Opening a bank account in Mauritius
If you are living in Mauritius, it might be beneficial to open a bank account as it will help you better manage your finances. Here is a guide to banking in Mauritius.
Non-residents in Mauritius
Non-Mauritian citizens can open a bank account in Mauritius but are usually allowed to open a savings account for regular transactions, internet banking, transfers, and withdrawals.
If you have a savings account, you will be provided with a debit card for withdrawal from ATMs, as well as direct debit payments.
Foreign Residents
Current Account in Rupees
To open a current account in the local currency, you are required to provide:
- a copy of your passport and the relevant visa
- a utility bill in your name (CEB, CWA, etc.) to show proof of address
You will then be given a chequebook, a debit card, and access to internet banking.
The minimum deposit required tends to vary and depends on the bank. In general, it is between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 5,000.
Foreign Currency Accounts
Both residents and non-residents can have access to current accounts in foreign currencies, however, foreign currency accounts are only allowed to receive funds via domestic and international bank transfers. Foreign currency accounts also bear interests at fixed rates (term account) or variable interests (remuneration of the available amount).
Minimum deposit Minimum deposit for interest gain
EUR : 1,000 2,000
USD : 1,000 2,000
GBP : 500 2,000
CHF : 1,500 7,500
Overdrafts
As mentioned above, foreign accounts can only receive funds, but special arrangements can be made regarding investments within the same banking institution.
List of the main banks in Mauritius
The Mauritius Commercial Bank
Sir William Newton Street
Port-Louis
Phone: (230) 202 50 00
Fax: (230) 208 70 54
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.mcb.mu
Opening hours :
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 3.15 pm
Friday: 9am to 5 pm
State Bank of Mauritius
1, Avenue Queen Elizabeth II
Port Louis
Phone: (230) 202 11 11
Fax: (230) 202 12 34
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.sbmgroup.mu
Banque des Mascareignes
Maeva Tower Ltd, 9ème étage
Cnr Silicon Avenue & Bank Street
Cybercity, 72201
Phone: (230) 207 10 00
Fax: (230) 210 23 00
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.banquedesmascareignes.mu
Barclays Bank
Barclays House
68-68A, Cybercity
Ebène
Phone: (230) 402 10 00
Fax: (230) 465 20 00
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.mu.barclaysafrica.com
HSBC Bank (Mauritius)
6ème étage, HSBC Centre
18, Cybercity,
Ébène
Phone: (230) 403 83 33
Fax: (230) 403 09 99
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.hsbc.co.mu
Bank One
16, Sir William Newton Street
Port Louis
Phone: (230) 202 92 00
Fax: (230) 210 47 12
Web: bankone.mu
Afrasia Bank
Bowen Square10, Dr Ferriere Street
Port Louis
Phone: (230) 208 55 00
Fax: (230) 213 88 50
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.afrasiabank.com
Investec Bank (Mauritius) Limited
6th Floor, Dias Pier Building Le Caudan Waterfront Caudan,
Port Louis, Mauritius, Port Louis 11307
Phone: (230) 207 4000
Web: www.investec.com
SBI International (Mauritius) Ltd
Immeuble X Stich, Cassis
Port Louis
Phone: (230) 212 2054
Web: www.sbimauritius.com
Good to know:
Before choosing a bank, it might be a good idea to check if there are any international relationships between your home country and the Mauritian bank of your choosing, since it is mandatory to show proof of your source of funds for large deposits in a Mauritian bank account.
Useful link:
