Seychelles rupee and exchange rate
The local currency is the Seychelles rupee (SCR), which is divided into 100 cents. Exchange rates are published on the website of the Central Bank of Seychelles and are available from all banks. The euro rate moved noticeably in 2026, roughly between 15 and 17 rupees to the euro (as of November 2026). So work with the current daily rate, which you will find in the calculator below.
Coins and notes
Since the new series of 2016, the 10 rupee note no longer exists and a coin has taken its place. According to the central bank, four notes and seven coins are in circulation:
| Type | Denominations |
|---|---|
| Banknotes | 25, 50, 100 and 500 rupees |
| Coins (rupees) | 1, 5 and 10 rupees |
| Coins (cents) | 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents |
Paying in rupees or foreign currency
Visitors to the islands may pay for services and goods in Seychelles rupees. Whether to pay in another currency is entirely up to the visitor. Exchange rates are set by the market and can differ from bank to bank and from bureau de change to bureau de change.
ATMs and banks
You will find cash machines at all the larger banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, as well as at the airports on Mahé and Praslin. They only dispense cash in the local currency, the Seychelles rupee (SCR). La Digue has only a few machines, and on busy weekends they can run empty. It is better to withdraw enough cash on Mahé or Praslin before the crossing. Fees for withdrawals abroad are set by your own bank, so find out before you travel.
Bank opening hours are generally Monday to Friday from the morning until early afternoon, while on Saturdays only a few branches open briefly. All are closed on Sundays. Hours differ from bank to bank, and the following overview shows examples from one major bank (as of November 2026):
| Branch | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Victoria (Mahé) and Grand Anse (Praslin) | Mon–Fri 8:30–14:30, Sat 8:30–11:00 |
| Côte d'Or (Praslin) | Mon–Fri 8:30–14:30, Sat closed |
| La Passe (La Digue) | Mon–Fri 8:30–11:30 and 12:15–14:30, Sat closed |
Visitors need their passport for banking transactions, and a small handling fee may be charged. Travellers' cheques are hardly used any more, so check with the bank beforehand. You will find more opening times for shops and offices on the page Opening hours in the Seychelles.
Paying by card and cash in daily life
MasterCard/Access and Visa are generally accepted, while Diners Club and American Express are less so. You can use credit cards for car hire, in hotels or in restaurants. All services are charged and debited to you in foreign currency. Shops or boutiques that accept credit cards usually display the logo in the window or at the counter.
Changing money and changing it back
The easiest way to get rupees is to change money straight after you land. According to travel information, the exchange counters at the airport are staffed when international flights arrive, including at weekends and early in the morning.
You should only exchange foreign currency into Seychelles rupees at banks, authorised money changers or through your hotel or guesthouse. Visitors should avoid changing money with anyone who approaches them in public. There is a high likelihood that these people are involved in unauthorised dealings, possibly with counterfeit money.
When buying rupees with a credit card, it is advisable to change only as much as you need for daily use. Visitors who want to exchange international currency into Seychelles rupees should compare the various banks and bureaux de change to get the best rate.
To change Seychelles rupees back into an international currency when you leave, visitors should be able to show the relevant bank an official receipt from an authorised foreign exchange dealer. So keep all exchange receipts. Banks outside the Seychelles usually do not accept rupees, so spend any remaining notes before departure or change them back at the airport. For rules on bringing cash in and out of the country, see the page Customs regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need rupees at all?
Yes, in small amounts. Hotels, car hire firms and larger restaurants accept cards, but buses, markets, taxis and small snack stalls mostly run on cash.
Can I buy rupees at home?
Usually not. The rupee is a closed currency and is hardly traded abroad. Change money at the airport or a bank after you arrive, or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Do I pay the tourism levy at a guesthouse?
No. Accommodation with up to 24 rooms has not charged the levy since 1 January 2026 (as of November 2026). You will find more in the note right at the top.
Back to Time difference or on to Dos and Don'ts in the Seychelles.
