💰 Quick Context: The Seychellois Rupee
Seychelles uses the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). A coffee costs 50–100 SCR, a restaurant meal 200–600 SCR, and a hotel night 2,000–15,000 SCR. Quick math: divide by 14 for a rough USD estimate (e.g., 700 SCR is about $50). Euros and US dollars are sometimes accepted at resorts and tourist businesses, but you will get better value paying in SCR. Cards are accepted at most hotels and resorts, but cash is still needed for local shops, markets, and transport.
🎧 Order Seychellois Rupee Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order SCR → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Seychelles
Seychelles has a split economy. Tourist-facing businesses generally accept cards, but day-to-day life runs on cash. Plan to carry both.
Cards accepted at most hotels and resorts: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, and larger restaurants on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue
Cash needed for local businesses: Smaller restaurants, shops, markets, taxis, buses, and street vendors operate on cash
EUR and USD sometimes accepted: Some resorts and tourist-facing businesses accept euros or US dollars, but change is given in SCR and the exchange rate may not be favorable. Paying in SCR is almost always the better deal
How much to carry: 500–1,500 SCR per day covers meals, transport, and small purchases outside your hotel. Withdraw from ATMs on Mahé or Praslin before heading to smaller islands
How to Get Rupees for Your Seychelles Trip
Seychelles uses the Seychellois rupee (SCR) as a closed currency: it cannot be ordered from US banks before you fly. The country runs a split tourism economy where Visa and Mastercard work at almost all Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue resorts and larger restaurants, but daily life (Victoria's Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, taxis, the SPTC bus network, smaller take-aways, La Digue ox-cart and bike rentals) runs on cash. Some resorts accept EUR or USD direct, but the change comes back in SCR at unfavorable rates. The cleanest path is to bring USD or EUR for in-country exchange and top up rupees from a Nouvobanq, MCB, or Absa ATM after landing on Mahé.
Bring USD or EUR cash before you fly
Seychellois rupees are closed-currency: a currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange can ship USD or EUR to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery. Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citi all stock USD and EUR for branch pickup or home delivery. Bank of America Travel Rewards or Preferred Rewards customers get a 1% Global ATM Alliance perk at Absa Bank Seychelles ATMs (no BoA fee, no Absa operator fee), saving roughly $5–$8 per withdrawal versus a non-member card. Most travelers handle Seychelles by bringing EUR (preferred over USD given the European tourism profile) and exchanging at a Nouvobanq or MCB counter in Victoria on landing. The cleanest setup for a Mahé + Praslin + La Digue trip: a Wise card for resort and restaurant card payments, plus a CEI envelope of EUR sized to your ferry, taxi, market, and small-island cash budget.
Withdraw from a Seychellois bank ATM
Once you're in Seychelles, the cheapest source of rupees is one of the major bank ATMs. Nouvobanq (Seychelles International Mercantile Banking Corporation), MCB Seychelles (Mauritius Commercial Bank), Absa Bank Seychelles, and SBM Bank Seychelles all give the actual interbank rate with no markup. Most charge a small per-transaction operator fee for foreign cards (Absa is fee-free for BoA Alliance members). Withdrawal limits run roughly SCR 5,000–10,000 per transaction (about $370–$740). ATMs cluster around Victoria (Independence Avenue, Albert Street, the Pirates Arms area), Beau Vallon, the Eden Plaza, and at SEZ (Seychelles International) airport arrivals. Praslin and La Digue have a smaller footprint, mostly Nouvobanq and MCB. The smaller inner islands (Curieuse, Cousin, Aride) and Outer Islands have zero infrastructure. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD" or "in EUR". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what a Nouvobanq or Absa Seychelles withdrawal will actually cost on your card? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & resort exchange windows
Three traps to walk past in Seychelles. The currency-exchange counter at SEZ (Seychelles International) airport advertises rates that look reasonable but routinely runs 5–10% off the interbank rate. The exchange windows inside Mahé and Praslin resort lobbies (Constance Ephelia, Hilton Northolme, Constance Lemuria) bake the markup into the rate. And paying in EUR or USD direct at resorts and tourist restaurants quietly costs 8–15% versus paying in SCR at the same venue, since the in-house cross-rate is set well above the bank rate. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at Nouvobanq, MCB, Absa, or SBM; decline DCC; and pay in SCR whenever the venue accepts it. Seychelles does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-or-EUR-to-SCR timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Seychelles
ATMs are available on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Mahé (particularly Victoria) has the most options. Withdraw enough cash before visiting smaller islands where ATMs may not exist. Your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee on top of any local charges.
