AS a traveler for 35 years I have learned to judge my expenses for housing and food and other misc. purchases by what the locals are living on. What their minimum wage is and what is the average salary of the locals.
Is it true from what I have read that the average salary is 28,000 rs a month or about 800 dollars, and I have read that the minimum wage is $30 a week for unskilled workers and I am not sure what that means. And is this for a family of four or five living on these wages???? Or do both husband and wife work and perhaps the children?
I found this as a guideline http://countryeconomy.com/national-mini … /mauritius
and http://www.tradingeconomics.com/mauritius/wages
I understand that Ex pats have extra needs but I am trying to figure out the balance of the locals and the ex pat. Also I am wanting to learn about the two or three tier system that exists between what the locals will spend and what the ex pat will spend for the exact same food or product. Is it 2 times 3 times or more than the ex pat will have to spend unless they have good negotiation skills.
I am asking for those locals and expats to double check my figures compared to your experiences?
Do you negotiate prices or accept the price listed if there is a price listed or accept word of mouth prices in the wet and dry markets?
I have read the list of the cost of living in Mauritius on the forum, which I find expensive when I compare to the local living standards and salary of the locals.
Can you explain to me the difference between the pricing schedules between locals and ex pats.?
Are there ex pats there that live close or twice or three times to the living standards of the locals?
Thank you
Alex