One of the main articles that will answer all questions about money. You’ll learn not only about currency in Seychelles (for those who need to know, it’s the Seychellois rupee), but also where to exchange money, the current exchange rate, card payments, what currency to bring, how much to bring, which currencies the banks won’t accept, and many other small details you wouldn’t think about before traveling to Seychelles. But knowing them can save you a lot of stress, time, and sometimes even money.
Currency in Seychelles: General Information, Exchange Rate
Let’s start with some general points, summarized:
- Currency in Seychelles – Seychellois rupee
- Abbreviation – SCR
- The exchange rate of the Seychellois rupee for the first quarter of 2024:
- 14 SCR = 1$
- 15 SCR = 1 euro
- For the current currency exchange rate in Seychelles on the date you’re reading this article, check the Central Bank of Seychelles website using a VPN: https://www.cbs.sc/marketinfo/DailyRates.html.
- In circulation are paper banknotes and coins:
- Banknote denominations: 500, 100, 50, 25 rupees
- Coins: 10, 5, 1 rupee
- There are also coins with denominations less than 1 rupee, sometimes given as change in stores, but almost everywhere prices are rounded up to 1 rupee.
Interesting to know:
Seychellois money periodically wins awards for being the most beautiful currency in the world. All of my friends who collect world currencies regularly ask me to bring Seychelles banknotes. There are even more interesting facts about Seychelles for tourists.
What currency to take to Seychelles
When traveling to Seychelles, you should arrive with euros or dollars. Both currencies are accepted here, exchangeable at any exchange office. But if you choose only one, it’s preferable to come with euros, I’ll explain why below.
In Seychelles, transactions are mostly in rupees, but there are places where it’s better to pay in foreign currency. For instance, you can pay for apartment or villa rentals, excursions, and car rentals in euros. I’d even say that for these services, locals prefer payment in foreign currency over rupees.
Most importantly for those carrying cash (for everyone):
Only bring new-model dollars and euros. Dollars with the blue stripe printed since 2006 and euros printed since 2017. Old banknotes either won’t be accepted for exchange or will be offered at a very disadvantageous rate. This trend is not only in Seychelles but in many African and Asian countries as well.
Where’s best to exchange currency in Seychelles
Currency can be exchanged at any exchange office. The market is regulated by the government; there’s no black market here, only official exchange offices. Here’s what you need to know:
- There are no commissions anywhere.
- For currency exchange in Seychelles, you always need a passport, id or driver’s license and the name of the hotel where you’re staying.
- Keep the exchange receipt; you’ll need it to exchange rupees back to dollars or euros if you have any leftover.
- There aren’t many exchange offices in Seychelles. There are some at the airport in the arrival area, at the port in the ferry terminal on each island, a couple in the center of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, in Beau Vallon, and some larger villages, but you’ll need to look around there too! That’s all. If you travel to another island, like Praslin or La Digue, you can only exchange money at the port in the ferry terminal.
Good to know:
The best exchange rate in the country is at the exchange offices at Mahe Airport, where you’ll arrive. So, exchange the required amount immediately upon arrival, at least for the first week. I usually exchange 1000 euros. In Seychelles, we always travel by car; the island is small, and you can always come back here or go to Victoria port to exchange more. For those without a car, exchange a larger amount immediately; you won’t get much bus travel here. Overview of the international airport, duty-free, taxis to the hotel, and lots of useful information. You’ll also find out where to find the exchange office at the airport.
To understand how much you might lose in the exchange, the usual difference in rates between airport and city exchange offices is about 0.35 rupees per euro. When exchanging 1000 euros, that’s 350 rupees or 23 euros. Decide for yourself.
Card Payments and ATMs
Let’s start with general points. Non-cash payments in Seychelles are well-developed. You can use a card for payments almost everywhere. Even in some snack bars, in remote places, they accept card payments. In any small 2×2 meter shop, you’ll find the option to pay by card.
Regarding ATMs, there are more of them than exchange offices. The largest bank and network of ATMs in Seychelles is ABSA. They operate 24/7, allowing cash withdrawals but only in rupees. Confirm the withdrawal fees in advance with your bank; they can vary depending on the currency of the card, issuing country, and issuing bank.
Yes, theoretically, you can travel to Seychelles only with cash, and there won’t be any problems. There are some security concerns, but being aware of the situation is usually sufficient to avoid street robberies. All about safety for tourists on the islands.
Useful to know:
There are a few places in Seychelles where cash is not accepted, and payment is only possible by card. These are tourist spots, designed to prevent local employees from stealing. For instance, entry to some attractions like botanical gardens, hiking trails in the jungles with viewpoints – payment is card-only. As an option, wait for any tourists; you can give them cash, and they’ll pay by card for you—that’s what everyone does. Just keep this in mind, but it’s better to have your card for payments.
- For active tourists, there’s an excellent article about hiking and trails in Seychelles. It includes photos, prices, routes, and recommendations.
How much money can you bring without declaration
And now, an important chapter with information that few people think about before traveling. But sometimes situations can be very unpleasant. Let’s start from afar.
- Seychelles is an expensive country. To understand how much, you can read the article on prices in Seychelles. There, you’ll find prices for all categories of goods and services that are of interest to tourists. And you’ll discover why everything is so expensive; the answer might surprise you.
- Customs control at the airport upon arrival is quite strict. Selective passenger checks are conducted regularly. They often check those traveling for more than 2 weeks, solo tourists without luggage. They verify everything required for entry according to the country’s legislation. And here comes the most interesting part. Remember:
- Every tourist must confirm their financial position. The minimum amount you’re required to have per day is 150 euros per adult person, excluding accommodation costs! Even if your accommodation is already paid for or you’re traveling to an all-inclusive hotel. You can show cash or show the balance of your card/account on your phone (but it’s better to have a significant portion in cash). For example, if you’re arriving for 30 days, it’s 4500 euros per person. Just be aware of this. In case of insufficient funds, a tourist can be deported. Such cases are rare but they do happen.
- And if you’re bringing currency to Seychelles in cash exceeding 50,000 Seychellois rupees (approximately 3350 euros at the current exchange rate) per person, then you need to declare the amount of money you’re importing upon arrival. Go to the red channel, fill out a form, and you’re free. It’s quick.
- Additionally, medical insurance is mandatory for everyone. If they check money, they’ll check insurance too. Read all about travel insurance, where to buy it, through the provided link
Details on entry rules, import restrictions and limits, how to declare currency in Seychelles at the airport, what you’re not allowed to carry are in the article: visa to Seychelles.
In conclusion: To summarize everything, the currency in Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee. It’s advisable to arrive here with new dollars or euros and exchange them at the airport exchange office. You can leave a portion of the currency for accommodation, excursions, and car rentals.
Wishing everyone favorable currency exchange rates upon arrival in Seychelles!
IMPORTANT: essential links to organize your dream trip to the Seychelles:
- FLIGHTS: Aviasales – direct flights and best deals.
- CAR RENTAL: Mahe and Praslin, no deposit required – DiscoverCars.
- TOURS and EXCURSIONS:
- GetYourGuide – 75+ activities on land and water in the Seychelles.
- Viator – 150 + activities in Seychelles.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA.
- HOTELS, VILLAS, APARTMENTS:
- PACKAGES: from budget to luxury – Expedia.
- AIRPORT TRANSFER: Intui.
- INTERNET: eSIM of local telecom operator – Airalo.