GENERAL
Capital
Saint-Denis.
Geography
As a country starting with R defined by Countryaah, Réunion is located 760 km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. A volcanic chain runs diagonally across the entire island and divides it into two regions: the green and humid east side (Le Vent) and the dry, protected south and west side (Sous le Vent). Most of the population lives on the coast. Five smaller islands with a total surface of less than 50 square kilometers are uninhabited.
Government
French overseas department (Départements d’outre-mer / DOM) since 1946. Parliament (Conseil général) with 49 members. Sends five MPs to the French National Assembly and three to the Senate. One prefect represents the French government and two elected assemblies represent regional interests.
Head of state
François Hollande, represented by Prefect Jean-Luc Marx since May 2012, since August 2012.
Head of government
Nassimah Dindar, President of the General Council.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Reunion Time: CET +5
MONEY
Currency
For the French overseas territories (Départements d’Outre-Mer) French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion as well as for the local authorities (Collectivités Territoriales) Mayotte and St. Pierre and Miquelon, the euro has been the official currency since January 1, 1999. For more information on using the euro, see the France chapter. In the French Overseas Zealand (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 abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in values of 5, 10, 20, 150, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club and Visa as well as in some cases MasterCard are accepted. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
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; Obligation to declare from 10,000 euros for trips to or from outside the EU.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is French. Creole and Gujarati are also spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Overview
As in France (see France).
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
- France. The same regulations apply as for imports from non-EU countries.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere; Suit or costume only for business meetings at the highest level. A good knowledge of French is important – formal translation services are not available. All sales documents should be in French. Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Economy
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Réunion (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
5 Rue de Paris, BP 120, 97463 Saint-Paul
Tel: 33 35 15.
Internet: www.reunion.cci.fr
Agence de Développement de la Réunion
Internet: www.adreunion.com
Délégation Régionale au Commerce, à l’Artisanat et au Tourisme
Préfecture de la Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis
Tel: 40 77 58.
Business contacts
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Réunion (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
5 Rue de Paris, BP 120, 97463 Saint-Paul
Tel: 33 35 15.
Internet: www.reunion.cci.fr
Agence de Développement de la Réunion
Internet: www.adreunion.com
Délégation Régionale au Commerce, à l’Artisanat et au Tourisme
Préfecture de la Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis
Tel: 40 77 58.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. The telephone network is fully automated and connected to France and abroad by satellite. Telephone cards are available from the post office or at the kiosk. For information you choose 12.
Cellphone
GSM 900/1800. Network operators are France Telecom (GSM 900/1800; Internet: www.ftm-run.com), Orange Reunion (Internet: www.orange.re) and Société Reunionnaise (Internet: www.srr.fr). Most tourist sites are covered by the mobile network, such as Vulkan, Mafate, Rivière des Remparts and Cilaos.
Internet
There are internet cafes in all cities.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes up to three weeks on its way. Poste restante items can be sent to Saint-Denis.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Lace and embroidery, wickerwork. Rum, bourbon vanilla, geranium and ylang-ylang essences. In addition to fruit, vegetables and spices, you will also find many souvenirs such as clothes and shoes at the many markets. Shop
opening times: 8.30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The selection of hotels, guest houses, lodges and guest houses is good. The prices are high and the sanitary facilities are quite simple. Accommodation prices usually include bed and breakfast, taxes and service. Hotels are categorized with 1-4 stars.
Other accommodation options
Information is available from the Fédération des Auberges de Jeunesse, 5, rue Rontaunay, 97400 Saint-Denis. Tel: (02) 62 41 15 34. (Internet: www.chez.com/fraj).
Good campsites are also available.
CULTURE
Religion
Catholics 90%. Muslim minority.
Social rules of conduct
Clothing: Casual clothing is appropriate.
Manners: The usual forms of courtesy also apply here. The Indian, Pakistani and European immigrants have largely retained their different cultural forms and celebrate their own festivals and holidays.
Tip: Approx. 10% is common.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot tropical climate. From May to October it is most pleasant on the coast. In the mountains it is usually cooler, the temperatures sometimes drop to freezing point at night. Cyclones can occur between January and March, when it is often humid and humid.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +262 Area (km2) 2507 Population 843 529 Population density (per km2) 337 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 15
