Port Louis - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Availability is no problem but prices are not my strength as I don't do most of the shopping in the house. There are large, modern supermarkets all over the island. Costs depend on the item. I've noticed that good coffee is hard to come by and expensive; I pay close to US$30 per kilo of whole bean coffee. Things like zip-lock bags and paper towels are also quite expensive and hard to find in bulk in order to save a few bucks. Oddly enough for an island destination (or maybe because it's such a holiday destination), sunscreen is RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I think I paid US$20 for 200 ml of SPF 30 last time I bought some. The majority of the population is Hindu or Muslim, so beef and pork are imported from SA and Australia -- quality varies and it can get quite expensive. If you're vegetarian or happy with chicken and seafood, you'll do fine. - Jun 2014
Spotty. Because most of the products here are imported, you can find some ingredients one week...then not see them again on the shelves for six months! - Feb 2009
