Maldives Travel Tips

Business Offices: 07:00 to 14:30, Sunday to Thursday
Banks: 07:00 to 14:30, Sunday to Thursday
Post Offices: 07:00 to 14:30, Sunday to Thursday
Shops: 08:30 to 23:00, Saturday to Thursday; 13:30 to 23:00, Fridays

There are few issues with regards to danger or threats that visitors to the Maldives need to be aware of, with the destination offering a safe and family-friendly environment. The occasional public demonstration in Malé has seen violent activity and visitors are advised to steer clear of large gatherings. Terrorist threats are low; concerned visitors can check with their government’s travel and foreign office departments for any change in the nation’s status before travel.

Crime levels are exceptionally low in the Maldives and violent crime towards tourists is virtually unheard of. Petty crime is not prevalent, although visitors should take precautions against the possibility of being targeted by pickpockets or bag snatchers who may maintain a presence in busy parts of Malé.

Visitors should maintain a constant awareness of Islam as the Maldives’ official religion and bear in mind that public displays of any other religion are illegal.

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Threats to health in the Maldives are low although visitors are wise to observe some basic warnings in order to avoid accidents and incidents that might result in injury. Sunbathing under coconut trees is best avoided in light of the possibility of falling coconuts. Visitors spending time in the sea should wear sandals or aqua shoes when walking on the shallow bed or risk cuts and abrasions from stray pieces of coral.

All visitors should consider immunisation against typhoid and those who are concerned about malaria might consider taking anti-malaria tablets. The risk of contracting this disease in the Maldives is low.

Visitors falling ill or necessitating emergency medical treatment will find the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital on Malé offers a high standard of care with sophisticated equipment and knowledgeable physicians on hand.

Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital: +960 3335335

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi although English is widely spoken, especially in the popular tourist areas. In the main resorts, visitors will find French, German, Italian and Japanese spoken by staff members.

The Maldivian rufiyaa is the nation’s official currency. One rufiyaa is equal to 100 laaris. Banknotes are issued in denominations of MVR500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, while coins come in MVR1 and 2, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaris. In popular resorts visitors will find most goods and services are priced in US dollars. Other currencies such as euros and sterling are also often accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted as a form of payment with major cards such as Visa, AMEX, MasterCard and Diner’s Club among the most commonly used.

Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, in hotels and at major retail outlets. Banks invariably offer the best rates. ATMs are currently located on Malé only and may not accept your international card so it’s wise to bring plenty of traveller’s cheques or hard currency.

Visitors may not bring alcoholic drink into the country and anyone having purchased alcoholic drinks prior to their arrival will be obliged to leave it at the airport for collection on their return at the conclusion of their vacation. Pornographic literature and material deemed offensive to Islam is also forbidden.

The Maldives has a very serious approach towards preserving its natural environment and visitors are not permitted to take coral, tortoise shell or other items of marine origin out of the country. On arrival, visitors are permitted to bring in goods with a value up to MVR2,000 without paying duty tax.

Islam dictates much of Maldivian etiquette and visitors are wise to take note of local religiously-influenced customs and traditions. Clothing in particular is an issue; while bikinis and swimwear are fine for the beach they have no place in the towns, wearing modest clothing is expected of both men and women. Thongs or topless bathing are both considered unacceptable.

Some restaurants insist on legs being covered by both male and female diners however sarongs are invariably provided for those who come ill prepared. When meeting a local for the first time, a handshake is the most common form of greeting, accompanied by the Arabic expression ‘Assalaam Alaikum’.

Dining Etiquette
At the house of a Maldivian friend or acquaintance, be sure to remove your shoes before entering, leaving them at the front door or where you see others have left theirs. Greet your host with a handshake before offering any gift that you might have brought as a token of your appreciation. While gifts are by no means expected, they are always gratefully received, especially if you bring an item from your home country or something that is unavailable in the Maldives.

At the dinner table, visitors should wait until all guests are seated before commencing eating. It’s polite to try a little of everything that you are offered and to avoid emptying your plate completely as this might infer that you were not offered enough and may be taken as an insult by your host. If you choose to invite Maldivian friends for a meal at a restaurant, you will be expected to pay.

Visitors in possession of a valid passport are automatically granted a stay of up to 30 days on arrival in the Maldives. Passports need to be valid for at least six months and accompanied by a valid air ticket out of the country. Proof of sufficient finances to fund your vacation and a confirmed hotel reservation may also be asked for.

The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board is the body responsible for dealing with tourism and assisting holidaymakers. Its main office is located in the island capital of Malé.

3rd Floor H. Aage, 12, Boduthakurufaanu Magu
Malé, Republic of Maldives
Phone: +960 332 3228
Fax: +960 332 3229
E-mail: mtpb@visitmaldives.com