Nouvobanq
Seychelles' largest domestic bank with the widest ATM network. You will find Nouvobanq ATMs on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. These ATMs reliably accept international Visa and Mastercard and are the best option for tourists.
Recommended
MCB Seychelles
A subsidiary of Mauritius Commercial Bank, one of the largest banks in the Indian Ocean region. MCB has ATMs in Victoria and tourist areas on Mahé. Reliable for international Visa and Mastercard withdrawals.
Recommended
Bank of Baroda Seychelles
An Indian bank with a long presence in Seychelles. ATMs are located in Victoria on Mahé. Accepts international Visa and Mastercard cards. A good backup option if Nouvobanq or MCB machines are busy.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
DCC is a moderate risk in Seychelles, particularly at tourist-facing hotels, resorts, and restaurants. If an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.) instead of SCR, always decline and choose to be charged in SCR. Accepting DCC means paying a hidden 3–8% markup on the exchange rate. Let your own bank handle the conversion for a better deal.
ATMs to Avoid in Seychelles
Seychelles does not have predatory standalone ATM operators. All ATMs belong to established banks. However, some are less reliable for international cards than others.
Seychelles Commercial Bank (SCB)
Government-owned bank with fewer ATM locations than Nouvobanq. International card acceptance can be less reliable. If you have other options available, use Nouvobanq or MCB instead.
Less ReliablePaying by Card in Seychelles
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, and larger restaurants on all three main islands
American Express is accepted at some luxury resorts but not widely. Do not rely on Amex as your only card
Discover has very limited acceptance in Seychelles
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless terminals exist at some resorts and tourist-facing restaurants on Mahé and Praslin, but coverage is inconsistent across the islands
Apple Pay and Google Pay work where contactless terminals are available, but do not rely on them as your primary method
Where Cards Will Not Work
Local restaurants and takeaways: Most Creole restaurants and small eateries outside hotels are cash-only
Markets: Victoria Market and all local markets require cash
Buses: The public bus system on Mahé and Praslin is cash-only (7 SCR per ride)
Taxis: Most taxi drivers require cash payment
Small shops and kiosks: Convenience stores and beach vendors operate on cash
Boat transfers: Inter-island ferry tickets can sometimes be paid by card online, but smaller boat operators require cash
Tipping in Seychelles
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not mandatory in Seychelles, but is appreciated in the tourism and hospitality industry
Restaurants: 5–10% is a generous tip. Some upscale restaurants may add a service charge, so check the bill first
Hotels: 50–100 SCR for porters. Not expected for housekeeping but appreciated
Tour guides and boat captains: 100–200 SCR per person for a half-day excursion is generous
Taxis: Rounding up the fare is appreciated but not expected
Spa services: 5–10% is a kind gesture at resort spas
Tip in SCR cash: Always tip in Seychellois rupee cash for the best value to the recipient
Island Hopping: Money Tips for Each Island
Things to Know
Mahé (Victoria): The capital has the most ATMs, banks, and exchange options. This is the best place to withdraw cash and stock up before visiting other islands
Praslin: Has ATMs (Nouvobanq and others) at Grand Anse and Baie Sainte Anne. Cards accepted at most hotels. Still bring cash for local restaurants and transport
La Digue: Has limited ATM access (one or two machines). Withdraw cash on Mahé or Praslin before visiting. Many businesses on La Digue are cash-only
Smaller islands (Silhouette, Bird, Denis, etc.): These private island resorts typically put everything on your room tab, which you settle by card at checkout. Carry some cash for tips
EUR and USD at resorts: Many resorts quote prices in EUR or USD, but the conversion to SCR at the resort rate may include a markup. Paying in SCR with a no-foreign-fee card often works out better
Exchange offices: Found in Victoria and at Mahé airport. Rates are reasonable but ATM withdrawals typically give better rates
Airport exchange: Seychelles International Airport on Mahé has exchange counters. Rates are acceptable for small amounts to cover a taxi into town
Money Safety in Seychelles
Staying Safe
Seychelles is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare, though petty theft can occur
Do not leave cash or valuables unattended on beaches: This is the most common scenario for theft in Seychelles. Use a waterproof pouch or leave valuables in your hotel safe
Withdraw cash on Mahé before island hopping: ATM access on smaller islands is limited or nonexistent
Carry a second card separately. Praslin and La Digue have limited ATMs that can run out of cash during peak season. A backup card on a different network ensures you can still withdraw if one ATM rejects your primary card.
