Reunion

Climate

Hot tropical climate. Temperatures are cooler in the hills, occasionally dropping to freezing point in the mountains at night. The cyclone season (January to March) is hot and wet.

Languages

French is the official language. Local Creole patois is also spoken.

Public Holidays

Jan 1 New Year’s Day. Apr 17 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 8 1945 Victory Day. May 25 Ascension. Jun 5 Whit Monday. Jul 14 Bastille Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 11 Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day.

Health / Immunization

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. A cholera vaccination certificate may be required from travellers arriving from infected areas. There is a risk of typhoid, but not of polio - immunisation is advised. All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Hepatitis A, B and E are present; precautions should be taken. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. There are nine hospitals and many out-patient clinics. The French national health scheme is in force and there is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Facilities are limited and full travel & health insurance is advised.

Visas & Entry Requirements

All visitors are required to be carrying a passport valid for at least three months beyond visitors last day of stay. No visa is required for EU passport holders for a stay up to 3 months.

Money

Since January 2002 the Euro has been the official currency for the French Overseas Departments (Departements d’Outre-Mer) of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. For further details, exchange rates and currency restrictions, see the France section. US Dollars are also accepted in some places. All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted. MasterCard has limited acceptance. Cards can also be used in ATMs. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques are accepted in most places, and may qualify for discounts on luxury items. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Road Travel & Public Transport

Roads are fair and there are over 2680km (1665 miles) of roads, 345km (214 miles) of which are main roads. Speed limits are the same as in France. The main road runs on a northsouth axis. The island can be easily crossed by bus, taxi or hired car. Car hire is available throughout the island. Further details can be obtained from the Comité du Tourisme de la Réunion. Bus: Two types of buses operate on the island: urban buses mainly serve the Saint-Denis area; yellow buses connect main towns. Services are excellent and luxurious, with very comfortable vehicles. Buses stop by request. Taxis: Taxi ranks can be found in city centres. Taxis can be hired by telephone (telephone numbers can be obtained from the information points at the airport). There are likely to be extra charges after 2000 Mon-Fri, on Sunday and Bank Holidays. Car hire: Available from the airport and from car hire firms in Saint-Denis. Petrol prices are similar to those in France. Avis, Budget and Hertz are among the many car hire companies that are represented at the airports. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, though not legally required.