So, you're planning a trip to the archipelago. You've seen the photos of La Digue, you’ve probably already picked out a swimsuit, and now you’re looking at your wallet. Honestly, money in the Seychelles is a bit of a weird one. People will tell you that "everyone takes Euros," but then you'll find yourself at a tiny takeaway in Beau Vallon where they only want the local cash. It's confusing. Basically, the Republic of Seychelles currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR), and while the islands look like a dream, the financial reality requires a little bit of strategy if you don't want to get hosed on exchange rates.
The Rupee is divided into 100 cents. You’ve got coins, you’ve got notes, and you’ve got a whole lot of birds and fish printed on them. But here is the thing: the Seychelles is one of the few places where "dual pricing" or at least "dual currency" is the unspoken rule of the land.
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Understanding the Republic of Seychelles currency in 2026
If you go back to the 1700s, people here were literally using seashells for trade. We’ve come a long way since then. The Rupee was officially introduced in 1914, replacing the British pound, which is kinda funny considering it was a British colony but they chose a name rooted in the Indian subcontinent.
Fast forward to today. The Central Bank of Seychelles keeps a tight lid on things, but the currency has been floating freely since 2008. Before that, it was pegged to a "basket" of foreign currencies, but that system blew up during an economic crisis that saw the country default on its debt. Since then, the Rupee has had its ups and downs. Interestingly, in the last year or so, the exchange rate has hovered around 13 to 15 SCR for 1 USD. If you're carrying Euros, you're looking at roughly 14 to 16 SCR.
What the money actually looks like
The banknotes are honestly some of the prettiest in the world. They aren't just paper; they are a celebration of the islands' biodiversity.
- 500 Rupee Note: This is the big one. It’s gold-colored and features the Seychelles kestrel. Heads up: the Central Bank recently updated this note. They swapped out the old "Optiks" thread (that little oval window with the flies) for a fancy holographic foil stripe with a swimming hawksbill turtle. Both the old and new ones work, so don't freak out if you get two different-looking 500s.
- 100 Rupee Note: Red and vibrant. It shows off the Seychelles paradise flycatcher.
- 50 Rupee Note: Greenish-blue. You’ll see the Seychelles black parrot, which is one of the rarest birds on earth.
- 25 Rupee Note: Purple. This one has the magpie robin on it.
Then you have the coins. They range from 1 cent (which is practically useless but cool to keep) to the 10 Rupee coin. Most of them feature the Aldabra giant tortoise or the King of Seychelles butterfly. You'll end up with a pocket full of these after a few days of buying local "Seybrew" beers or snacks.
The Euro vs. Rupee Dilemma
This is where most travelers trip up.
Most hotels, car rental agencies, and big tour operators list their prices in Euros. They like the stability. If you try to pay for a $200-a-night room in local Rupees, they might take it, but the exchange rate they give you will likely be terrible. On the flip side, if you go to a local market or a small Creole restaurant and try to pay in Euros, they’ll either say no or give you change back in Rupees at a rate that favors them, not you.
So, what do you do?
The smartest move is to use your credit card for the "big stuff"—hotels and excursions—and keep a stash of Republic of Seychelles currency for everything else. Most places take Visa and Mastercard now. Apple Pay is starting to pop up in Victoria, but don't count on it once you head toward the southern parts of Mahé or the smaller islands.
Where to get your Rupees
Don't buy them at your home bank before you leave. You'll get a garbage rate.
Wait until you land at Mahé International Airport. There are several ATMs right there, and exchange bureaus like "Saymore" or the branches of Nouvobanq and MCB. ATMs are generally the most convenient way to get cash. Just be aware that some banks charge a flat fee for withdrawals—usually around 100 SCR. MCB ATMs often don't charge this fee, but your home bank might still hit you with a "foreign transaction" charge.
Pro tip: Keep your exchange receipts. If you have a mountain of Rupees left over at the end of your trip, you might need those receipts to change them back into "real" money at the airport. Without them, some bureaus won't touch the local currency.
Why the Rupee stays stable (sort of)
The Seychelles economy is almost entirely dependent on tourism and tuna. That’s it. When the world stops traveling, the Rupee takes a hit. But the Central Bank has become much more sophisticated lately. They’ve moved toward "inflation targeting," which is basically a fancy way of saying they try to keep prices from jumping around too much.
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In late 2025 and into 2026, the Rupee has stayed surprisingly resilient. Part of that is because the government is obsessed with conservation. They’ve set aside nearly half of their land for nature, which keeps the high-end tourists coming back. As long as those tourists keep bringing in Euros and Dollars, the Rupee has a solid floor.
Practical tips for your wallet
- Avoid street changers. You might see someone in Victoria offering a "better rate." Just walk away. It’s illegal, and half the time it’s a scam involving "black market" rates that aren't actually better once they finish their "math."
- Carry small notes. Trying to pay for a 15 SCR bus ride with a 500 SCR note is a great way to make enemies. The bus drivers often won't have change, and you'll end up just giving them a massive tip they didn't ask for.
- Check your coins. The 1, 5, and 10 Rupee coins look somewhat similar if you're in a dark bar. Take a second to look at the numbers.
- Sundays are dead. Most banks close by 2:30 PM on weekdays and early on Saturdays. On Sundays, you're stuck with ATMs. Plan ahead.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure your money goes as far as possible, do these three things right now:
- Call your bank: Make sure your debit and credit cards are cleared for use in the Seychelles so they don't get blocked the second you try to buy a coconut.
- Download a converter app: Use something like XE or Currency Plus so you can see the "real" rate in real-time. This helps you spot when a shop is giving you a bad deal on a Euro-to-Rupee conversion.
- Budget for cash: Plan to withdraw about 2,000 to 3,000 SCR for every 3-4 days of "casual" spending (food, drinks, small souvenirs) while using your card for everything else. This minimizes those annoying ATM fees while ensuring you're never stuck without cash in a remote beach shack.