How to open a bank account in Mauritius

Non-resident foreigners in Mauritius

Banking in Mauritius for non-residents

Mauritius allows non-residents to open a savings account in rupees or foreign currency in the country without requiring a minimum stay in the country.

Mauritian Rupee bank accounts

The Mauritian rupee savings account allows its non-resident holder to receive funds by installments or transfers. The account holder also benefits from a debit card for withdrawals and payments, as well as the possibility to make regular transactions, withdrawals and transfers of funds.

Foreign currency bank accounts

Foreign currency accounts are authorized to receive funds only by bank transfers, national or international. They also bear interest at fixed rates (term account) or variable rates (interest on the amount available). The procedure might differ depending on the bank you have chosen.

Cash deposits of foreign currency is possible in a foreign currency account, provided that the currency, once converted, does not exceed Rs 500,000. The bank is allowed to ask for proof of origin of the funds depending on the amount to be deposited.

Good to know:

Foreign currency current accounts in major foreign currencies are available to residents and non-residents (Euro, Dollar, Rand).

How to open a non-resident bank account in Mauritius?

If you wish to open a non-resident bank account while being in Mauritius, you will need:

• Original and copy of a valid passport (in color);
• Original and copy of a proof of residence in their country of origin (in color);
• Bank reference from the country of origin indicating that the account is well managed and does not have any anomalies;
• CV stating the professional status of the account holder.

Opening a non-resident account online in Mauritius

To open a remote account:

• Contact a management company. It should be registered with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and be located in Mauritius.
• Or contact the bank of your choice and ask about the possibility of opening a remote account for foreigners.

Resident foreigners in Mauritius

Mauritian Rupee current account

To open a rupee current account as a resident, you need to present:

• A copy of your passport and the corresponding visa;
• A proof of address (a utility bill in your name, such as CEB, CWA) dated within 3 months;
• A certificate indicating the origin of your income or assets;
• Your residence permit issued by the relevant authorities.

In general, a minimum deposit of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 may be required to open an account, but this often depends on the bank's policy. MCB, for example, does not require any deposit. Ask for confirmation from the bank you have chosen, as the amount may vary from one bank to another.

Good to know:

In 2022, the Bank of Mauritius has reviewed procedures for opening a bank account in Mauritius in order to ensure it would not take longer than a week.

Savings accounts

Contrary to what one might expect, a savings account in Mauritius today allows for all standard banking operations, including payments, transfers, salary deposits, and standing orders, as well as access to a Visa or Mastercard debit card, online payments, nationwide ATM withdrawals, mobile banking apps (such as MCB Juice or SBM Internet Banking), and QR code payments. In other words, a savings account in Mauritius functions like a current account in many other countries.

Foreign currency accounts

Most major Mauritian banks (MCB, SBM, Absa, AfrAsia, MCB Private, etc.) also allow clients to open foreign currency accounts, typically in EUR, USD, GBP, ZAR and AED (depending on the bank), as well as AUD and CAD with certain institutions. These accounts make it possible to receive and hold funds in foreign currency without automatic conversion into Mauritian rupees, facilitate incoming and outgoing international transfers, manage foreign income (pensions, distributions, dividends, international consulting, etc.), and reduce currency exchange costs.

Leading banks in Mauritius

Opening hours of the banks: Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 3:15 pm / Friday: 9 am to 5 pm.

The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited (MCB)

Head office: Sir William Newton Street, Port-Louis

Phone: (230) 202 5000

Email: mcb@mcb.co.mu

Website: https://www.mcb.mu/en/

Standard Chartered Bank (Mauritius)

Head office: Level 15, Newton Tower, Sir William Newton Street, Port-Louis

Phone: (230) 213 2390 / (230) 213 2391

Website: https://www.sc.com/mu

AfrAsia Bank Limited

Head office: Bowen Square, 10, Dr Ferriere Street, Port-Louis

Phone: (230) 208 5500

Email: afrasia@afrasiabank.com

Website: https://www.afrasiabank.com

MauBank Ltd

Head office: 25, Bank Street, Ébène

Phone: 405 9400

Email: info@maubank.mu

Website: https://www.maubank.mu/

BCP Bank (Mauritius)

