Card payment acceptance and methods

Following the imposition of sanctions on Rosselkhozbank, travelers in Mauritius are inquiring about the functionality of their UP cards for payments. Sharing recent transaction experiences is crucial for determining card operability.

Payment cards issued in the Republic of Belarus may face issues when used for transactions on Mauritius. Users should verify card acceptance and potential limitations prior to travel.

Casela Nature Parks on Mauritius does not accept UnionPay cards (including RSHB) or Mir. Only Visa, Mastercard, or cash are accepted. If paying with cash Euros, change is returned in Mauritian Rupees (MUR). Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory; they can be bought on arrival. The basic entrance ticket includes the safari shuttle and access to the lions area.

As of August 13th, 2026, despite new sanctions, some users report that RSKhB bank cards are still functional in various locations across Mauritius, including Super U, Cascavelle, parks, restaurants, and with beach vendors. In some instances (e.g., London Way), inserting the card into the terminal may be required. However, another user reported that prior to August 13th, their RSKhB card only worked in Casela. It is strongly advised to carry cash as a backup due to the unpredictable nature of sanctions.

Cards issued through the 'Pay with the World' service are registered with a bank in Hong Kong, which enables them to function internationally. Users have reported successful transactions, including using Apple Pay for parking. While convenient, the exchange rate may not be ideal.

In Mauritius, most transactions can be made with cards (including Kazakh cards), reducing the need for large amounts of cash. Cash is primarily useful for tipping.

If a foreign credit card is rejected on the Casela Park website, visitors can pay by cash at the entrance ticket counter for general entry and most activities. Giraffe breakfast must be booked and paid for in advance. Alternatively, email the park directly to request payment instructions.

UnionPay cards are accepted at McDonald's and Burger King in Mauritius. However, they may not be accepted at KFC. This information is useful for travelers who have run out of local currency and whose exchange offices are closed.

In Mauritius, Apple Pay with foreign cards may not be accepted by older terminals. While many modern terminals support contactless payments, it's advisable to have cash (Mauritian Rupees) as a backup for all transactions. Cash is a reliable payment method across the island.