Renting a Car in Mauritius for UK & European Travellers

Mauritius is a popular long-haul destination for visitors from the UK and Europe, with beaches, mountains and a warm welcome. Many visitors begin by staying at a resort and then discover that the best parts of the island are reached by road. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore on your own timetable.

Requirements and rules can change, so check official sources and confirm anything important with us before you travel.

Left or right: what changes for you

British and Irish drivers already use the left, so the main change is the driving style and road conditions. If you normally drive on the right in continental Europe, the first hour is the hardest. Choose an automatic if you can, because it removes the need to change gear with your left hand. Leave the car park slowly, follow the traffic, and remind yourself at every junction: keep left. Our driving guide has more tips.

Licence, permit and documents

Bring a valid driving licence, your passport and your booking reference. Whether your licence is accepted as it is, or whether an International Driving Permit is needed, depends on where it was issued and its language and format. Confirm this before you fly. Rental companies also set a minimum driver age and minimum licence seniority, and Codexia’s are in the rental conditions.

• A valid licence in Latin characters (or an official translation), held for the required period.
• Passport or valid ID, and any entry documents required for your nationality.
• The card or payment details used for the online booking.
• Your flight number and arrival time.

Booking from the UK or Europe

Book before you fly, particularly for peak holiday periods. English pages show prices in US dollars and French pages show euros, with the rate locked at booking. If you prefer euro prices, switch the site to French. Check the total, the deposit and what is included before you pay.

Airport collection after a long flight

Flights from Europe are long and often land early in the morning or in the evening. Free airport delivery means a team member can meet you with your car, so you do not need to arrange transfers or wait for a shuttle. Provide your flight number when booking and keep your documents in your hand luggage. See the full airport pickup guide.

Choosing a car for UK and European travellers

Browse the fleet and see our automatic and family pages. For children, add the right seat when you book.

Planning your itinerary

A one- or two-week holiday is the perfect length for a combined itinerary: a few days in the east or north, then the west and south-west. Our 7-day itinerary and guides to the north coast and south coast are good starting points.

Money, language and practicalities

The local currency is the Mauritian rupee; cards are widely accepted in tourist areas. English and French are widely spoken, which many European visitors find reassuring. Fuel, fines and late-return charges are not included in the rental. Check the travel tips for first-time visitors for packing and health reminders.

Insurance and assistance

Comprehensive insurance is included with an excess, with optional additional insurance available at booking. Read the insurance policy, and keep the 24/7 assistance number from your booking confirmation in your phone.

Jet lag and your first day behind the wheel

After a long flight, tiredness affects driving more than unfamiliar roads do. If you land in the morning, consider a short, simple first drive to your accommodation and a rest before any longer outing. Avoid driving if you are exhausted: the island is not going anywhere, and a calm first day makes the rest of the holiday more enjoyable.

A sample ten-day plan