Seychelles Local Customs

Gonna have to slow it down

by skippinrocks

Seychelles seems to be a lot like the Carribean. No one is in a hurry except the tourists. When you go to a restaurant, you will notice this most. It can easily take 2 hours to eat sometimes. The servers take forever to take your order, may not place it right away, and when it's ready, they may or may not bring it right over. You will probably need a refill long before you get one and you will have to ask for them to bring your bill. When you get your bill, you will see a 10% tax and 10% service charge which I believe is used for social services. My recommendation is to try not to take this personally. It's this way for everyone. What I have discovered is if I go to the same restaurant frequently I find the friendliest and most helpful server and make sure I tip her very well. The 10% service charge on your bill doesn't go to the servers, so they only get tips left for exceptional...

Sey Brew

by MikeAtSea

Well not quiet a cultural tip - but in some countries a beer is part of culture isn't it. Since the first bottle rolled off the production line of Seychelles Breweries Ltd in June 1972, SeyBrew Lager has been the favourite beer of Seychelles. SeyBrew is brewed with the finest malt and hops imported from Europe, Australia and South Africa. And after a hot day it is the best drink on the islands to squench your thirst!!

Blatant nudity is offensive in Seychelles

by dickiebird

It is quite acceptable to go topless on the beaches of Seychelles, however, discretion should be maintained. The Seychellois people are not comfortable with nudity, and are offended by people who prance around the beach wearing just a thong. I have seen nudists sunbathing just next to Al Mare restuarant in full view of the road, this is not acceptable. There are enough secluded beaches to go to if you feel the need to completely strip off.Beau Vallon, a very popular beach amongst local families, is a typical example. When one sunbathes topless, remember to put on your bikini top if you feel like a stroll along the waterfront. I know of locals who have stopped going to the beach because of the nudity of tourists.

Cinnamon

by grets

On a trip around the island we came across this lady sitting by the side of the road stripping bark off the cinnamon tree. Only the bark is used and it is a very sought after spice which is one of the main exports of the Seychelles.

Bread fruit

by Saagar

Not a custom, really, but a food item....Breadfruits are abundant, and they make very good deep-fried chips out of them in addition to other stuff. Try breadfruit chips instead of potatoes, or as a snack with your Seybrew.

Whatever you do, do try to...

by wadekorzan

Whatever you do, do try to meet the locals. There are about 73,000 people living in the Seychelles, and they really are so warm. The people are a mixture of European, African, Indian, Arab, and Chinese...so they are going to welcome you with open arms from wherever you might come. The picture is of Leo and I with a very sweet woman we met named Florette. We will never forget her. We rode the public bus with her across the island from Bel Ombre to Victoria, the capital on the island of Mahe. She walked with us, showed us a few things, and when we suggested getting together another day for a tea, she said 'No way, how about a beer!??'

Beach Wedding

by kyoub

When we was on Pointe Source D'Argent, I saw a special spot. It had been decorated for a beach wedding. The bride and groom were gone but I had to have a picture.Isn't the background beautiful?

1st May

by Pierangelo

The first May is holiday and local people go to the beach for picnic.

nikke's Local Custom Tip

by nikke

The Seychellois are wonderful,...

by zoe_c

The Seychellois are wonderful, friendly people who are very easy going. Just remember to be easy going with them as well!