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

Réunion uses the euro (€), so there’s no special currency to buy before you go, and most everyday spending is straightforward if you already use cards or cash in Europe. For most trips, bring a small amount of cash for markets, gîtes, and mountain stops, then rely on cards and ATMs for the rest; if you want to keep spending in check, the Hello app can track purchases in multiple currencies with automatic exchange-rate conversion.

The Réunion currency is the euro, and the island uses the same banknotes and coins as mainland France because it is a French overseas department. For Singapore travellers, a recent 2026 reference rate in travel guidance places the exchange at about 1 SGD to 0.68 EUR, which means €10 is roughly SGD 14.70 and €100 is about SGD 147. That makes it easy to estimate meals, transport, and hotel costs without carrying a second wallet full of unfamiliar notes.

A practical budget example: a mid-range dinner in 2026 is often cited at €25–€40 per person, so you can expect to spend roughly SGD 37–59 before drinks. The euro is also used across the wider French system, so pricing is usually clear and consistent in towns, supermarkets, and larger hotels. If you’re using Hello for trip planning, the app’s budget tracker and receipt scanning can help you log euro spending and see it converted back to SGD automatically, which is especially useful on longer island-road trips.

The best exchange rate in Réunion is usually found at ATMs or by paying directly with a card, rather than using hotel or airport counters. Travel guidance for the island notes that some larger hotels may offer exchange services, but rates are typically poor, while airport and ferry-terminal services can be convenient but not always the cheapest. In practice, most travellers do best by arriving with enough euros for the first day, then withdrawing locally if needed.

If you do need cash exchange, the most practical places are usually banks and established bureaux de change in larger towns such as Saint-Denis. Smaller villages and highland areas often have fewer options, so don’t wait until you reach remote parts of the island. It also helps to exchange only what you need for immediate expenses, since card payments are widely accepted in many parts of the island. For travellers staying connected with Hello eSIM, mobile banking apps and maps are easier to use on arrival, which can make finding nearby ATMs and checking rates much smoother.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Réunion, especially in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, petrol stations, and shops in the main towns. Visa and Mastercard are generally the safest bets, while some travel references note that acceptance can be patchier in guesthouses, gîtes, and smaller island businesses. Contactless payment is common in urban and tourist areas, but it is still smart to carry some cash for smaller purchases or places that set a minimum card amount.

ATM access is good in bigger population centres, but it gets thinner in the Hauts and mountain villages, and one travel guide notes there may be only a single ATM in places like Cilaos or Salazie. Withdraw enough cash before heading into the interior, and tell your bank you’re travelling so card security systems don’t block your transactions. Hello users can also use multi-currency tracking to see exactly how much each ATM withdrawal costs in their home currency, including any bank fees.

Réunion tipping is modest and optional, much like in France, because service is generally included in prices. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small extra amount is appreciated, but not required; for taxis, small tips are also optional rather than expected. A good rule of thumb is to leave a few euros for attentive service, especially if you’ve had a long meal or a private transfer.

For practical planning, think in these rough amounts: a €1–€2 tip for a coffee stop or bag help, €5 for a solid meal service on a larger bill, and a little extra for private drivers or guides when the experience stands out. There is no strong tipping pressure in most daily situations, and many locals simply pay the stated price. The same applies to hotel housekeeping: a small thank-you is polite, but not mandatory.

Because cash is still useful in smaller settings, it helps to keep a handful of small euro notes and coins. This is especially true for snacks, roadside stalls, and informal services where card terminals may not be available.

Digital wallets are not as universal in Réunion as card payments, so don’t assume every shop accepts app-based payment. International mobile wallets may work only where the terminal and bank support them, while local cashless systems are less visible than in some Asian destinations; in daily travel, physical cards still do the heavy lifting. There is no strong evidence that local services such as WeChat Pay or PayPay are mainstream across the island, so travellers should plan around cards and cash first.

To avoid common money mistakes, watch for dynamic currency conversion at card terminals, where a merchant offers to charge you in SGD or another home currency. That usually comes with a weaker exchange rate, so paying in euros is often better. Also be cautious with unofficial cash exchange and never assume mountain villages have nearby ATMs.

A few easy ways to save money:

• Book accommodation with breakfast included when possible
• Use supermarkets for picnic supplies and road-trip snacks
• Withdraw cash once rather than paying repeated ATM fees
• Carry enough fuel and cash before driving into the interior
• Use Hello’s budget tools to compare planned spending with actual expenses in real time

If you need connectivity for banking apps, maps, and bookings, an eSIM from Hello can be activated before departure so you arrive connected and ready to manage payments without hunting for Wi‑Fi.

Most travellers can use cards in Réunion, but cash is still important outside the main towns. Below are the questions people ask most often when planning a trip.

How much cash should I carry? For a short stay, many travellers are comfortable with €100–€150 in small notes, especially if they plan to visit markets, drive the island, or stay in gîtes. Do cards work everywhere? No, not everywhere; the more remote the location, the more likely you’ll need cash. What is the safest way to manage spending? Use card payments where possible, withdraw from reputable ATMs, and track every purchase in Hello so you can spot overspending quickly and see euro costs translated into your home currency automatically.