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Driving Rules and Road Safety: how it works in Mauritius — first-hand

Short answer
Renting a small car is the best way to explore Mauritius, but you must drive on the left and carry an International Driving Permit. Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting and pedestrian traffic, and ensure your vehicle includes a valid fire extinguisher for police checks.

From real experience

Driving in Mauritius requires adapting to left-hand traffic (right-hand drive vehicles).
Local roads are generally well-maintained. For taxi services, avoid street-hail prices which can be inflated by 100%; use apps like Dodogo for transparent pricing, noting that some may require cash payment. Car rental is highly recommended for flexibility over fixed resort stays.
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Renting a car is essential for exploring Mauritius; pick it up and drop it off at the airport.
International driving permits are highly recommended, even if local Russian licenses with Latin characters might sometimes be accepted. Ensure your car has a fire extinguisher with a valid expiration date, as this is frequently checked by police during road checks. International permits simplify potential interactions with authorities.
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Travelers report easy border entry in Mauritius (no visa/hotel confirmation check).
For car rentals without airport counters, contact the provider via the number in the voucher. Avoid navigating inland national parks at night due to serpentine roads; coastal roads are safer. Mauritius gets dark by 18:00, so plan arrivals accordingly.
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Driving in Mauritius is challenging due to narrow roads, lack of pedestrian walkways, and non-existent roadside shoulders.
Night driving is highly discouraged as roads are poorly lit and pedestrians frequently walk on the road surface. Ensure you factor in fuel costs, as it is never included in car rental rates. Plan for sunset around 17:00.
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Rental of two-wheeled vehicles (scooters/bikes) is discouraged on Mauritius due to narrow roads, deep roadside gutters, aggressive driving by public transport, and strong crosswinds, especially near the Le Morne area.
Small budget cars are recommended for safety.
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