- Destinations
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- Reunion
Reunion
The island of Réunion is a tiny bit of France with a tropical
twist, situated 500 miles (805km) east of Madagascar, deep in the
heart of the Indian Ocean. Nicknamed 'l'Île Intense', Réunion is a
dramatic, mountainous paradise created and shaped by volcanoes. The
scent of vanilla, stretches of black sand beaches, forest-covered
peaks, rushing waterfalls and an incredibly diverse and friendly
population makes this overseas
départementof France an idyllic destination.
The history of the island is reflected in its people. The
Portuguese stumbled across the unoccupied island in 1513, but it
was the French that descended in 1646 and stayed put. French exiles
and colonists, Malagasy slaves, Chinese indentured labourers,
Indians and Pakistanis have subsequently created a rich melting pot
of culture, as well as the island's most widely spoken language,
Réunion Creole.
Réunion was hard hit with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869,
as it lost significance as a stopover on the East Indies trade
route, and today it relies heavily on mainland France for financial
support. Its main industries are sugarcane, rum, vanilla, geranium
oil for perfumes and not surprisingly, tourism. An interesting
facet of the island's economy is the enormous gap between rich and
poor; its high unemployment rate contrasting with an affluent
elite. One's immediate impression of the place, however, is that
the groups seem to live relatively equably side-by-side, with
plenty of racial and religious mixing. That is not to say there has
not been conflict caused by such socio-economic disparity, as seen
in riots 15 years ago.
Réunion is home to one of the world's most active volcanoes, le
Piton de la Fournaise, and has three major cirques: Cilaos, Mafate
and Salazie. This provides breathtaking scenery and world-class
trekking and canyoneering, with plenty of footpaths and daredevil
drops to choose from. The island's beaches are not given the credit
they deserve - the black volcanic sands at Etang-Salé are a treat
(though the sand can be scorching in summer), the warm Indian Ocean
is the colour of absinthe and the abundance of underwater creatures
makes snorkelling a must. The popular St Gilles-les-Bains offers
classic palm-fringed shores on a wide lagoon and Saint Leu has
incredible surfing. For those who venture inland, small mountain
villages, lush forests, rich birdlife and flora can be found.
Delicious local cuisine, local fusion music and dance, and
quintessentially French sophistication are served up side-by-side
in Réunion. Outdoor activities and plenty of relaxation are
combined with a welcoming people and a magnificent backdrop, making
Reunion indeed 'l'Île Intense'.
Information & Facts
Business
Business procedures are quite relaxed in Réunion. Only the most
formal of occasions will require suits. French is the language of
business and an interpreter should be brought along if needed, as
there are no professional interpreters on the island. Business
hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to
Friday.
Climate
Réunion's climate is tropical, with temperatures affected by
elevation. The average coastal temperature is between 64°F and 88°F
(18-31°C), with temperatures dropping in the interior. Humidity is
high. The island has two seasons: summer and winter. November to
April is hot and rainy, while May to November is usually dry and
cool and is the popular time for travel to Réunion. The cyclone
season runs from mid-November to mid-April and the island is
occasionally affected.
Communications
The international access code for Réunion is +262. The outgoing
code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). City/area codes are not necessary. Three mobile
phone companies provide service, although there are not many
international roaming agreements. Internet cafes are available.
Customs
Réunion follows French tradition and culture, influenced by its
many different population groups. There is a mix of Catholicism,
Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam on the island and visitors should
respect the different religious groups and their customs.
Duty Free
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years of age entering
Réunion can bring in the following items duty-free: either 200
cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, as well as 2 litres of
either spirits or wine, 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette, gold
jewellery not exceeding 500g, 500g coffee, 100g tea and other goods
to the value of EUR175 per adult, or EUR90 for children under 15
years.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A round pin
plug with male grounding pin is used.
Getting Around
There are local buses on the island of Réunion, as well as
Car Jaune(yellow buses) that connect the island's principal
towns. Car rental agencies are located at the airport, as well as
in Saint Denis. Roads are well maintained, though traffic can be
heavy during peak times. Taxis are available.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from
travellers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever
transmission.Visitors to Réunion should take precautions against
mosquito bites due to illnesses such as dengue fever and the
Chikungunya virus. A yellow fever certificate is required from
travellers arriving from an infected area. Réunion's medical and
sanitary facilities are very good. Most towns have doctors and
clinics, while the principal hospital is in Saint-Denis. Tap water
is usually safe for drinking. Public water sources are unsafe if
labelled 'Eau non potable'. There is a reciprocal health agreement
with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to
low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Language
French, as well as Reunion Creole and some English is
spoken.
Money
Réunion is an overseas
départementof France and therefore since 2002, the unit of
currency is the Euro, divided into 100 cents. There are plenty of
banks and ATMs on the island, and most shops and hotels accept
major credit cards (though most require a minimum amount for
payments). Travellers cheques are widely accepted, with Euros the
preferred currency. Banks are open on weekdays from 8am to 4pm.
Most businesses are required to display their prices in their
windows and restaurants and hotels must have their rates visible
from the exterior.
Passport Visa
Passports must be valid for length of intended stay. Travellers
must have proof of return or onward tickets, sufficient funds or
lodging certificate and all travel documents needed for onward
journey. Schengen visa is also valid if endorsed "also valid for
Reunion". It is highly recommended that passports have at least six
months validity remaining after your intended date of departure
from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Safety
As when travelling to any foreign destination, visitors should
be vigilant of their personal belongings, not display signs of
wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money, expensive jewellery) or walk
around alone in an unknown area at night. Réunion is, however,
relatively safe. Swimmers should be aware of currents and riptides,
if unsure, ask the locals. The cyclone season is from December to
April. The Piton de la Fournaise volcano is considered likely to
erupt at some point in the near future.
Time
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Réunion and 10% or more of the bill is
expected.