Reunion Island

Reunion

Reunion Island is a breathtaking volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, offering a unique blend of French and Creole cultures. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful coastal areas perfect for hiking, canyoning, and paragliding.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$600/day

Known For

Ile de la RéunionMascarene IslandsIndian OceanSaint-DenisPiton de la Fournaise

🇷🇪 Country Information: Reunion

CapitalSaint-Denis
CurrencyEuro (€)
Language French , Reunion Creole
Phone Code+262
Electricity220V (Type E)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are usually included, but small tips for excellent service in restaurants and for tour guides are appreciated
  • Tipping taxi drivers is not customary

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in larger towns and cities
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is useful for smaller purchases and local markets
  • It is generally better to use ATMs or credit cards rather than bringing large amounts of cash
  • There is no known black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional villages
  • It is polite to greet people with "Bonjour" (hello) and "Au revoir" (goodbye)
  • When invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Reunion is an overseas department of France, and therefore French laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights apply. This means same-sex marriage is legal, and there are anti-discrimination laws in place.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, and possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

  • While not a strict law, it's considered disrespectful to wear swimwear or very revealing clothing outside of beaches or pool areas
  • Respect for local customs and traditions, particularly during religious or cultural events, is appreciated

Common Phrases

NoNon (NOHN)
YesOui (WEE)
HelloBonjour (bon-ZHOOR)
PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)
GoodbyeAu revoir (oh ruh-VWAR)
Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)
Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)
How are you?Comment allez-vous? (koh-MAHN tah-lay voo)

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Cari Poulet must_try

This is a quintessential Creole dish featuring chicken slowly simmered in a rich sauce of onions, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and tomatoes. It is genera

Bouchons street_food

These are small, steamed dumplings, similar to Chinese Siumai, filled with minced pork or chicken. Originating from the island's Chinese community, bo

Rougail Saucisses regional_speciality

A robust and spicy dish where Creole sausages are cooked in a tomato-based sauce spiced with onions, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. This flavorful

Bonbons Piment snack

Savory fried balls made from split peas, spices, and a generous amount of chili. These crispy, flavorful snacks are highly addictive and are commonly

Samoussas street_food

Triangular fried pastries filled with various savory stuffings like seasoned meat, fish, or vegetables. Brought to the island by Indian immigrants, th

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (especially in Cirques and coastal areas) Accommodation
Book 2–6 months in advance

High-quality or unique accommodations, particularly gîtes in the mountainous Cirques (like Cilaos, Mafate, Salazie) and popular beach towns, book out quickly due to limited supply and high demand during peak seasons.

Pitons des Neiges Sunrise Hike Gîte Reservation Accommodation
Book 1–3 months in advance

The Gîte de la Caverne Dufour, the overnight stop for the sunrise hike on Pitons des Neiges, has extremely limited beds and is essential for breaking up the long ascent.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Helicopter Tours (Volcano/Cirques flyover) tour_or_activity
Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

These are highly popular activities with limited seating per flight, and prime morning slots (best for visibility) sell out quickly. Booking ahead secures your preferred date and time.

Rental Car (Automatic Transmission) logistics_other
Book 1–3 months in advance

While manual cars are abundant, the supply of automatic transmission vehicles is limited on the island and they are essential for travelers uncomfortable driving manual on the steep, winding mountain roads. Overall car supply can be tight during peak season.

Fun Facts

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