Money, Budget, and Shopping for Réunion

Money

Currency

Currency: Euro (100 cents).

Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.

Exchange:

Exchange

For those outside the eurozone, several banks accept major currencies, and ATMs (locally called "gabiers") are widespread for currency exchange. Bank opening hours are generally the same as in mainland France, sometimes with a midday closure between noon and 2 PM.

Payment Methods

You can pay in cash or by card (with no fees for euro accounts), just like in mainland France. However, checks from banks not based on the island are usually refused by merchants. Conversely, "holiday vouchers" and meal tickets are increasingly accepted.

Budget

Réunion is a fairly expensive destination, as is often the case for overseas territories. Budget at least 45 to 60 € per day per person for a "backpacker" style trip for two, including nights in guesthouses and especially gîtes. For more freedom and convenience, it’s better to plan for at least 50 € per day, not counting the many outdoor activities (diving, rafting, etc.) that can quickly push the budget much higher.

What Can Be Expensive

Flights from mainland France during peak season.

Anything not locally produced (especially food) that is imported.

Grocery shopping in the "Hauts" (highlands), where prices are higher than on the coast.

Multiple outdoor activities.

What Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Eating local food.

Taking the bus.

Car rental (as an aside).

Price Range

Double room in a hotel: 30 to 40 € for budget options.

Guesthouse: 30 to 40 € on average for two.

Breakfast: 5 or 6 €.

Local restaurant meal: 10 to 15 € per person.

Tourist restaurant meal: around 20 to 25 €.

Budget car rental: around 25 to 30 €.

Local bus: 1 € to about 4.50 € (for roughly 50 km), depending on the company and route.

Urban taxi:

Urban bus: ticket around 1 €.

Bargaining and Tipping

As in mainland France, bargaining isn’t common except possibly in markets, and tipping is always welcome though not mandatory.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Réunion isn’t necessarily a top destination for those looking to bring back souvenirs. Beyond the fairly common Malagasy handicrafts, you’ll find a few typical island products.

What to Bring Back

Embroidery: A recognized specialty of Cilaos, along with lentils and wine from the same town.

Rum: Whether flavored or not, it’s one of Réunion’s flagship products.

Basketry: Including woven hats and baskets.