Most questions about renting in Mauritius relate to deposits, payment, automatic cars and local driving rules.
When you book through Localrent, you pay an advance online by bank card. Cash is not accepted for this advance. The rental contract is with the rental company and the rest is paid to them at pickup. Deposit, insurance, mileage and fuel terms are stated in the booking voucher.
You can filter the search to show only cars that need no deposit in Mauritius. In a live search on October 24, 2026, 90% of cars required no deposit. A smaller share, 10%, accepted a deposit in cash if one was required. 100% of cars required no credit card at pickup.
Only 8% of cars offered free cancellation. Check the cancellation terms in the voucher before you book.
Mauritius drives on the left-hand side of the road. A UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive, and you must carry it when behind the wheel. Rental companies often have stricter requirements than the law. These may include one year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and an International Driving Permit.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Mauritius. The legal alcohol limit is very low and penalties include fines or prison. Accidents are common and some roads are narrow with no pavements. Pedestrians and cyclists use main roads, including motorways, by day and at night. Motorbikes are often slow and may ride without headlights at night.
Drivers are expected to carry yellow chalk or a yellow marker. After an accident or breakdown, you mark the position and plate of the car on the road. Then you move it off the road where possible. More guidance is available in the driving in Mauritius guide.
| Road type | Length |
|---|---|
| Total roads | 2,772 km |
| Motorways | 104 km |
| M1 motorway (Port Louis to airport) | 47 km |
| M2 motorway (Port Louis to Grand Baie) | 23 km |
Most cars in Mauritius need no deposit and no credit card at pickup, which simplifies the rental process. The tropical cyclone season runs from November to May, when insurance policies often become invalid.
No deposit is required on 90% of cars. Use the Localrent filter to show only cars without a deposit. Some cars still require a deposit, which may be paid in cash in a small number of cases.
No, cash is not accepted for the online advance. You pay the advance by bank card when you book and settle the rest at pickup.
100% of cars require no credit card at pickup. Check the payment terms in your booking voucher.
99% of cars have automatic transmission. You can filter the search to show automatic cars.
Yes, car rental at Mauritius airport is available. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is at Plaine Magnien, 48 km southeast of Port Louis. Rental companies deliver to the airport and to hotels across the island.
Yes, rental companies in Mauritius deliver across the island. 13% of cars include free delivery. For other cars, check the delivery terms in your booking voucher.
A UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive in Mauritius. Rental companies often require an International Driving Permit, one year of driving experience and a higher minimum age. Check the requirements in your booking voucher.
Only 8% of cars offer free cancellation. Check the cancellation terms in the booking voucher, as policies vary widely between rental companies.
Mauritius drives on the left-hand side of the road. The M1 motorway runs 47 km from Port Louis to the international airport.
You must carry your driving licence. You are also expected to carry yellow chalk or a yellow marker. After an accident you use it to mark your car position and plate on the road.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Mauritius. The legal alcohol limit is very low and penalties include fines or prison.
The tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May. During a cyclone you are not allowed to leave your accommodation and insurance policies often become invalid.
Accidents are common. Some roads are narrow with no pavements, and pedestrians and cyclists use main roads by day and at night. Motorbikes are often slow and may ride without headlights at night.