BCP Bank (Mauritius) Ltd

3rd Floor The Workplace

461 La Promenade

Telfair 80829, Moka

Website: https://www.bcpbank.mu/

SBM Bank (Mauritius) Limited

Head office: 1, Avenue Queen Elizabeth II, Port-Louis

Phone: (230) 202 1111

Email: sbm@sbmgroup.mu

Website: https://www.sbmgroup.mu/

ABC Banking Corporation Ltd

Head office: Weal House, Duke of Edinburgh Avenue, Place d'Armes, 11328, Port-Louis

Phone: (+230) 206 8000 / (+230) 208 0088

Email: info@abcbanking.mu

Swift Code: ABCKMUMU

Website: https://www.abcbanking.mu

HSBC Bank (Mauritius) Limited

Head office: IconEbene 1, Level 5 (West Wing), Rue de L'Institut, Ebene, 72202

Phone: (230) 403 8333

Email: hsbcmauritius@hsbc.co.mu

Website: https://www.hsbc.co.mu

Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited

Head office: Wall St, Ébène

Phone: (230) 402 1000 / WhatsApp: +230 5919 0001

Email: customer.contact@absa.africa

Website: https://www.absabank.mu/en/personal/

Bank One Limited

Head office: 16, Sir William Newton Street, Port-Louis

Phone: 230 202 9200 / Cards Hotline: 230 467 19 00

Website: https://bankone.mu/en

Standard Bank (Mauritius) Limited

Head office: Level 9, Tower A 1 Cyber City Ébène, 72201

Phone: +230 402 5200

Email: clientservices@standardbank.mu

Website: https://www.standardbank.mu

Practical information for expats in Mauritius

Bank details

Before choosing your bank, check the relationship between your country of origin and the Mauritian bank. It will be imperative to justify the origin of funds for large deposits in Mauritian accounts.

Overdrafts

Foreign accounts are structurally credit accounts. However, special arrangements can be made for term deposits within the same institution.

Online banking and mobile payments in Mauritius

All banks in Mauritius offer their customers online services and mobile applications from which they can manage their personal finances. Below is an overview of the solutions available to date.

The MCB

Internet banking

The MCB offers internet banking to its customers, who can manage their accounts at any time. To access it, you will have to request a login and password from one of the many branches across the island. MCB online banking allows you to:

• Open a savings account, current account, single account with fixed deposit;
• Check account balances, current and past transactions going back up to 6 months;
• Move funds between accounts;
• Make an instant payment or schedule, both locally and internationally;
• Quickly pay bills by selecting recipients from the ready-to-use recipient list;
• Send funds to personal credit cards and prepaid cards;
• Create a standing order for automatic payments;
• Have a clear view of your direct debits, loans and investments;
• Sign up for services such as MCB Refill, Juice or MCB Secure;
• View E-statements to track expenses (available for a full year, downloadable and printable);
• Receive, withdraw and send money via PayPal.

Mobile banking

On the mobile side, the bank offers “Banking by SMS”, which allows you to:

• Consult the balance of your account;
• View the last 5 banking transactions;
• Make transfers between your MCB accounts;
• Receive notifications by SMS (salary payments, deadlines, failure of standing order or direct debit);
• Refill your mobile credit instantly by sending an SMS to 8700.

Important:

The bank by SMS is a paid service.

Still on the mobile side, the bank has a popular application called “MCB Juice”, which allows a variety of services:

• Send and receive money instantly with a phone number or an account number;
• Refill your mobile phone number or another number instantly;
• Transfer to a mobile phone number;
• Send or receive and withdraw money from an ATM without a card;
• Pay for your purchases by simply scanning the QR code of merchants;
• Authorize or deactivate Touch & Pay, foreign or online transactions, change the PIN code, lock the card if lost;
• Link the Juice account to the PayPal account to recharge your account, send money and transfer funds;
• Touch ID or facial recognition.

Juice Tap by MCB Juice

This service allows customers to make payments effortlessly by tapping their NFC-enabled mobile phones on a payment terminal. Activation is simple via the MCB Juice app. The service is initially available for Android users with VISA cards and Mastercard users. With advanced encryption ensuring secure transactions, Juice Tap offers a safe and seamless payment experience.

