£1 €1.16
Today
7:55 am
+4h from you
Weather in Réunion
Réunion
30°
Slight rain showers
Wed
28
30
Thu
28
31
Fri
28
32
Sat
27
31
Sun
27
30
SPF level in Réunion
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Réunion
Tipping in Réunion
Tipping is appreciated in Réunion for good service, but it is not mandatory or expected to the same degree as in some other countries. A small tip for exceptional service is always welcome.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per day, left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR per person for a good tour
Safety in Réunion
Tips for British travellers
Réunion is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
There have been shark attacks, so only swim at beaches declared safe by local authorities or your tour operator.
If diving, check the operator's credentials and ensure safety equipment and oxygen are available on the boat.
If driving, check whether you need an international driving permit as well as your UK licence.
The cyclone season normally runs from December to April, so monitor local weather and follow official advice.
Always ask dive operators about their safety precautions, including access to a hyperbaric chamber.
Bonus tips:
If you are new to diving, know how to call for help at sea if something goes wrong.
There are active volcanoes on the island, such as Piton de la Fournaise.
Driving in Réunion
A valid UK driving licence is acceptable. Ensure you have the physical card as digital licenses may not be accepted.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Réunion drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
17
Ambulance
15
Fire
18
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Réunion
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type E
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Réunion operates on 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. The primary plug type is Type E. Visitors from the UK will require a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Moderate
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-410-581-9994
ATMs in Réunion
Good
Local name
DAB
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas in Réunion. Most ATMs accept major international cards. Chip and PIN is generally required for transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Réunion. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use mobile data frequently. Be sure your phone is unlocked before travelling.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 300 TRY (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Orange Réunion, SFR Réunion, Only
WiFi & internet
Good in cities, hotels, and cafes. May be limited in more remote areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in Réunion, especially in tourist areas. Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also an option, but can be expensive if you are roaming.
Health & vaccinations in Réunion
As a UK resident, your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be accepted in Réunion, providing access to state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. However, GHIC/EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider rabies vaccination if you plan to engage in activities that bring you into close contact with animals.
Visitors to Réunion should be aware of potential health risks. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever can occur, so use insect repellent and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's advisable to consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before traveling.
Calling Réunion
Country code
+262
To call Réunion from the UK, dial 00 262 followed by the local number.
To call a Réunion number 123456 from the UK, you would dial 00 262 123456.
The country code for Réunion is 262. When calling from outside Réunion, you will need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 262, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in Réunion
British Embassy Paris (France)
35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75383 Paris Cedex 08, France. (Réunion is an overseas territory of France; the British Embassy in Paris handles consular issues.)
Airports in Réunion
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.