MAURITIUS IS DANGEROUS for outsider/foreigner/expat?

@shirley1421971

I was born in Mauritius too from Mauritian parents and grandparents. My parents emigrated to France when I was 11. I lived for decades in France. In 2014 I went back to Flic en Flac where I had bought an apartment. After 8 years, in 2022 I decided to return to France. Mauritians aren't that bad but I was never accepted as a "true Mauritian" in spite of my my looks. I have been robbed by my first maid though I gave her lots of things. Some people asked me to lend them some money which they never paid me back, some asked me to pay their car insurance bill just because I was a "friend". Two male drivers of a tourist company almost hit me in the face because their driving was bad. I must say driving in Mauritius is very dangerous. People aren't aware there's a code you need to respect. As a single woman, living in Mauritius is more difficult than living in France. Concerning "more than that" it didn't happen to me but I don't like going to the beach on my own. I know weird things happen so I am very cautious. I didn't find enough activities, I felt very lonely though I tried to join a lot of groups. It didn't work. I came back to France in July and today by the end of November I am already involved in a lot of activities, I have made new friends, I can come home late at night by bus safely. In Mauritius buses stop at 6 or 7 pm, you can't go out. Everyone's experience in life  is different maybe yours will be better than mine. Good luck.

@shirley1421971

I was in Mauritius for 11 months and I found it generally safe. I would like to point out, I am a Black African Young female. I am aware that sometimes I am a target because of some prejudices.

I was approached once for a dodgy hotel job in Grand Bay near Super U ( I like Super U still haha) i just moved away and refused. I know reputable companies use proper recruiting channels. Even then you need to do your research and make sure things are legit. This happens everywhere. I know a lot of people like me who went abroad for "jobs" that were basically scams, they did not know to do their research and make sure things were legit . Some found themselves enslaved. And I have heard many stories from survivors. (By the way side note ,When I was studying in Australia, I almost got scammed too by a guy who created a fake company. When I checked the website and reviews , I found many people complaining that they were scammed.).

I was targeted once by human traffickers at a beaxh bus stop in Pereybere. I am not surprised they tried it. Thank God for protection and also I am aware of what to look out for because I once volunteered for A21 Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign, Walk to Freedom in South Africa.

I will share the what happened below, after my tips

Safety TIPS:

1. When you use public transport use the proper buses or taxis with registrations, they usually have the yellow stickers or you can hire a car. I personally avoid white mini buses. There are private cars that provide taxi services in some areas, a lot of them are genuinely trying to get a quick buck and they are cheaper than some taxis. Just make sure you know the route well and it's peak time. I used a lot of these when I stayed in Tombeau Bay, I did not have any issues. Find out the general taxi price from locals and negotiate haha if you are not careful, you can be charged triple the price especially if one can tell you are not a local.

2. Do your research ,ask locals, Google and this website are handy. Cover your bases about an area or service or anything in general.

3. Stay alert and safe. Observe your surroundings and educate yourself on signs to look out for especially on human trafficking, it is happening everywhere in the world.

But honestly ,I find Mauritius is safe and the bus drivers are so helpful with directions. I did learn that traffickers target bus stops and young people etc.

Story:

I was at a beach bus stop with a friend in September 2022, it was not a busy day. One man came with a lady to where we were standing. The lady seemed like she was under the man's instruction and supervision and she seemed intimidated by him. The lady was an African migrant but not from the typical African countries that come to Mauritius. The man tried to talk to me and my friend but I felt uneasy because his body launguage was off. Another man came from nowhere. They seemed like they were together. They were much older than the lady and they were carrying unusually large bags. In that moment, I felt cornered and uncomfortable. While all this was happening, I noticed a white minibus van that was on the opposite side of the bus stop. I was low key observing the driver, he had opportunities to give others a lift but he didn't. I found that odd. Suddenly the driver came to the bus stop and shouted Port Louise. The lady quickly went in. The two men tried to convince us to go on but I insisted we were waiting for a bus. The buses were frequent! When I refused the driver got annoyed. I pretended to want pizza so we could move away from the situation. Shortly after, a bus, which i believe was going to Port Louise came ,( i don't remember, but I am convinced it was a bus to Port Louise ) the two men jumped on despite trying to convince us to get in the minibus. Dodgy!

