North & South India & Maldives Holiday

Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

EATING – In India, people often eat with the right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and is generally not used to eat or to handle food and money.

FEET – The soles of your feet pointing towards someone is considered offensive, so care should be taken not to do this. In the same vein, feet should not be placed on furniture. If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, it is common practice to apologize. It is also customary to remove your shoes when entering a private home in addition to places of worship and burial.

GARLANDS – If you are given a garland of flowers, remove it after several minutes to demonstrate your humility.

GREETINGS – The Indian greeting is to put your hands together in front of your chin (as for praying) and incline your head forward, saying "Namaste".

LANGUAGE – The official language of India is Hindi in the Devanagri script. The individual states are free to decide their own regional languages for internal administration and education, so there are 18 official languages spoken throughout the country. English is widely spoken in India.

PERSONAL SPACE – India is densely populated and people are accustomed to being crowded. However, except in packed buses, strangers avoid touching each other. Cross-gender touching is especially offensive, although it is not uncommon to see same-sex friends holding hands or hugging.

RELIGIOUS PLACES – Most temples and mosques prohibit shoes inside the building and signs are sometimes posted when this is the case. Some Hindu temples do not permit non-Hindus to enter. A visitor should ask if there is any doubt and observe other visitors for guidance. In Sikh temples, called Gurdwaras, head coverings for both men and women are required (and sometimes provided). Priests in Gurdwaras also offer the visitor blessed food, which should be accepted with both hands to avoid giving offense. The food should either be eaten or given to someone else. It is customary to enter any religious place with the head slightly bowed.

STREET SCENES – Guests will have expectations of poverty before arriving in India, but unless you have previously travelled to a developing country, it is hard to suppress one's shock. You will encounter people, including children, begging in the streets. You will see street scenes which may be unusual, including animals sifting through garbage in the streets. You will also see prosperity and middle class living. Being prepared for these different experiences will better enable you to enjoy your exploration through this colorful, vibrant and hospitable country.

TELEPHONE/COMMUNICATION

Telephone calls to almost all the countries are now direct, with quality service comparable to international standards. Direct dialing is possible between almost all the cities/towns within India. Where a direct dialing facility is not available a call may have to be made through an operator. Fax and Telex facilities are now ubiquitously available. It is also possible to send e-mail messages from a lot of hotels and from cyber cafes at a certain cost. Postal services in India are good and stamps can be bought at hotels.

It is possible to purchase a prepaid sim card(available as normal and micro sim) on arrival at airports. Guests have to produce a copy of their passport and 2 passport sized photographs to obtain the same. After purchase the services are started within 24 hours post verification formalities.

SHOPPING

Extraordinary patience, talent and imagination goes into the making of Indian products, whether dazzling silks, hand knotted carpets, bronze statues of Hindu gods, jewellery, shoes / sandals, handbags, men's and women's clothing, musical instruments or perfumes. The list is inexhaustible and the prices reasonable. Each region of the subcontinent has its own specialties. The bazaars are the places to find the best bargains, but one must be prepared to haggle. It would be prudent to remember that if the shop / emporia undertake to export purchased goods, it invariably takes a much longer time for them to reach than indicated at the time of purchase. It is forbidden to export recognized antiques over 100 years old. It is advisable to keep the sales receipts to convince the Customs Officers.

Distant Frontiers has done an extensive research to find out authorized sellers (and makers) of the handicraft items all over the country. We maintain a list of such shops per city. During or after the sightseeing tours our Guides and Escorts might suggest you to visit such a shop in case any particular souvenir or general shopping interests you. This suggestion is not to be construed upon as an insistence to visit such an enterprise since it is at your discretion to choose to or refuse to visit our designated shop in any city.

NIGHTLIFE

India's nightlife ranges from traditional bars, coffee shops, grunge or alternative lifestyle bars and restaurants, to futuristic looking discos, clubs and lounges. Most clubs prefer their guests to arrive in pairs.

a) Closing time – In most cities in India, nightlife is early to start and early to end because of the closing times in place. While Mumbai may have the largest selection of nightlife venues, come 1.30 a.m. they're all starting to close for the night. With a few exceptions, the scene is similar in Delhi and even worse in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad which have 11-11.30 p.m. closing times. Dancing is officially banned in Bangalore but most of the night spots have Dj’s performing to recorded music. There are special performances on Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday. Surprisingly, the nightlife in Kolkata offers the most for late night party people, since there is no curfew in place like the other cities, enabling bars and clubs to stay open until the early hours of the morning.

b) Legal drinking age – The age for the legal consumption of alcohol varies across the different states in India. In Delhi, it remains at 25 years, despite on-going discussions about lowering it. India's coastal town of Goa has the lowest legal drinking age of 18, along with Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Elsewhere it's generally 21 years. Gujarat is known as a "dry state", where alcohol is illegal without a permit.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Visitors to India find varied subjects for photography however these formalities in respect of photography need to be adhered to: Special permission of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, is required for use of tripod and artificial light on monuments. Special permission is required for any photography for the purpose of publicity and commercial use. Photography is prohibited in tribal areas. Taking photographs of airports, railway stations, bridges, military installations and from the air is prohibited. Costs incurred for photography are at your expense. Your guide will advise you of all known camera related fees and rules for each city travelled.

