Reunion
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; suits will only be required for the most formal of meetings. A sound knowledge of the French language will be useful, since there are no formal interpreter services available. Prices should be quoted in French Francs or Euros, and trade literature in French is generally better recieved.
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800. St-Denis shuts down on Sunday, when half the city goes to the beach.
While violent crimes are rare in Reunion, pickpocketing and other petty crimes do occur. High unemployment, increasing tourism and inequities in the distribution of wealth have created conditions for a steady increase in the crime rate. Police response is generally good.
There is a good range of hotels and inns in Reunion. Prices are high (and plumbing somewhat basic), but the food is often excellent. The majority of the lodgings are found on the West coast (St Gilles) and the South (Saint Pierre) with the main being St Denis.
Telephone international direct dialing (IDD) is available. The country code is 262. There are no area or city codes. The outgoing international code is 19.
Mobile telephones are on the GSM 900/1800 network. Network operators include France Telecom (website www.ftm-run.com).
Most large hotels have facilities for fax services. Cyber cafés are located in towns throughout Reunion and provide public access to e-mail and Internet services. Airmail to Western Europe takes up to three weeks.
Electricity is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
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