcome" everywhere with large smiles!

There are a lot of activities (if you like sea activities, such as scuba diving, boat sailing, wake board ... Mauritius is the place to be).

Cost of life is quite cheap. Locals don't earn much, and you'll get very good way of life with a regular expat contract.

and the beach ... wow!

http://julien.faliu.info/gallery/1/plage-ile-maurice.jpg




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#3  2007-04-16 14:38:24

oreneta
Serial expat
oreneta
From: Near Barcelona, Spain
Registered: 2007-01-15
Posts: 314

Re: Living in Mauritius

Go Go Go...looks like a good jump from here!!!!




 
 
 

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#4  2007-05-02 16:59:57

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

Just to let you know ... I've accepted the job smile

I'm moving in 4/5 weeks!




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#5  2007-05-03 18:39:33

sailyne
Active member
From: Avignon
Registered: 2006-04-02
Posts: 79

Re: Living in Mauritius

Congratulations!!! What kind of position is it? What are you going to do?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#6  2007-05-03 19:46:59

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

I'll be in charge of all technical things for Vinivi (the official role is "Chief technical officer")  it's a six month contract, a bit short, but it will be my first expat experience outside Europe cool

I'll be based around Grand Baie, at the North of the island.

departure at the end of May / beginning of June! (then I'll add a new flag to my signature)

I'll offer a free cocktail to every expat blog member who'll come and visit me there! cheers




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#7  2007-06-15 10:57:09

malyr
New member
Registered: 2007-06-15
Posts: 2

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi,

I also have a possible offer in Mauritius and I have so many questions!
What about english schools I have two kids, they are 3 and 7 years old. I would go with them and my wife, maybe for a year or a couple.
After a while how do you feel living in this small place. It is not big and it is an island.
Free time must be nice doing a lot of acuatic activities.
What about housing is it expensive.
and so on, many more questions

thanks in advance
any info will be apreciated

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#8  2007-06-15 15:54:04

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

Malyr, the official language in public schools Mauritius is english, and there are several private english schools in the island.

I feel really good after 10 days here! I look forward to next week end smile

aquatic activies? I am diving tomorrow morning and I am sailing tomorrow afternoon.  Note that it's winter here but I wear short pants and tee shirts evertime!

Housing is cheap compared to Europe!




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#9  2007-06-16 09:16:22

oreneta
Serial expat
oreneta
From: Near Barcelona, Spain
Registered: 2007-01-15
Posts: 314

Re: Living in Mauritius

Diving and sailing...your making me so JEALOUS!




 
 
 

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#10  2007-06-16 10:55:06

malyr
New member
Registered: 2007-06-15
Posts: 2

Re: Living in Mauritius

so Julien definetly it sounds to be a good place to live for a couple of years, like a paid holidays. I have to jump there and have a look, a paradise like that must be considered.top
any words you can write here about the island will be really apreciated.
regards and have a nice diving. I want to see the pictures!!!!

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#11  2007-06-16 14:29:57

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

malyr wrote:

so Julien definetly it sounds to be a good place to live for a couple of years, like a paid holidays. I have to jump there and have a look, a paradise like that must be considered.top
any words you can write here about the island will be really apreciated.
regards and have a nice diving. I want to see the pictures!!!!

hmmm not really like holidays (I am working a lot) but week ends are pretty cool here cool

Come and have a look, that's what I've done before making my decision wink

for the pictures, you can check on my blog (but it's written in french): http://julien.faliu.info/album/maurice




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#12  2007-06-20 20:08:34

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

I've received today an interesting document:

Guidelines for an occupation permit of professional in Mauritius


Documents required when submitting a new application for an Occupational Permit (as Professional)

1. Application form for Occupational Permit, duly filled and signed

2. Job Profile of applicant

3. Detailed C.V of applicant

4. Copies of passport of applicant and for any dependant (personal data and visa pages)
5. 4 Passport size photographs of applicant and for any dependants
6. Certified copy of academic and professional qualifications and details of work experience
7. Copies of marriage certificate
8. Copies of birth certificate of applicant and any dependants (in English or French)
9. Contract of employment
10. List of medical tests required for applicant and dependants:

Blood tests for:
> Haemoglobin & full blood count (HBFBC)
> Hepatitis B - Surface Antigen
> Anti HIV Screening Tests for AIDS
> Veneral diseases (V.D.R.L tests for Syphilis)
> Urine tests for Albumin and Sugar
> Stool tests for parasites
> X-Ray of the chest

Out of these tests, the following three tests should compulsorily be done in Mauritius.  Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, HIV and Chest x-ray.  These tests may be done at any private medical laboratory or clinic registered with the Ministry of Health.  The remaining tests may be done in the applicant’s country before coming to Mauritius or in Mauritius itself.

