Life in the Seychelles

Last Updated on June 2, 2023 by Roslin Dwivedi

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It was my first step to come out of India and live in a totally stranger country with my husband. When we arrived to the Seychelles, I remember we couldn’t stop ourselves saying ‘WOW’ every time we drove on the roads next to the ocean. We stopped at many beaches on our way from town to our house to do click click click. It was not enough of the beauty. Upon arriving to the nation, we got a lovely surprise. That surprise was a house that had the best view from the window. We couldn’t be more happier. Because people pay unimaginable to get such kind of view to the resorts. And still some tourists has complains. Our life in the Seychelles is my first blog to tell our story and journey in the Seychelles.

Being moved to Seychelles as a couple is not challenging at all. My husband and I were so happy as we faced no challenges living over there. Initially we started with my husband going to the work which was so close to the house. And it took maximum 5 minutes for him to reach home. What! yes, that’s how close lived to his work place. The off days were understandably dedicated to the town (Victoria) to get the weeks groceries and money exchanging. The country works on Euro and the local currency is Seychellois rupees.

We took one step at a time and learnt about the place slowly. Our friends at work and neighbours also helped us learn survival without breaking our banks. Every help mattered, from where to buy vegetables to where not to shop. Where to eat, which is better restaurant, better beaches, where to go, where not to go etc etc.

However, we learned a lot ourselves too in 5 years in the Seychelles.

Life in the Seychelles is slow and calm. Island-style Seychellois culture. That is mixed with British and French. Creole, French and English-speaking locals and island surrounded by an ocean, means unlimited beach days.

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Seychelles makes one of the fabulous honeymoon and vacation destinations. The stunning views of rocky tree-laden hills and breathtaking beaches ride along you driving around the island.

Mahe Island

Mahe is the main island. Its more significant island than the 115 islands the country has. Praslin is the second largest by land and population, and the La Digue is the third largest island population wise and 4th largest by land area wise in the Seychelles.

Praslin and La Digue

Praslin and La Digue are full of stunning beaches. In Praslin, you can rent a car or book a taxi to have a full-day tour of the island. La Digue is better explored on a bicycle so better to rent one. There are many shops conveniently lined up at the jetty, making it easy to rent a bike. That way its more enjoyable to check out the beaches. The country is safe to vacation with kids.

When we talk about holidaying in a beach destination, it always includes water sports. There are many agencies offering yacht, boat or catamarans services. So you can indulge yourself exploring the sea snorkelling, diving, surfing, cruising and also exploring nearby islands. Many activities are readily available here, which gives you the freedom to enjoy as much as you can. Also, there is one more fun way to check out the island by hiking. Hiking Morne blanc hill was a terrific experience for us. It is one of the highest peaks on Mahe island. Whereas, your hard work pays off when you end up with the best view of the island.

Also it is not about choosing the highest hill, you climb any mountains in Seychelles and you will be thrilled by the view you will get. Totally refreshing. Watch it in this video, where we did one of the short hikes and we received multiple incredible views.

Accommodations

You will find many accommodations right from budget hotels to five-star hotels easily on these Islands. For budget travellers, I would recommend small hotels or self-catering apartments filled with all the essential amenities to fulfil your needs. But make sure you have made your all reservations in advance as things get sold out pretty soon here. September is generally low season so you may find a cheap rate for your hotel bookings.

Food and Cuisine

So, If you have questions like – Is Seychelles expensive to eat and drink? What to eat in Seychelles? You do not need to worry about food in Seychelles. Many local takeaways are available all around the island. A decent box of lunch for one person may cost you 50 Scr – 100 Scr on an average. Vegetarians might have a little bit of concern here if you want to eat in local takeaways. Still, generally, restaurants will have some delicious options. Non-vegetarians would love a wide variety of food selections, for the seafood lovers, this is a paradise. The islands are full of many excellent restaurants, cheap and moderate. Hungry! Do try the Creole cuisine where ever you go as in Take-aways or restaurants. Pizza offered in several restaurants over here, so if you can’t decide on what to eat, then go for it. And again, the cost of eating and drinking depends on the restaurant and food you choose. Tap water is not drinkable so you will have to buy a bottle of water whenever you need it.

Transportation

Taxi is quite expensive here, so make sure you have your rental car booked before your arrival. And for expats want to live here, yes you do need to have a car in seychelles. There are local buses that take you around the island for 7 Scr only, which is very much affordable. Spoiler alert! It takes you in a nice roller coaster ride on those winding roads. Scared!! Don’t be, because they drive it safe. The best way to hop on the islands is through ferries departs every few hours.

Weather and Best time to visit Seychelles

Weather in Seychelles is usually hot and dry. But being a tropical island, rains are unpredictable. After living here for quite some time, I would suggest, starts from June until October is pleasant weather if you do not like too hot weather. For tourists who want the warm weather and dry season more, they can plan to holiday between November until May.

Local Farm fresh vegetables

Expat life in the Seychelles

Let me tell you if you are planning to move to Seychelles for work or business, life is peaceful here. Sometimes I love how slow life goes here, no one in a hurry. For your day to day life, you do need to have a car in seychelles. There are many good schools, many good daycare facilities around the island, so no worries for working moms. There are local markets where you will find farms fresh vegetables. Some of the veggies shops are on the side of the roads, which offers good vegetables at a reasonable price. For Indian expats, there are many Indian supermarkets, thanks to the Indian Malayalam community. The supermarkets provide all Indian spices and other food items, which will keep your kitchen running smoothly. There are other big supermarkets also where you can find Asian and European food too. 

Expats planning to have baby in Seychelles – Check my blog on Giving birth in Seychelles.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Seychelles is not really like a few famous cities. But there are enough pubs, discos and casinos around, where you can enjoy some drinks and dance at Victoria, Beau Vallon and Eden island. A few five-star hotels also have night bars open late at night. Seybrew beer and Takamaka rum are famous drinks produced and sold in Seychelles. Don’t forget to try them.

I hope you will find the information useful.

If you want to learn more about this place please email or comment. Do share this blog with your friends who love to explore and travel to new places.

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