The SBM

Internet banking

The banking institution presents its internet banking as offering a “360° view”. Indeed, this option allows customers to reset their password online, pay their bills (CEB, CWA, MyT, etc.) remotely, transfer funds and verify deposited checks. All local and international SBM accounts are now available on the same page.

Mobile app – SBM Tag

SBM also has a banking app called “SBM Tag” accessible to both iOS and Android devices. It allows you to:

• Request balance from anywhere in the world;
• Make a funds transfer and consult the mini statement;
• Make payments to another local bank;
• Report lost ATM card;
• Sign up for paperless statements;
• Pay utility bills/standing orders, including payments to institutional payees;
• Pay monthly mobile phone plans;
• Instantly recharge a mobile phone number;
• Recharge a prepaid card;
• Refund bills paid with SBM credit card;
• Request a checkbook;
• Stop payment on a check.

MauBank

Internet banking

Another popular bank in Mauritius, MauBank also offers an internet banking service, through which it is possible to transfer funds between MauBank accounts or to other local banks, to manage one's accounts (balances, transactions made), to fund one's credit cards.

Mobile app – MauBank With Me

The mobile application of MauBank allows:

• Access by fingerprint or facial recognition;
• Instant activation;
• Download your account statements;
• Consult your balance;
• Recharge your mobile phone;
• Top up your credit card;
• Make transfers and withdrawals at ATMs without cards;
• Block and unblock your card;
• Open accounts;
• Transfer funds from foreign currency accounts (FCY).

Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited

Internet banking

Through its internet banking services, Absa Bank allows its customers to:

• Make instant domestic money transfers;
• Make international money transfers;
• Pay their bills;
• Pay off their credit cards;
• Recharge their mobile phone numbers;
• Make direct debits for recurring bills;
• Manage their debit card;
• Transaction limits;
• Update their email address/mobile number;
• Set their one-time password (OTP);
• Set a travel notice;
• Download the 24/7 E-statement;
• View their transaction history;
• Use advanced filters on account activity.

Mobile app

Absa Bank's mobile app allows you to:

• View account activity;
• Authorize transactions;
• Pay for purchases by scanning a QR code;
• Transfer funds, pay bills;
• Download your statements;
• Update your email address or mobile phone number.

AfrAsia Bank Limited

Internet banking

AfrAsia Bank's internet banking allows users to access their accounts and manage their money online 24/7 through the user-friendly online banking interface, equipped with a 2-step authentication and one-time password for login and transactions. Once logged in, users can:

• Check balances and recent transactions;
• Pay bills and transfer money;
• Stop payment on checks;
• Order new checkbooks;
• Update personal information;
• Download recent statements;
• Enroll in E-statements.

Mobile app – AfrAsia Cards

The AfrAsia Cards app allows you to:

• Manage AfrAsia Bank World, Titanium and Gold MasterCard credit cards;
• Activate and deactivate any of these cards;
• Create and manage a personalized secret code;
• Register your card to receive a one-time password (OTP) to validate purchases;
• View the history of transactions made with a card;
• Check your account balance at any time;
• Know all the current offers related to the card;
• Report card blocking in case of need.

ABC Banking Corporation Ltd

Internet banking

ABC's internet banking allows you to:

• Consult and manage your accounts at any time;
• Transfer money between your ABC Banking accounts;
• Order a checkbook online in a few clicks;
• Pay your income tax to the MRA;
• Transfer money to another local or international bank account;
• Consult your credit facilities and repayments;
• Make transfers to third parties;
• Consult your transfer orders.

Bank One Limited

Internet banking

Bank One's internet banking allows you to:

• Access your accounts immediately 24/7;
• View your transactions and statement history at any time;
• Make payments and transfers to a local or international bank account;
• Pay your credit card balance or add funds to your prepaid card;
• Set up recurring payments;
• Track your loan or mortgage account.