All tests results should be submitted to a local doctor who will issue a medical certificate after an examination.

Children under 12 years of age are not required to do blood tests

Professional earning more than MUR 30,000 (with contract of employment of 2 years or less) Fee payable is MUR 6,000

Professional earning more than MUR 30,000 (with contract of employment of more than 2 years and less than or 3 years  Fee payable is MUR 10,000

Payment must be made by a bank cheque drawn to the order of the Government of Mauritius.  Cash payment is not accepted

A bank guarantee of MUR 20,000 in favour of the Government of Mauritius, as a security deposit for each dependant

All copies of documents submitted must be certified true copies, otherwise original documents should be produced for verification.  Copies may be certified by diplomatic missions, attorneys or notaries

At time of application, the applicant’s passport should have a validity period of at least six months together with a valid visa/entry.  Applications will not be accepted if the visa has expired.

NB: Please note that a person deriving a salary of MUR 30,000 or more is classified under Professional.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#13  2007-07-06 14:43:04

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

After one month I've got my work permit!

The longuest part of the process are the medical analysis... one advice: pass all the blood analysis in the same clinic. Some clinic refuse to make the HIV test because they haven't got the accreditation for it. They'll redirect you to the public hospital and you'll lose 10 days. So if the clinic you've chosen doesn't do the HIV test, find another clinic...

Important note: you cannot get a local bank account until you haven't got your work permit.

The main banks here are: MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank), HSBC, Banque des Mascareignes, Barclay's. I've chosen the MCB, I heard they've got a very good online system (you can even send funds abroad).


I've also bought a new chip for my mobile phone (250 rupees, with 125 rupees of communication included)

There are two companies here for mobile communications: EMtel and Cellplus. I've chosen Emtel but the reception is not very good hmm pre-paid communications are absolutely cheap here. A funny detail is that voicemail don't exist here with pre-paid systems.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#14  2008-06-24 10:16:30

Tartanboy
New member
From: North
Registered: 2008-06-24
Posts: 3

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hey everyone,

I've got a possible job opportunity in Mauritius, paying 80000rupees per month - is this a decent salary for Mauritius?...will I be able to live comfortably?

Been looking on the web for the past week or so and got to say that the Island looks fantastic...




 
 
 
 

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#15  2008-06-24 10:45:45

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Tartanboy,

80 000 rupees is a good salary for Mauritius (equals 2 000 euros). Are you alone or are you coming with a wife and children?

You can rent a house from 8 000 to 30 000 rupees, a small car rental costs 10 000/12 000 per month.

Yes Mauritius is great!




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#16  2008-06-24 19:33:59

Tartanboy
New member
From: North
Registered: 2008-06-24
Posts: 3

Re: Living in Mauritius

How bizarre...I just sent you an e-mail seconds before your entry came onto the site...my wife would be coming with me (no kids as yet), but there's also a possibility of work for her...quite an exciting prospect...a car allowance is also included - seems like I'd be a fool to turn the job down..?..
Gerry




 
 
 
 

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#17  2008-06-26 10:53:25

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Gerry, I've just seen your email.

The price you sent me for the house is very expensive!

Will I seen you in Mauritius then?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#18  2008-06-26 17:46:23

Tartanboy
New member
From: North
Registered: 2008-06-24
Posts: 3

Re: Living in Mauritius

very possibly...will know for definite on Monday (I think)...




 
 
 
 

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#19  2008-07-04 16:31:26

kdp123
New member
From: all
Registered: 2008-07-04
Posts: 2

Re: Living in Mauritius

My husband is being offered a job in Mauritius and I would like to know cost of living there - what kind of package should he ask for? We have 2 school-aged children. We have also just finished a stint in the UK Channel Islands where cost of living in very high so are interested in a less expensive (and warmer!) place. Any info on schools, housing (cost of 4 bedroom house?), live-in help, and family life in general would be much appreciated.




