General Information
Capital(s): Saint-Denis
Time Zone: GMT+4h00
ISO Code: RE
Dialing Code: +262
Continent: Africa
Organisations
BDO De Chazal Du Mee, Asia Direct Bidwin Products, Asian Development Bank, Factories McCann Reunion, Fédération des C.C.I. de l’Océan indien, HG Automobiles, Reunion Tourism Committee, South African Honorary Consulate
Places to Visit
Cilaos, La Plaine des Cafres, La Saline les Bains, Le Vingt-Septieme, Petite France, Plaine des Palmistes, Saint Denis, Salazie, St Benoit, St Gilles les Bains, St Leu, St Phillippe, St Pierre, Sterne :[ View All ]
Travel Facilities
Accommodation (57): Aliza Plage, Archipel, Auberge les Fougères, Blue Margouillat, Demotel, Domaine des Jamroses, Grand Hôtel des Mascareignes, Hôtel Alamanda, Hôtel Armony, Hotel Blue Beach Saint Gilles La Réunion, Hôtel Boucan Canot, Hôtel Le Baril, Hôtel le Juliette Dodu, Hôtel Le Lancastel, Hotel Le Saint Michel :[ View All ]
Attractions (17): Anciens Therme, Boucan Canot, Cascade du Voile de la Mairee, Cirque de Cilaos, Cirque de Mafate, Hauts de St Philippe State Biological Reserve, Jardin de l’Etat, Mare Longue-St-Philippe Nature Reserve, Mazerin State Biological Reserve, Musee d’Histoire Naturelle, Musee de Villele, Musee Leon Dierx, Piton de la Fournaise, Piton des Neiges, Reunion Circuit :[ View All ]
Event Venues: St Denis National Exhibition Centre
Overview
Réunion is the largest island in the Mascarene group, lying about 200km southwest of Mauritius and 650km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The island is not independent, but has the status of a French overseas department.
The capital is Saint-Denis, and the currency there is the French franc broken into 100 centimes (Current exchange Ffranc/US$). The official language of Réunion is French, however Creole is widely used.
The island is mountainous, with a rocky shoreline and very few beaches or natural harbours. The climate is tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry from May to November, hot and rainy from November to April.
There is an adequate telephone system and a tarred road circles the island. The only harbour is Le Port, which is close to Saint-Denis. An international airport is located at Saint-Denis and Air France is the national carrier. There is no rail system. Electricity is derived from thermal and hydroelectric sources.
The time is GMT + 4 and the international dialing code is 262. Contact the French Consular authority for up to date information as passport/visa requirements are subjected to constant change. Citizens of the US, Canada, New Zealand, the European Union and a handful of other countries may enter Réunion for up to 3 months without a visa.
The state of health, the current immunisation status, location and the local disease situation lead to risk of contraction of , malaria (regional), tuberculosis, and typhoid fever in Réunion. A risk assessment is recommended prior to arrival in the country. Vaccinations and medical insurance should also be arranged in advance. Water is untreated and not safe to drink.
International Trade
The main export commodities of the French Reunion Islands include alcohols, essential oils, fish, langoustines, various perfume materials, seafood and vanilla. The main import commodities include chemical products, chemicals, iron steel, leather goods, petroleum products and pharmaceuticals.
Exchange controls for Reunion are the same as for France and licensing requirements are generally the same as those for France, except for a few agricultural products.