Maldives Travel Tips

Visa

People from all over the world, travelling to Maldives, can apply for visa on arrival as long as they hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. The allowed stay length is 30 days generally, except it’s 90 days for Indians and 15 days for Bruneians.

Consumption

Goods in Maldives are mostly imported from other countries, thus the price is comparatively high. A bottle of mineral water costs 1 to 2 dollars and dinner costs tens of dollars.

Food

Maldives is an international tourist destination with all kinds of delicious foods, including traditional tropical foods, sea foods, fruits and snacks.

3 delicacies you can’t miss:

1. Dhufaa Echetai: a dessert wrapped by betel leaves, made from diced areca nut and lime.
2. The Maldive Lady: a kind of cocktail easily found in pubs.
3. Garudia & Mas Riha: a common dinner, usually includes rice, thin pancakes, smoked fish soup, curried vegetables or fish, and chili sauce.

Currency, Money Exchange, and Credit Cards

Generally, US Dollars can be used for accommodation and transportation in Maldives. But it is convenient to use Rufiyaa when you are in Male or islands inhabited by locals. ATMs can be found in airports, holiday resorts, and Male, and visitors can also exchange for Rufiyaa there. Credit cards can be used in island holiday resorts, so there is no need to prepare much cash. Visitors only need to take small change to tip waiters or to buy baubles.

Festivals

Many festivals in Maldives are celebrated according to Islamic lunar calendar, so the exact dates vary each year. Ramazan, also called Ramadan, is an important religious festival, starting from the new moon day and lasting for 28 days. National day is on July 26th when people sing and dance to celebrate. Bodu Eid is on the 66th day after the end of Ramazan when Muslims set off to Mecca for pilgrimage.

Travel Information Center

Tourist centers in Male are located respectively at the airport and No. 12, Building 3, Boduthakurufaanu Magu. Visitors can get free maps and brochures there.

Dressing Tips

Maldives is hot throughout the year. Visitors only need to take summer clothes like shorts, shirts, etc. Clothes with bright colors except blue are advised for photography purposes. It is ok to wear bikini or shorts on beaches, but it is not advised to wear them in public places, such as pubs, restaurants, and reception areas.

Power Supply and Voltage

Voltage used in Maldives is 220V to 240V. Standard UK 3-pin plugs are widely used in the country. It is highly recommended to prepare adapters beforehand.

Network Accessibility

Most holiday villages and hotels are covered with Wifi signal. In addition, visitors can buy network cards or open data package services on mobile phones to ensure stable network.

Other Travel Tips

1. Take off shoes before stepping into a house or temple.
2. Eating with right hand, since left hand is considered dirty.
3. Snorkeling equipments are expensive in most islands, so it is better to prepare some before travelling.
4. Take sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat, etc. to prevent your skin from sunburn.

Emergency Call

Calling Code: +960
Tourist Police: 119
First Aid: 102
Fire Emergency: 118