Comoros & Mayotte Travel Tips
Comoros & Mayotte


Introduction 
  The Comoros islands are wrapped in a fragrant blend of ylang-ylang oil, Arabic aesthetics, African warmth and French chic. Not only this, but they have a colourful history of sultans and soothsayers, plantation owners and eloping princesses.

There are cobblestoned medinas with higgledy-piggledy lanes and old world charm; ports bristling with white sailed dhows; tropical moons rising over white beaches and the sun setting over the ocean in a riot of reds and oranges worthy of a Fauve.

But despite all these charms Comoros and Mayotte remain the least frequented and least travelled of all the islands in the region. This may have something to do with the islands' reputation as a backwater, or it just might have something to do with the political coups, civilian riots and secessionist plots that come and go with seasonal punctuality. Not for nothing has Comoros been nicknamed Coup-Coup Land.

• Full country name: Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros; Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte
• Area: 2,605 sq km
• Population: 811,385
• Capital City: Moroni
• People: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
• Language: Arabic, French,
• Religion: Sunni Muslim (86%), Roman Catholic (14%) (Comoros); Muslim (99%), Roman Catholic (1%) (Mayotte)
• Government: independent republic (Comoros); Territorial Collectivity of France (Mayotte)
• Head of State: President (Comoros) Azali Assoumani
• Head of Government: President of the General Council (Mayotte) Said Omar Oili

• GDP: US$400 million
• GDP per capita: US$650
• Annual Growth: 3.5%
• Inflation: 2.5%
• Major Industries: tourism, perfume distillation, vanilla, cloves
• Major Trading Partners: EU, USA, South Africa, Kenya. back to top 

Facts for the Traveler
• Visas: A visa is required for all visitors to Comoros. You must have onward plane tickets. Thirty-day visas can be obtained upon arrival, but can only be paid for in euros, and there are no money-changing facilities at the airport. Nationals of countries that need a visa to enter France will require a visa for Mayotte. Except for a handful of non-EU European countries, everyone else must have a visa.
• Health risks: malaria
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC +3
• Dialling Code: 269
• Electricity: 220V ,50Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric. back to top 

Customs
The islands are predominantly Muslim, so respect the local traditions and dress more conservatively by covering shoulders and legs to the knee, especially during Ramadan, when alcohol becomes rare. back to top 

Cash On Hand
Banks are open weekdays during the morning, so plan ahead if you plan on exchanging currencies or traveler’s checks, as credit cards aren’t accepted widely through the islands, other than in Mayotte where credit cards can be used widely and ATMs are available. Mohéli in particular has no local banks other than a biweekly official visit by a banker, so keep enough cash on hand to last. back to top

Bargaining
Bargaining has become an art on most of the islands, where patience and spirit are part of the etiquette. Jumping too quickly or appearing hostile aren’t as effective as an unhurried approach. back to top

When To Visit
The cooler months from May to October are the best time to visit the islands, where you’ll miss most of the heat and humidity. Comoros celebrates traditional Muslim holidays, however, Mayotte also celebrates Bastille day, on July 14, and Christian holidays. back to top

Food
With roots in French and African styles, and Indian and Arabic influences, Comoran cooking includes meals ranging from fish like tuna and grouper to meats like chicken and goat mixed with local spices including coriander, vanilla, cloves and nutmeg, with vegetables like cassava or plantains. Some of the local dishes include poulet au coco, a rice dish with chicken and mixed vegetables, langouste a la vanilla, a lobster dish steeped in vanilla, and kebabs which are also common. back to top

Tipping

Tipping for service has not been standardized, but generally speaking, an additional 10% for good service would be appreciated. back to top

Security

Clashes between demonstrators and police are uncommon, but can occur, so steer clear of any protests to be safe, and be wary of your surroundings when traveling during the night. back to top