I recently visited Mauritius, and it was a fantastic experience! While English is widely spoken, knowing a few basic phrases in French and Mauritian Creole really helped me navigate and connect with the locals.
Some of the French phrases you can learn-

1. Bonjour – Used it every morning and whenever I met someone. It’s always nice to start with a friendly greeting!
2. Merci – Simple but essential for expressing gratitude. The locals really appreciated it.
3. S’il vous plaît – Perfect for asking for something politely. For instance, when ordering food or requesting assistance.
4. Parlez-vous anglais? – Since not everyone speaks English, this helped me find someone who did.

Croele Phrases you can learn

1. Bonjou – The local greeting. It felt very warm and welcoming when I used it.
2. Mèsi – Similar to “merci,” and it’s what people commonly use in Mauritius.
3. Tanpri – Used this to say “please” in a way that the locals are familiar with.
4. Eskize-mwen – Handy for getting someone’s attention or if I needed to apologize for any mishaps.
5. Kijan ou ye? – A nice way to ask “How are you?” It’s a great way to show interest in someone’s well-being.

Hope this helps!