Seychelles: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Seychelles
Business culture in Seychelles is generally professional but relatively relaxed, reflecting a mixture of Creole, European and African influences. Meetings usually begin with polite conversation before moving on to business, and maintaining good personal relationships is important. Appointments should be arranged in advance and punctuality is appreciated, although meetings may not always begin precisely on time.
Business dress is smart but adapted to the tropical climate. Lightweight shirts, trousers and dresses are generally appropriate, while jackets and ties are usually reserved for more formal meetings or senior-level engagements. English is widely used in business and government, alongside French and Seychellois Creole.
Handshakes are customary when meeting business contacts. Use professional titles and surnames initially, unless invited to use first names. Business cards may be exchanged but there is little ceremony attached to them. Decisions can take time, particularly within government or larger organisations, so avoid applying excessive pressure for an immediate response.
Office Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00 to 16:00.
Government offices and some businesses may close earlier on Fridays.
Economy
Seychelles has a small, relatively high-income economy dominated by tourism and services. Tourism is the principal source of foreign exchange and supports accommodation, restaurants, transport, retail and other businesses, leaving the economy particularly sensitive to changes in international travel. Fisheries are another important sector, centred on tuna fishing, processing and exports, while agriculture and manufacturing remain comparatively small.
The government has sought to diversify the economy through areas such as financial services, information and communications technology and the sustainable use of marine resources. Seychelles' extensive exclusive economic zone has also encouraged investment in the 'blue economy', which aims to develop fisheries, marine tourism and other ocean-based industries while protecting the country's marine environment.
As a small island economy, Seychelles depends heavily on imports for food, fuel, manufactured goods and construction materials. This makes prices and economic growth vulnerable to global commodity costs, shipping disruptions and exchange-rate movements. Other long-term challenges include the country's limited domestic market, shortage of skilled labour and exposure to climate change.
GDP
US$2.39 billion (2025).
Main exports
Fish and fish products.
Main imports
Food and beverages, fuel and petroleum products, machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles, manufactured goods and construction materials.
Main trading partners
The UAE, France, UK, Italy and the Netherlands.
Keeping in Touch in Seychelles
Mobile Phone
Mobile coverage is good on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, although reception can be weaker in mountainous areas and on more remote islands. The main mobile network operators are Airtel Seychelles and Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS).
Prepaid SIM cards are available from the operators' shops and authorised outlets, including at Seychelles International Airport. Visitors must provide identification, such as a passport, when registering a SIM card.
Internet
Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and cafés on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, although connection speeds and reliability vary. Coverage is less consistent on remote islands, where internet access may depend on the facilities provided by individual resorts or accommodation.
Mobile data is widely used for internet access and is available through Airtel Seychelles and Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS). Visitors requiring regular internet access may find a local prepaid SIM or data package more convenient than relying solely on Wi-Fi.
Media
Seychelles has a small media sector, with newspapers, radio, television and online news available in Seychellois Creole, English and French. The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) is the national public broadcaster and operates television and radio services. Private radio stations and online news outlets provide additional coverage.
The main newspapers include the government-owned Seychelles NATION and the privately owned TODAY in Seychelles. Online outlets such as Seychelles News Agency also cover domestic affairs, business, tourism and regional news. International television channels are available through subscription and hotel services.