I will go back to that beach and area. I am not scared. I will pray and stay alert. I really like Mauritius, it's so sunny. I love Pereybere beach. I can spend hours in that blue calm water.

All the best, take care and enjoy your time back home

@shirley1421971

hi there, I think you should be more scared of your family trying to take advantage of you rather than the poor ti mauricien.

@GENE78 Hi Gen. I completely feel you as not being accepted. I am Mauritian and & Australian citizen, yet I do not feel like I fit anywhere because of my looks. In Australia, people asked me where I was from. Now, Mauritius, they ask me where I am from. My Dad was Mauritian Chinese & my Mum was Creole but I have an Australian accent. I have been living with an aunt but overpaying her for what I have which is of a lower standard than an Australian prison cell. When I tried to talk to her about it, she locked me out of parts of the house so I cannot shower or cook. It may be that they have told me 'how dangerous it is out there alone as an expat' so I continue to pay extravagant rent here. It seems like my own family are taking advantage of me because I came here with Australian money which I worked REALLY hard for. I also find that some here do not have a code of respect. I don't go out without a family member or known taxi driver. Even though I have family here, I too feel lonely & just don't feel like I fit into any group. I don't even try & go out alone at night unless I have a known arranged taxi/chauffeur It is sad that you had to move again, but it sounds like your life is better now & I wish you the best.

@PrincessRuva

Hi Princess. I too like Super U lol - I have allergies & can get all my gluten free food & chemical free products there. Luckily, I am self employed & never plan to work for someone else again. I have no idea what you mean by 'human traffickers'. I do not get public transport alone - it's a long story but I came out of a coercive control/gas lighting DV relationship in Australia & the fear of getting public transport alone is something I have not yet overcome. I only use two private taxi drivers/chauffeurs that I know to travel alone. I know they overcharge me a bit but I use them if I have no other choice. Apparently, they can tell by the way I dress & speak creole that I am not a 'real Mauritian'.  I still do not get what 'human traffickers' are. If you don't want to put it here private message me. If you wish, add me as a contact. I love Mauritius too, I was born here & want to die here but I am finding it a little difficult to know what to believe. I am waiting for my house to be built but 'real Mauritians' are now making me scared to move out alone in the meantime or live alone in my house. All the best. 

@feizalhossen I am now suspecting this is the case. I have been overpaying my aunt to stay in accommodation that is of a lower standard than an Australian prison cell. When I told her I was going to pay her less, she locked me out of other areas of the house so I cannot shower or cook. I am now looking for a place to rent, but other family members are making me scared to move out alone whilst my house is being built. They seem to think because I came here with a bit of Australian money that I worked HARD for that I am their bank.

@shirley1421971 Mauritius and Mauritians are a lot safer than Australia. It is a statistical fact. For example, if you take the USA, 1 in 179 people in murdered per year, in Australia it is about 1 in 37000 whereas in Mauritius it is about 1 in 5 millions.

@InherentVyas I know most of the statistics. Thing is here (according to my family), even if they rob you and you dob, you are in for more trouble.

@InherentVyas

Check your data!

There were 2.8 murder / 100.000 in 2020.

1 in 5 million makes no sense, you see murder stories "often" in the news, and there are only 1Million3 people here.

Sad to read what you are going through, Shirley !

I think you will be better off far from these people (even though they are family). Take your time find a nice neighbourhood and rental and move out. Lots of nice and safe areas in Mauritius (ofcourse some areas are not recommended). An apartment in a secured building not far from amenities might suit you. You will feel much better than where you are right now.

