The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee: description, denominations, exchange rate

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The word "rupee" comes from Sanskrit and translates as "chased silver". This is the name of the currencies of several countries that were once colonies of Great Britain or Holland. The currency of Mauritius is no exception. For those wishing to visit this small island nation, it is useful to know the features of its currency.

History of the currency of Mauritius during the colony period

The state is young, therefore the "biography" of its currency is short. The Mauritian rupee dates back to 1876. It was then that banknotes were issued in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 rupees. The 1 rupee note was introduced into circulation in 1919. Since 1940, there has been an additional issue of notes for 1 rupee and for 25 and 50 cents. Since 1954, banknotes of 25 and 1000 rupees have been put into circulation.

In addition to the paper rupee of Mauritius, there were also coins. They have been used since 1877. The denominations were 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 cents. The smallest coins were minted from copper, and the larger ones from silver. Between 1899 and 1911, only paper money was in circulation. silver coinsreturned later copper - in 1934. Then coins of 0, 25, 0, 5 and 1 rupees were put into circulation. Since 1947, 10 copper-nickel cents have been introduced into circulation.

History of currency during the period of independence

Bank in Mauritius appeared in 1967. He began to perform the functions of the central bank of the country. It is he who is engaged in the issue of coins and banknotes. The first banknotes were printed in 1967. Their denominations were 5, 10, 25 and 50 rupees. Their obverse depicted Elizabeth II, but no issue dates were given. In 1987 the currency of Mauritius experienced another update, a new series of coins was prepared without the portrait of the monarch, since the island nation became a republic in 1992.

The new coins featured the image of local politician Sivusagur Ramgulam. For minting new coins, they began to use copper with steel, nickel-plated steel and copper with nickel. Since then, 1 cent coins have become collectible, they are not found in circulation. In 2007, the Bank of Mauritius celebrated its 40th anniversary, and on this occasion, a 20 rupiah coin was launched.

In 1985, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 rupiah notes were issued.

In 1998, a new issue of seven denominations of banknotes took place - 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000. They were printed in England and the text on the banknotes was in three languages - English, Tamil and Sanskrit.

Coins of Mauritius

What money is in Mauritius today? Of the coins, the most interesting for collectors is 20 rupees. She is bimetallic. central partmade of an alloy of copper and nickel, and the ring around it is made of nickel and brass. Its diameter is 28 mm, and the weight is 10 grams. It features a portrait of Sivusagur Ramgoolam on the front, and the Mauritius Bank Building in Port Louis on the back.

Coins of 1 and 10 rupees have a weight less - 7.5 and 5.8 grams, and 5 rupees - 12.5 grams. Their diameter is from 26 to 31 mm. Coins can be made from nickel-plated steel or copper-nickel alloy. The front side contains the image of a politician, and the reverse side is more diverse:

• 1 rupee - a kind of coat of arms with palm trees, a key, a ship and a star.
• 5 rupees - two palm trees on the shore.
• 10 rupees - harvesting sugar cane (traditional branch of the island's economy).

In addition, commemorative silver and gold coins of 10, 20, 25, 100 and 1000 rupees were issued. Their weight is more than ordinary coins - from 17 to 38 grams, and their diameter is from 31 to 44 mm. Release time - from 1978 to 2001. A commemorative coin of 25 rupees was issued to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the island's independence. 20 rupees - on the occasion of the 50th wedding anniversary of Elizabeth II, and 10 and 1000 - for the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the island. 100 rupees issued in 2001 to mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Mauritius.

Banknotes of Mauritius

On the old banknotes of the late 1960s, the front side always had a portrait of a young Elizabeth II, and on the back such images:

• 5 rupees - sailing boat on the background of the island.
• 10 rupees –Government House in Port Louis.
• 25 rupees - transportationcane on a cart against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape with a mountain.
• 50 rupees – ship in Port Louis harbor.

Modern banknotes look like this:

• 25 Rs. The obverse depicts the Chinese-born politician Moylin Jin Ah-Chuen, who headed the cabinet from 1967 to 1976. The reverse side contains an image of the island of Rodrigues - it also belongs to the state of Mauritius.
• 50 Rs. The front side depicts Joseph Mauricius Paturaau, who served as Minister of Commerce from 1962 to 1966.
• 100 Rs. The front side is decorated with a portrait of Renganaden Seenewassen, who served as Minister of Education, and the building of the Metropolitan Court is depicted on the back side.
• 200 Rs. The obverse depicts the Governor General and Minister of Housing (1967-1976) - Abdul Mohammed. On the reverse is the Mauritian market.
• 500 Rs. Local politician Sukdeo Bisundoyal is depicted on the obverse, while the university building is featured on the reverse.
• 1000 Rs. On the reverse - modern buildings on the island. The obverse depicts Gaetan Duval, who was one of the founders of an independent state and led the Social Democratic Party.
• 2000 Rs. On the reverse - a cart with sugar cane, driven by an ox. On the obverse is the aforementioned Sivusagura Ramgulam.

Several symbols are used to protect the authenticity of these banknotes: a security thread, a metallic thread, a watermark in the shape of an extinct dodo bird, which is the symbol of the island.

Thus, the appearance of the Mauritius currency allows morelearn about the history of this small state, and its politicians, who are very little known.

Exchange rates for different currencies

One rupee of Mauritius is equal to approximately 1.86 rubles, which is very convenient for a tourist - you quickly get used to translating prices in shops and markets. As with other currencies, the rupee exchange rate against the ruble changed dramatically in 2014. In 2013, it was about one to one, which roughly corresponded to the ratio of the ruble to the Thai baht. The exchange rate of the rupee against the ruble did not change from 1999 to 2013.

However, it is impossible to exchange the ruble for a rupee directly on the island, so you need to remember the dollar or euro exchange rate. These currencies are the most common on the planet, although when buying tickets at the airport there is a chance to meet Indian rupees, Chinese yuans and South African rands.

The rate of the Mauritian rupee against the dollar is 34.5 to 1, which is reminiscent of the exchange rate of the ruble against the euro in 2008.

Prices on the island

What currency to take to Mauritius? Best of all - dollars and euros, they are found everywhere, especially since there are many tourists from EU countries on the island.

Sightseeing tour of the island costs about 2500 rupees.

The rest of the prices in rupees are:

• Food in an inexpensive establishment - 200.
• Dinner for two in a restaurant - 1200.
• Water bottle - 25.
• Kilo of cheese on the market - 270.
• A kilo of apples, bananas or citrus fruits - 60.
• Ride on public transport - 35.
• A liter of gasoline - 45.
• Cheap accommodation - 2000.

Howget to Mauritius?

You can fly to the island from Madagascar, from South Africa, from Malaysia, and also from Moscow with a transfer, for example, in Istanbul or Dubai. You can actually find a one-way ticket for 28 thousand rubles.

Despite its small size, this island has enough attractions, both natural and historical and cultural. The latter include: the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, the remains of Dutch settlements, British forts, colonial buildings, a stamp museum, temples of different faiths. You can swim and sunbathe all year round, but keep in mind that the rainy season is in the summer months.