Mobile app

The app allows you to:

• Check the balance of all your accounts on the dashboard;
• View your balance without even having to log in;
• Transfer money;
• Recharge your Emtel or MyT balance;
• Recharge your prepaid card;
• Cancel a lost card;
• Manage personal and business accounts from a single login.

BCP Bank (Mauritius)

Internet banking – BCP Bank Direct

Through its BCP Bank (Mauritius) Direct service, the bank enables customers to access their accounts online with ease and security. Available 24/7, this service offers clients seamless and comprehensive management of their finances. It allows them to:

• View account balances and transactions in real time;
• Make local and international transfers, in both foreign currencies and Mauritian rupees;
• Monitor fixed-term deposits;
• Personalise accounts names;
• Receive customised notifications through the “Alerts” feature;
• Download account statements and consolidate multiple accounts into a single, comprehensive view.

Mobile app

BCP Bank (Mauritius)' current mobile application provides easy access to essential features such as account viewing and fund transfers. A new, more intuitive version with enhanced functionalities is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026.

The bank also offers an e-banking platform – BCP Connect – dedicated to the Global Business, Corporate and SME segments, further enhancing clients' banking experience, particularly in the area of cash management.

Online shopping in Mauritius

With the country's transition to fiber optics, a number of companies have invested in e-commerce platforms for services such as searching for tourism offers or finding gardeners or housekeepers (deals.mu, marideal.mu, priceguru.mu, mychauffeur.mu, etc.). These platforms allow their customers to pay for their purchases by credit card or even debit card or PayPal.

In recent years, a lot of Mauritian shops and service providers have also moved their business online.

Mobile payments in Mauritius

Like internet banking, mobile payment applications are increasingly being used by consumers.

My.t money by Mauritius Telecom

My.t Money by Mauritius Telecom is a mobile payment application that describes itself as “a reliable and secure alternative to cash transactions”. It is linked to all commercial banks in Mauritius, namely ABC Banking Corporation, Absa, AfrAsia, Bank of Baroda, Bank One, BCP Bank (Mauritius), HSBC, MCB, SBI and SBM.

As a virtual wallet with a card, it eliminates the need to use cash and allows the following transactions:

• Interbank transfer – Transfer money from your registered bank to any other bank for free;
• Personal Financial Manager – Manage your budget and track your expenses;
• Recharge your mobile – Internet and voice;
• Loyalty point system;
• Track past transfers;
• Schedule automatic recharges;
• Pay bills – Utility bills (Telecom / CEB / CWA), insurance premium, monthly fees, etc.;
• Transfer and receive money for free – Make a withdrawal from a registered bank account, transfer money between savings portfolios, share a bill;
• Children's account – Create and manage accounts for children;
• Pooled pot – With a target amount set, ability to add contributors, schedule automatic transfers, withdraw money at any time.

The use of my.t money requires registration with Mauritius Telecom.

Blink by Emtel

Blink by Emtel is authorized by the Bank of Mauritius and works with all MauCas approved QR codes. This mobile payment application allows consumers to make transactions directly from their Mauritian bank account(s), send money instantly to any local Mauritian bank account, receive money, make payments at shops, pay all utility and online bills, top up their cell phone (voice and data), and set usage limits.

Because of its highly secure environment, Blink can be used from a smartphone or tablet, on all available networks and from anywhere.

Application features:

• Scan and pay via QR Code;
• Send and receive money;
• Pay bills;
• Top up Emtel mobile voice and data credit;
• Make bank transfer from one account to another;
• Transfer and manage multiple bank accounts;
• Alerts and reminders to follow local and international news;
• Alerts and reminders for one-time transfers and payments.

Noula

The Noula mobile app is the only local application that places specialized credit services directly in your hands. Created by Rogers Capital Credit, it is designed to simplify how customers manage their credit. Anyone aged 18 or older can apply for credit from anywhere, benefit from fast approval, track their balance in real time, make payments, and access digital receipts.

Mo Finans

Mo Finans, by CIM Finance, allows you to manage key financial tasks from your phone or computer. You can check your available balance, see your outstanding amounts, and access your agreements at any time. The app also lets you make online payments and locate Cim Finance partner counters when needed. It includes practical information and tips to help with budgeting and managing daily expenses.