 
 
 
 

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#20  2008-07-05 13:12:19

expat blog
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From: small earth
Registered: 2008-06-01
Posts: 5411

Re: Living in Mauritius

Life in Mauritius is not expensive. You can get a big house for roughly £400. About the schools, it depends where you will be located.

Do you know where you would be located?




 
 
 

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#21  2008-07-06 17:02:10

RiogreLsa
New member
From: Cape Town
Registered: 2008-07-06
Posts: 1

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi
We are moving to Mauritius long term in Sept 08, please can you let me know who are the best estate agents to contact and where the best place to live for commuting to Port Louis?

Regards
R&L




 
 
 

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#22  2008-07-07 10:54:11

expat blog
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From: small earth
Registered: 2008-06-01
Posts: 5411

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi R&L,

where would you like to live? Flic en Flac?




 
 
 

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#23  2008-07-07 17:01:20

kdp123
New member
From: all
Registered: 2008-07-04
Posts: 2

Re: Living in Mauritius

No, don't know where we will be located as my husband has only been exploring the possibilities. Compared to the US, what is the cost of living like in Mauritius?




 
 
 
 

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#24  2008-07-08 00:12:12

expat blog
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From: small earth
Registered: 2008-06-01
Posts: 5411

Re: Living in Mauritius

Living in Mauritius is pretty cheap.
You can get a nice house (3 rooms+2 bathroom+garden) for $750, a car for $350 per month. Seriously, I moved to Mauritius one year ago (from Europe) and I don't regret it




 
 
 

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#25  2008-07-18 21:05:00

merlot
New member
Registered: 2008-07-18
Posts: 1

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi I am from South Africa and want to move to Mauritius. I have a Mauritian passport through descent (my mother and grandparents are mauritian). Am I entitled to bring my husband and kids with me. Kids are 19,18 and 11. Do you know what procedures need to be followed? Any assistance would be appreciated as I can find nothing on the net in this regard. Thanks




 
 
 
 

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#26  2008-07-26 20:13:12

smie joe
Member
From: London
Registered: 2008-07-26
Posts: 17

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi
my wife has an offer to work in mauritius,
can some tell me about the benefits of
being expat in Mauritius and also the tax
regulation applied?

Thks, hope to see u all there




 
 
 

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#27  2008-07-27 14:15:55

expat blog
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From: small earth
Registered: 2008-06-01
Posts: 5411

Re: Living in Mauritius

Welcome smie joe,

Mauritius is a great island, I've been living here for a year now and I really appreciate the Mauritian way of life.

You pay 15% taxes.




 
 
 

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#28  2008-07-28 08:48:08

vishalparmar
New member
Registered: 2008-07-28
Posts: 4

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi

Can some one pls let me know the approx cost of living a decent standard of living in Mauritius. I am married and a havekid of 4 year. Wanted to know abt Rent cost, School cost, fooding etc. Would a salary of Maurtian Rupees 1,00,000 suffice for incurring all cost and saving some thing also.

r these information available on any website.

re

vishal




 
 
 
 

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#29  2008-07-28 09:40:35

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Vishal,

where on the island would you be located? How much would you earn per month?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#30  2008-07-29 08:15:53

vishalparmar
New member
Registered: 2008-07-28
Posts: 4

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Julien

I would be getting 1,00,000 MUR pm and working in Port Louis. So would prefer to stay near that may be with a travelling distance of 30 to 40 minutes.




 
 
 
 

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#31  2008-07-29 09:05:26

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

1,00,000 is one hundred thousand rupees? You've got more than enough to live here. Are you coming alone or with your family?




