Jurisdiction Guide

May to November is the driest season, with cooler temperatures and little cyclone risk. The eastern parts get more rain all year.

Credit cards are accepted in bigger towns but carry cash for markets or rural areas. French is the official language, though locals often speak Reunionese Creole. Prepaid SIM cards from SFR, Orange, or Free are widely available at the airport and in towns. Buses run on limited routes and sometimes stop early. Tap water is safe in most hotels and towns.

Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss among friends. Dress modestly for visits to temples or churches. Offer food with your right hand in mixed company. Avoid discussing local ethnic relations unless you know people well. Remove shoes before entering someone's home if asked.

Shark attacks have happened near some beaches, swim only in designated and netted areas. Cyclones can hit between December and April, causing dangerous conditions and travel delays. Roads in the mountains are narrow and winding, drive carefully, especially after rain. Protect yourself against mosquito bites due to dengue fever risks.

Visit the Cirque de Mafate, a remote caldera only accessible by foot or helicopter, for quiet hiking and Creole villages. Try the Saturday market in Saint-Pierre for rare spices and homemade snacks. Explore the Grand Galet waterfall for swimming and picnics without tourist crowds.

EU and Schengen citizens do not need a visa to visit Réunion. Citizens of the US, UK, Australia, and some other countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Other nationals need a French overseas visa. There is no dedicated digital nomad or long-term residence program outside standard French processes.

Most visitors rent a car for flexibility since public buses do not reach many hiking trails or beaches. Buses connect main towns but run less often on Sundays and evenings. Taxis exist but are expensive. There are no trains, and domestic flights are not needed due to the island's size.

You'll find cari (curried meat or fish with rice), samosas, and bouchons (steamed dumplings) at street stalls and restaurants. Spices like turmeric and chili give local dishes a kick. Rhum arrangé, spiced or flavored rum, is popular as an after-dinner drink. Open-air markets sell fresh fruit and Creole snacks. Vegetarians need to ask for special options, as classic dishes are meat-heavy.

Réunion has higher prices than mainland Africa but lower than Paris. Budget travelers can eat in snack bars for €6–10 per meal, while mid-range restaurants charge €18–30. Rental cars cost €35–50 daily. Saint-Denis is more expensive than smaller southern or western towns. A local bus ride costs around €2.