Réunion has very good medical care and an efficient emergency service. There are numerous hospitals and every town has an outpatient clinic. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The treatment takes place upon presentation of the EHIC. This regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. You should ask your health insurance company about the benefits and whether additional travel health insurance is recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who plan to enter the country within 6 days of staying in an infected area designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers on Réunion. [2] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases (e.g. typhus, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases), which are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks. Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively clean, but you may experience a slight upset stomach when you get used to it. Bottled water is therefore recommended for the first few days of vacation. Outside the cities, the water is not always sterile and should either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before using it for drinking, brushing your teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Chikungunya fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs occasionally. Mosquito repellent should be worn day and night. Mosquito-borne dengue fever is endemic throughout the country. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A is widespread, hepatitis B is highly endemic. A vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended, against hepatitis B for long-term stays, close contact with the population and for children and adolescents.
Money
Currency
Since January 1, 1999, the euro has been the official currency for the French overseas territories (Départements d’Outre-Mer) of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and for the local authorities (collectivités territoriales) of Mayotte and St. Pierre and Miquelon. More information on the use of the euro in the France chapter. In the French Overseas Country (Pays d’outre mer/POM) French Polynesia and in the French Overseas Territory (Territoires d’Outre-Mer/TOM) New Caledonia, the official currency is the CFP Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. 1 euro = 100 cents. Currency code: €, EUR (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 150, 100, 200 and 500 euros.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club and Visa and in some cases Mastercard are accepted. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With a credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs all over the island. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted on Reunion Island.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.00-16.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
France.
Currency Exchange
In banks and exchange offices.
Import Restrictions
No restrictions on the import and export of local and foreign currency; Declaration obligation from 10,000 euros for trips to or from outside the EU.
