Anyone been to Mauritius? What currency should I take?

Rupees or US dollars or travellers cheques... help as I've heard you can only take in about 700 rupees into the country.

Also do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport.. bit of a cheek if so because the flights costs a fortune anyway!!

Not sure where you would get a large amount of Mauritian rupees outside of the country to start with. Rupees 700 is only equalivent to around $ US 23 anyway. You should take some cash, US$ is okay, British pounds are good and Euros are also good. Other currencies are accepted in Mauritius as well of course, but any of these are sure to be accepted just about anywhere. To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, if possible use credit cards or ATM banking cards. You can use either in many places to get cash or to pay your bills.
As far as the rumour that you heard that you could only take Rupees 700 into the country, it is more than likely the opposite, that you cannot take more than this from the country. This is because they want the money being used and circulated in the country and not off in a tourists pocket. There is often a limit of cash which can be taken from the country in many countries, especially countries where their currency does not have a high value on the world market.
Airport tax is rupees 500 at departure (around $US 16). Sometimes this can be included with your ticket, but if it is they should give you a special coupon to give to Mauritian officials upon departure.
By the way, do not try to use foreign currency with locals, change your money to rupees or withdraw rupees from the bank with ATM. If you use foreign currency, you will pay much more than you should.
Have fun! Good luck with your trip! I love Mauritius. I hope that you enjoy this lovely country and it's lovely people.

Take dollars, they love them but take loads as its not the cheapest place in the world.
Dont recall paying a departure tax....

American dollars small bills

take in the dollars u can convert it from there

Travellers cheques are best also for insurance reasons but I would still take some rupees as well for ready cash when you arrive

The place has plenty of ATM machines so no need to bring lots of cash. The currency here is the Mauritian Rupee. Exchange your currency at the airport or at any of the banks. Best to use the ATMs though.