Mahé is small but mountainous, with a road network that’s mostly two-lane and slow. A rental car gives you the freedom to reach beaches and viewpoints that aren’t on the bus routes. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where rental cars work

  • Mahé — yes, essential if you want to roam south of Beau Vallon.
  • Praslin — yes, the only practical way to combine Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio and the east coast in one trip.
  • La Digue — no rental cars. The island runs on bicycles and electric carts.

Booking a rental car

Pick up at the airport on Mahé. Many international brands (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) operate alongside local outfits. Local operators are often cheaper for week-long rentals. Expect SCR 700–1,400 per day for a small hatchback, SCR 1,500–2,500 for an SUV.

An International Driving Permit is technically required if your home licence isn’t in English. In practice, most rental companies accept English-language licences directly. Bring both if you have them.

Buying a car in Seychelles

If you’re moving here (or staying long-term), buying makes sense. Seychelles’ new-car market is small but covers everything from Suzuki city hatches to BMW and Range Rover. Import duties are real, but local dealerships absorb a fair chunk of them.

Road rules nobody tells you

  • Drive on the LEFT. Half the visitors come from right-driving countries. The road signs are in the international format.
  • Speed limits — 65 km/h on main roads, 40 km/h in towns. Enforced by mobile police.
  • Roundabouts — traffic already on the roundabout has right of way. Watch for buses cutting across.
  • Wandering livestock — chickens and the occasional cow live on the roads outside the towns. Slow down on blind corners.
  • Mountain roads — narrow, steep, often single-lane. If a bus is coming the other way, you reverse to a passing point.
  • Parking — usually free, often informal. At beaches, leave nothing visible in the car.
  • Drink driving — strictly enforced, do not chance it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Technically yes, in practice your home licence works at most rental desks if it’s in English. Bring an IDP if your licence is in another language.

Can I rent in Mahé and drop off in Praslin?

No — you’d need to ship the car on the cargo ferry, which isn’t a service offered. Drop off on Mahé before the ferry, rent separately on Praslin.

Is petrol expensive?

Around EUR 1.40/litre, similar to mainland Europe. Fuel stations exist on the main roads only; not much in the deep south.

Is parking safe at beaches?

Generally yes. Don’t leave bags or electronics visible. The car parks at Anse Lazio and Beau Vallon are watched informally; quieter beaches less so.