The Seychelles is not a budget destination. Accommodation is regulated by the tourist board; camping is forbidden and prices and the standard of accommodation are carefully monitored. If you keep to the less expensive guesthouses, avoid watersports and eat lean, you might be able to get by on US$100.00 a day. If you've come all this way, though, you probably want to induldge at least a little - a budget of US$200.00 - US$300.00 a day is more realistic if you want to do some diving, eat the country's fabulous seafood and maybe stay in the occasional mid-range hotel. If you've got money to burn, the Seychelles is a great place to do it. If you are thinking of staying in the fancier hotels, consider a package tour, which will work out a fair bit cheaper.

There are complex rules governing foreign exchange in the Seychelles. By law visitors must pay for all accommodation (including meals and drinks), excursions, car hire and transport in a major foreign currency, either in cash or by credit card. Prices for these services are nearly always quoted in euro, UK pounds and US dollars. You can use rupees in shops, cafes and restaurants outside the hotels and for taxi and bus fares. The best overall strategy is to uses a credit card wherever possible and bring plenty of cash with you as a backup.

Tipping is welcomed but not obligatory. A 5-10% service charge is added to your bill in hotels and restaurants. In general, there's a relaxed approach to bargaining. You might be able to get a discount on your car rental, but prices in shops are seldom negotiable. Markets are more open to a bit of friendly haggling.

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