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#32  2008-07-29 17:58:42

dreamcatcher
New member
Registered: 2008-07-28
Posts: 1

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hello Everyone

I am looking for some information, I shall be moving to mauritius soon and would like more information with regards to the requirements for the work permit, however i do have some private matter that i would like assistance on from other expats, I did email Julien who seems to have stayed in mauritius the longest in this forum and I have got no reply, if there is anyone else out there willing to assist me with information I would really be greatful as i have searched everywhere and i cannot seem to find answers to my questions. its urgent that i find this information before relocating in 2 weeks. thank you for taking the time to answer my plight, email kayndungi[at]gmail.com regards Keith




 
 
 

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#33  2008-07-29 21:36:18

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

I've just been very busy today, I'll reply tomorrow. If you could directly send me your questions I'll try to help you.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#34  2008-07-31 07:35:35

vishalparmar
New member
Registered: 2008-07-28
Posts: 4

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Julien

I would be coming with my wife and 4 yr old son.

Would be working in Port Loius, so would prefer to stay max 30 min away.

In the salary of 100,000 MUR per month, would i be able to incurr my Rent, Fooding, Schooling and other cost to live a decent life. Decent means not lavish but of a higher middle class.

Can some one help me out in the current rent and school cost.

re

vishal




 
 
 
 

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#35  2008-07-31 09:26:35

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Vishal,

you will get a comfortable way of life here with this salary. You won't be very rich, but your life will be comfortable. A big house costs 15-30,000 MRU, a car 10-15,000. I don't know the price of schooling (no children yet).

Does your contract include health insurance?

All the best,

Julien




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#36  2008-08-03 05:31:17

yikes_Raccoons
New member
Registered: 2008-08-03
Posts: 1

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hello,
       My name is Phillipe and am from California. I am very interested in moving to mauritius soon. I do have some questions so if anyone out there could be so kind and help me out id very much appreciate it! First of all, how do i go about obtaining an occupation permit so i can live and work in Mauritius? Im a finish carpenter and construction builder. I make anything from custom fine furniture to private homes.....is the carpentry/construction business good in mauritius? Would it be hard to find someone to work for? As for housing, i would like a small apartment somewhere near tamarin. (im a surfer) How much would it be per month? If anyone could help me out thank you so much! And i wish you lots of good Karma!




 
 
 
 

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#37  2008-08-07 16:10:15

vishalparmar
New member
Registered: 2008-07-28
Posts: 4

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Julien

Big house means...i would like to stay in a 2 bedroom appartment in a building rather than like a bungalow with garden / pool etc.

further, what would be approx cost of food (veg) for 3 persons.

as far as health insurance is concerned, me and my family would be covered by the company group insurance policy.

re

vishal




 
 
 
 

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#38  2008-08-07 18:37:36

Julien
Founder
Julien
From: Grand Baie
Registered: 2005-03-11
Posts: 27895

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Phillipe,

about the work permit, you've got the answers in the same topic (guidelines for an occupation permit in Mauritius).

There are a lot of construction projects here in Mauritius so it shouldn't be very complicated to find a job. You should try to find a job from abroad, it would help a lot! A small flat near Tamarin should cost around 12,000 rupees?

Vishal> in this case you will pay maximum 15/20,000 rupees per month. Vegetarian food is not expensive in Mauritius




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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#39  2008-08-18 13:03:25

saurav
New member
From: New Delhi
Registered: 2008-08-18
Posts: 2

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hi Julien,

It seems, Vishal & I have a similar scenario, only difference being I haven't got the final offer. The location would be Port Louis.
By addressing Vishal's queries, you would be helping me too.

Thanks,
Saurav




 
 
 
 

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#40  2008-08-18 13:04:38

walterEU
New member
Registered: 2008-08-17
Posts: 2

Re: Living in Mauritius

Hello!
I am 40, my wife is 35, we live in Serbia and would like to move to some nice and warm place. We hope that Mauritius is a place that we search for.
I am an installer of the electrical home appliances, my wife is a 15 years experienced nurse.
Our idea is:
1.    To find a job for my wife
2.    To rent a small house
3.    To establish a small workshop in Mauritius and employ 1 or 2 workers


I would appreciate if anyone can give me some information.
1.    Please, suggest some links or addresses where my wife can apply for a job.
2.    Does anyone have knowledge about approx. monthly salary for the nurses?
3.    Where can I get the information about companies dealing with air conditioners, video surveillances, central vacuum systems on Mauritius?
4.    Have you any idea what are the average installation costs of an air conditioner unit?
5.    What is a procedure for establishing a Company in your Mauritius and is it allowed to foreigners?

Thank you in advance

Walter and Eva




 
 
 
 

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