What currency to bring to Seychelles and how to pay when prices are in euros?
From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 15 days ago
Shops and cafés may accept euros directly, but give change in rupees at about SCR 15 per euro; a rate of SCR 16.50 was reported at the airport. Exchanging into rupees can therefore be better for everyday purchases.
16 days ago ~SCR 15/€ when paying; SCR 16.50/€ at the airport
Seychellois rupees can be withdrawn from an ATM using an RSHB UnionPay card. One traveler found this slightly cheaper than buying and exchanging euros, though keeping some cash as a backup is still advisable.
16 days ago RSHB UnionPay — ATM withdrawal of SCR
To avoid hidden bank markup, it's best to have a card and account specifically in euros and pay from that euro account — this way the charged amount is predictable. If the account is in dollars but the price is listed in euros, the bank converts at its own rate plus a fee, which the traveler can't control; the only controllable factor is matching the account currency to the payment currency.
31 days ago Tip: match account and payment currency (euros)
Worn/creased 500-euro banknotes are easily exchanged at the Seychelles airport exchange counters, and the rate there is good; large dollar bills shouldn't be a problem either.
500 EUR notes — airport exchange
US dollars are accepted beyond hotels and car rentals: taxi drivers and local exchange offices also take them, although prices are more often displayed in euros.
US dollars — taxis and exchange offices
At resorts, cash euros can be used directly without exchanging them into rupees first; one report says resorts applied a more favorable rate when accepting euros.
Cash euros — payment at resorts
When paying in dollars for car rental and the visa fee on arrival, the price is recalculated at the dollar rate and can end up more expensive: one car rental came out roughly $30 above the euro price, and a visa fee of €45 (for three people) cost $55 instead. It's worth calculating in advance which currency is cheaper.
Visa: €45 → $55; car rental: ~$30 more than euro price
An RSHB UnionPay card works at petrol stations, but is not accepted everywhere in shops — some stores did not accept card payment at all.
RSHB UnionPay — works at fuel stations, not all shops
US dollars are also accepted at hotels and car rental agencies — staff will convert the price at the official rate. Sometimes paying in dollars on the spot works out cheaper than the euro booking price. It's worth asking in advance.
US dollars — alternative to euros
When paying with euro or dollar cash, change is typically given in rupees at an unfavorable exchange rate, meaning you end up overpaying. To avoid this, it's better to exchange currency into rupees in advance and pay with them directly.
Change in rupees — unfavorable rate
An RSHB (Rosselkhozbank) card worked without issues in regular shops in Seychelles — it was accepted everywhere when inserted into the terminal.
RSHB card — works in shops
If you know your exact euro-denominated costs in advance — hotel, car rental, entry fees — it's most practical to bring that exact amount in cash euros. This avoids unnecessary currency conversions and exchange losses.
Cash euros — for known fixed expenses
Beyond euros for big payments, bring extra euros specifically to exchange into Seychellois rupees (SCR) for everyday small expenses — local markets, street food, and minor purchases.
Seychellois rupees (SCR) — for local small expenses
A bank card is recommended as a backup payment method. For travelers with foreign cards, a card that works with minimal conversion steps is preferable — use it where card payments are accepted and as a safety net.
Bank card — backup and where cashless payments work
The Chinese yuan is not a commonly used or preferred currency in Seychelles. Hotels and tourist services typically deal in euros or local rupees — there's no practical reason to bring yuan.
Yuan — not useful in Seychelles