Réunion Currency & Money Guide: Exchange, Cards, and Tips

Réunion uses the Euro (€) as its official currency, and while credit cards are widely accepted in towns, cash remains king for mountain trekking and local markets. To stay on budget, travelers should use the Hello app to track multi-currency expenses and ensure they have a Hello eSIM for Réunion to access mobile banking and maps while exploring the island's rugged interior.

As an overseas department of France, Réunion officially uses the Euro (€). For travelers arriving from Singapore, the Réunion exchange rate typically hovers around 1 SGD to 0.68 EUR, according to 2026 European Central Bank data. While the island is part of the Eurozone, it is physically located in the Indian Ocean, meaning prices for imported goods can be slightly higher than in mainland France.

When planning your budget, it is helpful to know that a mid-range dinner in 2026 costs approximately €25–€40 per person. To keep your finances organized, the Hello app features a multi-currency expense tracker that automatically converts your Euro spending back to SGD or your home currency using live exchange rates. This is particularly useful when you are splitting a bill for a 'Carri' (local curry) with friends, as the app’s expense splitting feature handles the math for you. Most major banks in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre offer exchange services, but you will generally find better rates using an ATM once you land at Roland Garros Airport (RUN).

Credit cards and contactless payments are the standard in Réunion's urban centers, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. Most shops, restaurants, and gas stations utilize 'Sans Contact' (contactless) technology, making it easy to pay with your phone or card. However, if you are heading into the 'Cirques' (the island's famous volcanic basins) for hiking, cash is mandatory for remote gîtes and small bakeries.

ATMs, known locally as 'Distributeurs Automatiques de Billets' (DAB), are plentiful in towns like Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. According to the Institut d'Émission des Départements d'Outre-Mer (IEDOM), banking infrastructure in Réunion is as robust as in Europe, though non-EU cardholders may face foreign transaction fees from their home banks. To avoid being caught without a connection when authenticating a digital payment, ensure you have activated a Hello eSIM for Réunion before you leave the airport. The Hello app also allows you to import bank statements via CSV or PDF, making it easy to reconcile your ATM withdrawals and card swipes against your travel budget after a long day of exploring the Piton de la Fournaise.

Tipping in Réunion follows the French tradition where service is included in the price of your meal, known as 'service compris.' While a tip is never expected, it is common practice to leave a small amount of change or round up to the nearest Euro for exceptional service in cafes and restaurants. For instance, if your coffee costs €2.80, leaving the €0.20 change is a polite gesture.

In more formal settings or for specialized services like guided volcano treks, a small gratuity is a kind way to show appreciation for local expertise. Since Réunion welcomed over 550,000 tourists in 2025 according to Île de La Réunion Tourisme (IRT), locals are accustomed to international visitors, but they still appreciate the effort of following local etiquette. If you are traveling in a group, the Hello app’s AI-powered categorization can help you label these tips correctly within your shared trip budget.

Traveling in Réunion can be expensive due to the cost of imports, but savvy travelers can save significantly by eating like a local and utilizing supermarkets. A 'Camion Bar' (food truck) offers delicious bouchons or sandwiches for €5–€8, whereas a sit-down meal in a tourist area might cost double. Shopping at local markets like the Marché Forain in Saint-Paul not only provides fresh tropical fruit at lower prices but is also a highlight of the Réunion cultural experience.

Another major saving comes from managing your data costs. Instead of paying for expensive roaming, using a Hello eSIM provides affordable data plans starting from 5GB, allowing you to use GPS and research local bus schedules (Car Jaune) without fear of a massive bill. To keep a close eye on your daily spending, use the Hello app’s AI receipt scanning feature. Simply snap a photo of your supermarket or 'Camion Bar' receipt in any language, and the app will automatically categorize the expense and convert it to your home currency. This real-time tracking ensures you don't overspend before you’ve even reached the southern coast.

Navigating a new destination often brings up specific logistical questions. Here are the most common queries regarding Réunion money tips to help you prepare for your journey.

Can I use US Dollars or Singapore Dollars in Réunion? No, only the Euro is accepted. While some very large hotels might offer exchange services, the rates are poor. It is best to use an ATM or a credit card for all transactions.

Are digital payment apps like WeChat Pay or PayPal popular? While Apple Pay and Google Pay are common at major retailers, local digital wallets like WeChat Pay or PayPay are not used. Stick to physical cards or mobile wallets linked to Visa/Mastercard.

What should I do if I lose my card in a remote area? Ensure you have your bank's emergency number saved. Having a Hello eSIM ensures you have the data connectivity needed to log into your banking app and freeze your card immediately.

Is Réunion prone to money scams? Réunion is generally very safe for tourists. The most common 'scam' is simply overpaying at unregulated markets. Always check the price per kilo and use the Hello app to quickly convert the cost to your home currency to see if it makes sense.

Successful travel budgeting in Réunion requires a mix of modern tools and local knowledge. By using the Hello app, you can seamlessly integrate your connectivity and financial tracking into one platform. Before you even depart, you can purchase and activate a Hello eSIM, ensuring you are connected the moment your plane touches down in Saint-Denis. This connectivity is vital for using the app's more advanced features, such as voice expense entry or Gmail receipt auto-import, which captures your flight and hotel bookings automatically.

For those traveling with friends to tackle the GR R1 or R2 hiking trails, the app’s expense splitting feature is a lifesaver. It handles complex multi-currency calculations and keeps a transparent log of who owes what, preventing any awkward money conversations at the end of the trip. Whether you are scanning a French receipt for a rental car or tracking a cash payment for a mountain hut, Hello's AI categorization ensures your Réunion trip remains within budget, allowing you to focus on the island's breathtaking landscapes rather than your bank balance.