Is Mauritius cashless?
Mostly cashless#56 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #2 of 54 in Africa
Short answer: Pay by card, but carry a little local cash for small places.
Resorts, restaurants and supermarkets take cards. Street food, buses and markets need rupees.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Mauritius, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Mauritius, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR)
How does tipping work?
Around 10% in restaurants if not already added.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mauritius cashless?
Mauritius scores 68/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #56 of 197 countries. Resorts, restaurants and supermarkets take cards. Street food, buses and markets need rupees.
Do I need cash in Mauritius?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Mauritius, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Mauritius?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Mauritius, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Mauritius?
Around 10% in restaurants if not already added.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Mauritius?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in Mauritius.
Compare with Africa
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.