Maldives travel info

General information for the traveller new to Maldives.

Visas
Visitors to the Maldives must hold a valid passport, an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay. A 30-day visa will be issued free of charge to all nationalities on arrival and this can be extended once inside the country for a period of up to 3 months. More information on traveling to Maldives here.

Visa information can change and should be confirmed before arrival in the country with a Maldivian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Customs
Visitors may take the following into the Maldives duty free:

Tobacco - 200 Cigarettes

It is prohibited to import alcohol without a special permit, however alcohol is on sale at resorts once inside the country.

Certain items may not be imported: pornography of any kind; pork and all products containing pork; firearms; explosives; poisons and hazardous or industrial chemicals

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe and can lead to life imprisonment.

There are restrictions on the export of many items that originate from the sea such as coral, fish products and turtle shells.

Time
Maldivian time: GMT + 5

Currency
Rufiya (MRf) and laari- Check current exchange rates
100 larees = 1 Rufiya
Notes issued: MRf 500, MRf 100, MRf 50, MRf 20, MRf 10, MRf 5, MRf 2
Coins issued: MRf 2, MRf1, 50 larees, 20 larees, 5 larees, 2 larees, 1 laari

Tipping
Tipping is officially discouraged, although most resorts add a 10% service charge to bills.

Banking Hours
Sunday to Thursday 8.00 am to 1.30 pm

Language
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. English is widely used and a variety of other languages are spoken by staff in the resorts - including German, French, Italian and Japanese.

Telephone
The international dialling code for The Maldives is 960
When making international telephone calls from The Maldives first dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number
The are no local telephone codes

Electricity
220 Volt AC (50 cycles)
Round-pin and square pin plugs are both common.

Water
Tap water is considered safe in the resort areas but water and ice should be avoided elsewhere. Bottled water is available.

Health
There is a large hospital situated in Mal that offers a reasonable standard of medical facilities. Many resorts also have an in-house doctor, although costs may be high and it is recommended that you travel with adequate health insurance that also covers evacuation. Precautions should be taken against cholera and consider inoculations for hepatitis and rabies. Malaria is disappearing on the islands but you should take advice regarding anti-malarials. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with a doctor when planning your trip.

International Airport

Mal - Hulule

International Airport Departure Tax
US$10

Domestic Airports

Gan
Hanimaadhoo
Kaadedhdhoo
Mal

Domestic Airport Departure Tax
None

Etiquette/Dress Code
Muslim is the predominant religion in the Maldives and although dress is casual on the islands, beachwear is not acceptable away from the resorts. According to religious values, locals do not eat pork and alcohol is only available to foreigners within resorts.

Visitors should dress respectfully when visiting a mosque by keeping arms, shoulders and legs covered.

Diplomatic Missions
There are no countries with representative offices or consulates in the Maldives.

Useful Sources of Information
For further information on tourist attractions in the Maldives.