Réunion - Travel Guide

Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the warm, humid coastal areas, while warmer clothing and rain gear are necessary for visits to the cooler, rainy highlands. If you plan to hike, pack sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Beachwear, including a swimsuit, beach towel, and flip-flops, is a must for enjoying the island's beautiful beaches.

Reunion Island, uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. ATMs, known locally as 'gabiers', are widely available across the island, especially in urban areas and shopping centers. They accept international credit and debit cards for cash withdrawals. As for credit card acceptance, most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Reunion Island accept major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. However, it's recommended to carry some cash as smaller establishments, particularly in rural areas, might not accept cards.

Reunion Island is served by Roland Garros International Airport, located near the capital city of Saint-Denis, and Pierrefonds Airport, located near Saint-Pierre. These airports connect the island to many major cities around the world. Once in the country, visitors have several transportation options. The yellow cars, or "Car Jaune", is a public bus service that operates across the island, offering an affordable way to get around. Taxis are available but can be expensive due to the island's rugged terrain and long travel distances. Car rental is a popular option for visitors wanting flexibility and convenience, with many international and local companies operating from the airports and major towns. However, driving can be challenging due to the island's winding mountain roads. Cycling is also possible, but suited for the more adventurous due to the hilly landscape. When navigating the transportation system, visitors should be aware that traffic can be heavy, particularly in and around Saint-Denis, and that travel times can be much longer than expected.

Reunion Island is a blend of diverse cultures, largely influenced by French, Indian, African, and Chinese heritage. It is important to respect the local customs and traditions. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing clothes, especially when visiting religious sites. It's also considered impolite to refuse an invitation to someone's home, and it's customary to bring a small gift. Remember to greet people with a kiss on both cheeks, a customary French greeting. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. Also, it's considered disrespectful to touch or move religious offerings found on trails, even if they appear to be trash. The local emergency number in Reunion is 112 for any general emergencies, 15 for medical emergencies, 17 for police, and 18 for fire emergencies.

The island is equipped with Type E power sockets, characterized by two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. The standard voltage is 220-240 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz.