Climate Due to the trade winds (they are called "Alizé"), the climate remains pretty much pleasant throughout the year. From May to November, cooler and drier air is predominant (between 15°C in higher altitudes and 25°C at the coast). A more humid and hotter weather can be expected for December to April (between 25°C and 35°C). There is a good chance of cyclones during tropical winter from December to February. Communications Cell phones are working almost everywhere. Speech quality meets European expectations. The two main mobile providers SFR and ORANGE cover the entire mobile market. Calling La Réunion from abroad, the country code is +262. Unfortunately, cyber cafes are not as frequent as one might expect. Particularly in bigger cities, however, you will find fast and stable Internet connections provided by cyber cafes. Consulates Dutch Consulate: p/a Centre Medical, 135 Avenue Principal, 97450 Saint Louis, Tel: +262 262 548418 Italian Consulate: Résidence les Lataniers Appt 111 - 12, rue Rouget-Delisle, 97419 La Possession, Tel: +262 2 62 22 28 89 Norwegian Consulate: 44, rue Paul-Verlaine, Zic 2 - BP. 111, 97823 Le Port Cedex, Tel: +262 2 62 43 30 48 Other countries like Great Britain, United States of America, Australia or Spain do not have any official consulate on the island of La Réunion. Coordinates The tropical paradise is situated 800 km East of Madagascar; together with Mauritius and Rodrigues, it belongs to a group of isles, known as the Mascarens. Culinary highlights The island's cultural diversity is reflected by the rich culinary heritage of the Creole cuisine. French, Madagascan, African, Chinese and Indian dishes are an integral part of any arbitrary menu card on the island. In addition to that, typical Creole cuisine has developed over the years, enriched and influenced by all ethnicities living on the island. The typical dish "Carri" always consists of rice, beans, fried meat or fish together with a more or less spicy relish, known as "Rougail". A few years ago, cultivating wine was revived at Cilaos, creating remarkable red and white wines. At any rate, wine originating from France or the Rest of the world belongs to any good meal - just as "Rougail" or a crispy baguette. Driving The roads of La Réunion are in excellent condition.  All vehicles drive on the right side of the road. A regular European driver's license entitles for driving on the island. Electricity 220 V. Ordinary two-pin plugs, like those of France or Germany, are used. Entering La Réunion Citizens of the European Union merely need a valid ID or a passport.  Citizens of other countries, e.g. Switzerland, must show their valid passports and a return ticket. Importing organic goods, such as fruits, vegetables or flowers, is strictly prohibited. Health There are no serious health risks like Malaria or other tropical diseases. No inoculations are required. The local health system, by all means, closely corresponds to European standards; in fact, the health system of La Réunion is said to be the best of the entire French country. Language French is the offical language of La Réunion. Yet, even the most exceptionally gifted Francophil will have a hard time understanding the local vernacular of Creole. A few words of French you should be able to utter and understand, as only a very limited number of people speaks English or any other foreign language. Money As part of the European Union, the currency used is the Euro. An adequate number of cash machines is conveniently located at the airport, in all cities, in all supermarkets and shopping centers. Banks are to be found in all major and even smaller towns. All major credit cards are widely accepted. People There are no original, native inhabitants on the island. Today's locals are descendents of French colonial officers, pirates, African slaves, Indian immigrant workers or Arabic and Chinese salesmen. As members of different confessions - Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism, they all co-exist peacefully. Public transport All cities and even smaller towns are covered by a thorough network of public buses. Shopping As a French overseas department, La Réunion offers European convenience with Western standards. Supermarkets, pharmacies and colorful, well-stocked local markets are to be found in the bigger cities while smaller shops and shacks cater for the essentials in the remoter areas. Souvenirs Popular souvenirs include Vanille (the celebrated Bourbon Vanille originally comes from La Réunion), exotic spices, fragrant essences, like ylang-ylang or geranium, rum made of sugarcane or basketry crafts items. Time During European winters, La Réunion is +3 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET), during European summers only +2 hours.