Sri Lanka, Adventure Month

Maldives overview

Time: GMT + 5, Most Island Resorts are on Island time which is GMT +6. This can appear confusing when you are advised about your departure time from the island 

Area  298 sq km , Population 369,680 (2016),  Capital Malé

Climate

The Maldives boasts a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F).

Health care

There are two hospitals on Malé, the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and the ADK private hospital. First aid facilities are available on all resort islands. A decompression chamber is accessible in Malé in case of diving emergencies. Medical treatment in the Maldives can be very expensive and comprehensive health insurance is essential.

Language

The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are also widely used within tourist areas.

Passport and visa Passports

Valid passports are required for all nationals.

Tourist visas for 30 days will be issued on arrival only and are free of charge to all visitors in possession of valid travel documents. If port health is satisfied that you have not been through any countries with serious contagion, you are can enter. After luggage retrieval, do note that there is no Green Channel. All passengers’ luggage is screened, normally electronically. Keep the keys to any luggage locks handy in case a manual inspection is called for. The import of any alcohol is strictly prohibited. You may be asked whether you have any movies or CDs. Answer all questions in a straightforward manner. After Immigration and Customs proceed to arrivals. 

(a) Foreign visitors who enter the Maldives must be in possession of return or onward tickets and a minimum of USD 100 and USD 50 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.
(b) Tourist visas can be extended by 90 days (including the initial 30 days granted on arrival) by applying to the immigration department.

Religion

The indigenous population is entirely Sunni Muslim and the group practice of other religions is illegal. Please note do NOT bring any Religous icons into the country such as Buddha statues which you may have purchased elesewhere on your holiday - they may be impounded at the airport.

Social Conventions

The majority of the indigenous population does not mix with the tourist visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the resorts and Malé. Dress is informal, but locals who are Muslim will be offended by nudity or immodest clothing in public places, and the government rigidly enforces these standards. Bikinis and other scanty beachwear are not acceptable in Malé or on any other inhabited island; they should be restricted to resort islands only. When entering a mosque, the legs and the body, but not the neck and the face, should be covered. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. The indigenous population not involved in the tourist trade lives in isolated island communities maintaining almost total privacy. A large number of locals smoke, but smoking and eating during Ramadan is discouraged.

Prohibited Items

It is prohibited for tourists to bring firearms, alcoholic beverages, pork products, pornography and idols of worship into the Maldives. Additionally, strict penalties apply to those attempting to bring illegal drugs into the country. Alcohol and pork products are only available on resort islands under a special license.

Tobacco Products

From 01 November 2024: the Maldives Customs Service will no longer allow duty allowance on tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco.  Only travellers on a tourist visa are permitted to import limited quantities of tobacco products as follows:  Up to 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. Quantities exceeding these limits will be retained by Customs for a maximum of 30 days.  Tourists can collect these items at the departure terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) customs prior to their departure.

Vaping Products

From 15 November 2024: there is a ban on the import of vaporizer devices, accessories, and parts. will come into effect, including those brought by visitors for personal use and from the 15 December 2024: the ban has been extend to the possession, use, manufacturing, sale, promotion, and free distribution of vaporizer devices.   This applies to both residents and visitors across the country. Tourists are not allowed to bring vaporizers into Maldives.  However, if you arrive with a vaporizer device, you will not be penalized or denied entry. Your vaporizer will be confiscated at the border and a customs officer will provide you with a receipt which you must present when you depart the country to have your items returned to you.

Currency

Maldivian Rufiya (MVR; symbol MRf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of MRf 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of MRf 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.

Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards.

Air:
Main airlines: Maldivian, Trans Maldivian Airways
International Airports: Velana International Airport (MLE)
Domestic Airports: Velana International Airport (MLE), Gan International Airport (GAN), Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) and many more.

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Limited
Gravel roads: Limited
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Limited
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus
Inter-city bus services: Limited
Local city bus networks: Limited

Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes

The water provided in the resort areas is generally safe to drink. In other areas, water of uncertain origin used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Food in upmarket hotels and resorts is usually risk free, although visitors should be cautious elsewhere.

Maldivian food is a fairlyis delicious, consisting of fish, fruit and spicy curries. Your only chance to try ‘real’ Maldivian cuisine is in Malé, where cafés selling traditional snacks or ‘short eats’ (hedhikaa) are cheap and plentiful. Local specialities include: Seafood such as tuna, grouper, octopus, jobfish and swordfish; Kavaabu (deep-fried snacks made from rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices); and curries, usually made with chicken or beef. Curry leaves are added to a lot of Maldivian dishes.

Note that all restaurants on resort islands are run by the resort - there is no access to private enterprise. Cuisine is international, with all food other than seafood imported. All resorts have bars, where there is a good range of (usually pricey) alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available. It’s not possible to drink alcohol in Malé or anywhere else outside resorts.All bars are situated on resort island (no alcohol is available on Malé, though it is available on the nearby Airport island). Locals do not drink at all.

Regional drinks include: Sai (tea; a Maldivian favourite) and raa (toddy tapped from palm trees, sometimes left to ferment and thus slightly alcoholic - the closest any Maldivian gets to alcohol).

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 26°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 25°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April during the dry season when the weather is sunny with little rainfall. This period is ideal for water activities like diving and snorkeling. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in the Maldives are one of three types: the "Type C" European CEE 7/16 Europlug, the "Type G" British BS-1363 or the "Type D" Indian 5 amp BS-546. Most hotels today fit a Multi-Socket into the rooms and will provide adapters if not.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Republic of Maldives usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.