Tell your bank you are visiting Seychelles before departure. Indian Ocean island transactions are uncommon enough to trigger automatic fraud alerts at many banks.
Use your hotel safe: Keep larger amounts of cash and backup cards secured. Carry only what you need for the day
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there ATMs on La Digue?
La Digue has one or two ATMs that can run out of cash, especially on busy weekends. Withdraw enough Seychellois rupees on Mahé (Victoria has the most ATMs) or Praslin before taking the ferry to La Digue. Many businesses on the island are cash-only.
Should I pay in euros, dollars, or rupees?
Always pay in Seychellois Rupees (SCR) for the best value. Some resorts accept EUR or USD, but the exchange rate they apply is typically unfavorable. Withdraw SCR from Nouvobanq, MCB, or Bank of Baroda ATMs on Mahé and pay in local currency.
Is Seychelles expensive?
Yes, especially for accommodation. Resort hotel nights run 2,000–15,000+ SCR ($140–1,070+). Restaurant meals cost 200–600 SCR ($14–43). A local Creole takeaway meal is much cheaper at 50–150 SCR ($3.50–10). Public buses are a bargain at 7 SCR per ride.
Is tipping expected in Seychelles?
Not mandatory but appreciated. 5–10% at restaurants (check if a service charge is already added). Hotel porters: 50–100 SCR. Tour guides and boat captains: 100–200 SCR per person for half-day excursions. Always tip in SCR cash.
Do I need cash for island hopping?
Yes. Inter-island ferry tickets (Cat Cocos between Mahé and Praslin) can be booked online by card, but smaller boat operators require cash. On each island, local restaurants, buses, taxis, and shops are mostly cash-only. Private island resorts usually put everything on your room tab.
Can I use my credit card at Seychelles resorts?
Yes. Most hotels and resorts on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue accept Visa and Mastercard. Private island resorts (Silhouette, Bird, Denis) put charges on your room tab and settle by card at checkout. Bring cash for tips and any off-resort spending.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend SCR like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank ATMs (Nouvobanq, MCB) | Low (fair rate, possible home bank fee) | ★★★★★ | Best overall option for getting SCR |
| Card payments at hotels/resorts | Low (depends on your card's FX fees) | ★★★★☆ | Hotels, resorts, and larger restaurants |
| Exchange office in Victoria | OK (reasonable rates) | ★★★☆☆ | Exchanging leftover EUR/USD cash |
| Paying in EUR/USD at resorts | High (unfavorable resort conversion rate) | ★★☆☆☆ | Convenience only, not recommended |
Seychelles Quick Facts
| Currency | Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Roughly 14 SCR = $1 USD |
| Cash vs. Card | Cards accepted at hotels and resorts. Cash needed for local businesses, transport, and markets |
| Best ATMs | Nouvobanq, MCB Seychelles, Bank of Baroda |
| Contactless | Growing at tourist businesses but inconsistent. Carry cash as backup |
| Card Acceptance | Visa/Mastercard at hotels, resorts, larger restaurants. Cash elsewhere |
| Tipping | Not mandatory. 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated |
| DCC Risk | Moderate at tourist businesses. Always choose SCR |
| Best Strategy | Use ATMs on Mahé for cash. Pay by card at hotels. Withdraw before island hopping |