Retirement in Mauritius. Tip #3 My $5 Haircut Was Better Than My $15 Haircut.
Last month, I had my haircut at a barber's in La Croisette, which is an upscale shopping centre in Grand Baie. The price was Rs700, which is about US$15.
Today, I decided to try something different. I rode down to Triolet, a much more traditional, down-to-earth Mauritian town, and found a local barber. He listened carefully, cut my hair exactly the way I wanted it, which, to be honest, is about the same as it was when I was in the Royal Marines Commandos 50 years ago, and charged just Rs250, which is about US$5.
I was so pleased with the result that I offered him an extra Rs50 as a tip, which is just over US$1. He smiled, shook his head, and said, “Too much, too much.” He had no idea I'd paid almost three times as much only a month earlier.
From this experience, I did not learn that expensive haircuts are a rip-off. I learned that price and value aren't the same thing.
In Mauritius, some of the best experiences are not found in the most expensive places. They're found by getting off the tourist trail, visiting local towns, and meeting honest, hardworking people.
For me, the best of Mauritius often isn't the most expensive. It's the most authentic.
Scott Oliver is a retired British writer and independent researcher living in Mauritius. A former Royal Marines Commando and former Wall Street investment professional, he has spent more than four decades living and working internationally across 14 countries. During that time, he worked extensively in international wealth management, cross-border asset protection, international business structuring and global residency planning.
Today, Scott's focus is no longer on managing money or providing professional advice. Instead, through MauritiusWealth.mu, he writes independent educational articles designed to help successful African business owners ask better questions, make better decisions and, when appropriate, identify the right expertise to help protect everything they have spent a lifetime building.
His articles are published solely for general educational and informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal, financial, tax, immigration, investment or other professional advice. Every business owner's circumstances are unique, and readers requiring professional assistance should always consult an appropriately qualified and licensed professional.