Renting a Car in Mauritius with a Baby: A Family Adventure

From currency exchange to driving on the left, create lasting family memories on the island’s southwest coast.

Main Journey
Events
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
Local Travel Tips
Travel Reflections

Main Journey of Renting a Car in Mauritius with a Baby

Starting the Day with Excitement

After a few relaxing days in Grand Baie, today was finally the day we rented a car to explore the stunning southwestern coast of Mauritius. Sweetie (our 28-month-old) was in high spirits, her hair neatly braided by Julie, ready for the adventure ahead.

The morning weather was warm and humid, with clouds looming overhead—typical for this time of year. We packed our essentials and set off early to cover the distance from the northern part of the island.

First Stop: Currency Exchange

Before picking up the car, we stopped at a local currency exchange office to restock on Mauritian rupees. The exchange rate for USD was 1 USD = 34.2 MUR, which was decent, but we realized it would’ve been better to have brought euros, as they’re more widely accepted here. If you’re planning a trip to Mauritius, bring a mix of euros and dollars to avoid exchange losses.

Negotiating the Rental Car

We had already decided to rent an automatic car for the day, and after some careful negotiation, we managed to secure a slightly larger sedan for 1,100 MUR (about $35). Though it was more expensive than we initially planned, the car—Perodua Bezza, a compact Malaysian model—felt safer and more comfortable for traveling with Sweetie.

We also booked a tour for the next day to the famous Île aux Cerfs (Deer Island), which included unlimited drinks and lunch on the beach. After negotiating, the total cost for the tour and the rental car came to 3,500 MUR (about $112). Not bad for two days of adventure!

Learning to Drive on the Left

Driving in Mauritius means adjusting to the British-style system with the driver’s seat on the right and cars driving on the left. After a quick image training session the night before (yes, lying in bed imagining turns and roundabouts), I was ready to tackle the challenge.

One crucial tip: learn the fuel types before driving! In Mauritius, petrol stations offer two options: diesel and “sans plomb” (unleaded gasoline). We filled the tank with 500 MUR worth of fuel (about 12 liters), which lasted us the entire day of driving through the island’s winding coastal roads and highways.

Events

Snails, Sand, and Sweetie’s Joy

On the way to pick up the car, we came across two large snails crossing the sidewalk—a common sight in Mauritius. Sweetie was fascinated, walking ahead of us with excitement as we followed her slow but steady steps.

The rental car process was smooth, and the staff even provided a quick cleaning service, wiping the windows before we set off. At first, we worried they might ask for extra payment (a habit we picked up in India, where every act of service often has a price), but it turned out to be a free courtesy.

Driving Through the Island’s Heart

Once we hit the road, we were struck by the beauty of Mauritius’s landscape. The island’s lush green mountains, sugarcane fields, and views of the endless Indian Ocean made the drive truly memorable.

The highways were surprisingly well-maintained, and traffic was light compared to our time in India. Sweetie enjoyed looking out the window, pointing at cows grazing in the fields and waving at other cars that passed us.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Rent a Comfortable Car
- Choose a slightly larger car for added comfort and safety, especially if you’re driving long distances. Compact sedans are a great option.
Pack Baby Essentials for the Drive
- Bring snacks, water, toys, and a blanket to keep your baby entertained and comfortable during the journey.
Plan Fuel Stops Smartly
- Instead of filling the tank all at once, calculate the approximate fuel you’ll need for the day. For us, 500 MUR (12 liters) was perfect for a full day of driving.
Prepare for Driving on the Left
- If you’re not used to it, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and road signs.
Break Up the Journey
- Long drives can be tiring for a baby. Plan for a few stops along the way to let them stretch and explore.

Local Travel Tips

Bring Euros and Dollars
- Euros are more widely accepted than dollars in Mauritius, especially in tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry a mix of both.
Negotiate Prices
- Whether you’re renting a car or booking a tour, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Many vendors are willing to offer discounts, especially if you’re booking multiple services.
Know Your Fuel Types
- Look for “sans plomb” (unleaded gasoline) at petrol stations. Diesel is also available, so double-check to avoid costly mistakes.
Drive Early in the Day
- Start your road trip early to avoid traffic and make the most of the daylight, especially if you’re exploring different regions of the island.
Book Tours Through Local Agencies
- Local travel agencies often offer better prices than resort-based tour operators. Pick up brochures and compare rates before booking.

Travel Reflections of Renting a Car in Mauritius with a Baby

Adjusting to Island Life

Driving through Mauritius gave us a new appreciation for the island’s natural beauty. The slow pace, friendly people, and pristine landscapes made it feel like a world away from the bustling cities we’ve been to before.

Sweetie’s Adventures

Watching Sweetie explore the island is a constant reminder of why we’re on this journey. Whether it’s chasing snails, waving at cows, or giggling at the sound of the wind, her curiosity adds a special layer to every experience.

Grateful for the Freedom of a Car

Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore parts of Mauritius we wouldn’t have otherwise seen. From quiet beaches to lush inland roads, it was a day filled with discovery and adventure.