Should you need advice on a nice neighbourhood/building, feel free to open a new thread, members will gladly help out.

I have several friends (female) living alone. No major problem so far but you have to choose well.

Take care,

Bhavna

@jex2 Where you talking to me or the person that gave statistics. In any case, if I am murdered I will not be concerned. But if I am robbed or beaten, I will not be happy.

@Bhavna I only need a place for about 3 months until my house is built - then I will be fine. I am looking up live in jobs where I may get accommodation in return for work for a few months. Unfortunately, I cannot take my time because when I told my relative I was going to pay her less per month, she barred me from the rest of house. I am now having to go to other relatives houses to shower & cook & wash my clothes several times a day. I only have a bedroom here & an incomplete bathroom & kitchen where I am storing my things - there are no windows, electricity, lights or usable shower there. Good to know your friends are safe - gives me a bit more confidence moving out. Thanks. All the best.

Yeh, bhavna is right, follow her advise. As for the statistic, cannot compare. Other country most happening are random and wrong place, wrong time. In Mauritius all mishap or crimes happen between known people.

@feizalhossen Interesting - thanks will be cautious.

@shirley1421971 It depends on who you meet and hang out with.  It is better for expats to hang out with expats and / or Mauritians who have lived abroad before. I was born in Mauritius but moved out right after high school.  Locals who have never lived outside of the country tend to see Mauritius as a their own backyard.  An exception here are the locals who are rich / well-off as they would be well-travelled.  In general, locals who are just trying to make a living - tend to struggle to make ends meet.  Given the circumstances, it is understandable that local people would be tempted to take advantage of an expat.  I would recommend taking precautions and take things slowly until you know and trust the people that you will depend on.  Also, I find that it is better to speak creole when in Mauritius rather than the usual French / English.  Fewer people tend to want to take advantage of you if speak or try to speak the local language.  Finally, it is not wise to be too showy in terms of wealth, clothing, etc... in public as you can easily become a target.  If this is your thing, then I would recommend going to places where there are more foreigners - who will understand your place in the high society.  In summary, Mauritius is not as dangerous as other tourist traps like Bangkok but there tends to be a big wealth inequality (perceived or real) between the locals and outsiders - and this may cause some problems.  On a personal level, I still have old friends there from over 30 years ago that I fly half-way across the world regularly to see - but they are the exception rather than the rule.

@prospectorland I will come to the island for the first time in May. If I read all of the above that is said, I am a bit scared. And I hate to admit, despite travelling the world a bit, I still tend to be a little of good believe towards people. I also am planning to take local buses. But of course, as staded here not once it is dark. I don't have much time left for learning the Creole language. Can anybody tell me where I could get an online course in Creole?

@oshudofsky

Mauritius is really safe.

Honestly.

There are some poor area with drug and violence issue but no expat goes there anyway.

Of course some people had bad experience, but what country doesn't.

Safer than SA definitely, and safer than a French city center in my opinion too.

@oshudofsky , Mauritius creole is a mixture of mostly French, English, and a few words of Dutch.... The language is a mainly spoken language but if you know French, you should be able to catch over 50% of a creole conversation.  Outside Mauritius, you can learn creole like languages in New Orleans, Seychelles Island, Haiti (it's dangerous to go there now), and some North African countries such as Algeria...  If you are looking for a group where you can learn creole, I would recommend attending an expat.com event and then get pointers from there.  I will be in Mauritius in June and plan to attend an expat meeting - if there is one when I am there.

@prospectorland I am on the island 2,5 weeks in May (12 - 28). How can I find out where and when such a meeting is being held?

Hello all,

Kindly note that some off-topic posts have been removed from this thread.

Thanks,

Yoginee

Expat.com team

@oshudofsky , I usually look at the community tab of expat.com and there is an event selection.  I would recommend checking this link for expat.com posted events for the duration of your stay.  Hope that this helps.