VISITING PLACES OF WORSHIP

Removing one's shoes before entering temples, mosques or Gurdwaras (Sikh Temple) is essential. Avoid taking leather goods of any kind (bag, belt etc) and cigarettes into places of worship, as these are often not permitted. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops in places of public worship.

VISA FORMALITIES

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa. Nationals of Bhutan and Nepal are exempted from applying for the Indian Visa if they enter India through their own respective country.

Immigration check is carried out for all passengers at the port of arrival in India. The Foreigners arriving in India are required to furnish true particulars in the Disembarkation Card (Arrival Card) as to his name and nationality, his age, sex, place of birth and address or intended address in India.

e-Tourist Visa Facility is available for holders of passport of following countries / territories : - Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, China, China – SAR Hongkong, China - SAR Macau, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Turks & Caicos Island, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City–Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam.

Please visit the website of Bureau of Immigration, India for more details : http://boi.gov.in/

After customs you will be greeted by our Airport Representative, who will be holding a paging board with your name. Please move very slowly so that you can spot our Airport Representative in midst of the crowd. In the rare event that the our Airport Representative cannot be located, please contact the Distant Frontiers emergency number mentioned in the contact details. This procedure will be followed for domestic flights as well, which however, does not involve customs and immigration counters.

CUSTOMS & DECLARATIONS

You should familiarize yourself with India's specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. For details please visit India's Central B o a r d o f E x c i s e a n d C u s t o m s a t www.cbec.gov.in/travellers.htm

Any person can bring into India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit. However, declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required to be made in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases:

(a) Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5000/- or equivalent.

(b) Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveller cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000/- or its equivalent.

VISITING RESTRICTED AREAS

A person visiting India requires, in addition to an entry visa, special permits to visit certain areas of across the country. The North Eastern Frontier states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh are out of bound for foreign nationals. Travellers, who intend to visit the restricted areas, must apply for a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs, at least four weeks in advance.

CURRENCY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The official currency used in India is called the Rupee and notes (Bills) are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 2000 Rupees. Banks, hotels, and authorized moneychangers can exchange foreign currency for rupees. Receipts (called “encashment certificates”) should be retained, as these will enable you to reconvert the balance into dollars, or any other foreign currency, when you leave the country, provided the receipt is no more than 30 days old. Most large cities have ATMs that accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding, and in some Indian states you can find them in smaller towns. International Airports have currency exchange booths that are always open for arriving or departing overseas flights.

TIPPING

It is usual to tip the waiters, porters, guides and drivers. Tips are not included in the bills of hotels, transport companies or any other suppliers. At hotels and restaurants, about 10% of the bill total is usually acceptable as a tip. For establishments that have a service tax or charge included in the bill, a separate tip may not be required.

An approximate guideline would be as follows:

Porters - Rs. 100 per piece of luggage

Drivers/Guides - Rs. 500 per half day

Drivers/Guides - Rs. 700 per full day

Reps at Airports & Railway Stations - Rs. 200 per service

Driver for outstation -Rs.500 per day (for trips minimum 2 pax)

Helper in Tempo & Coaches - Rs. 200 per day

CREDIT CARDS

Major Credit Cards are accepted at larger establishments in major towns and cities. When making a purchase, we would caution you against allowing your Credit Card to be handled outside your direct visual supervision and recommend that you double check your charge-slip entries and amounts.

PAYMENTS

All foreign nationals must pay their hotel bills in foreign currency (Cash, Traveller's Cheque or by Credit Card). The bill can be paid in Rupees, provided the visitor has a receipt to show of the currency exchange.

INDIAN TRAINS

Indian trains range from Passenger trains that stop at all stations to Mail / Express / Superfast trains which stop only at major stations. Apart from these there are specialised trains with better facilities which run faster such as Rajdhani / Duronto / Shatabdi / Jan-Shatabdi. Recently a few 'No-frills' air-conditioned trains have also been introduced by Indian Railways for the general masses which are called Garib Rath and Yuva.

We recommend that you travel in trains having air-conditioned coaches in them, for convenience and comfort. Air-conditioned coaches have four classes

– 3 Tier AC ; 2 Tier AC, and 1st class AC, (suitable for overnight travel). You can travel in AC Chair Car or Executive Class for travel which commences and terminates on the same day, which are available in Shatabdi or Jan-Shatabdi trains.

Most Railway Stations are extremely crowded and you may feel disoriented when you disembark at the end of a train journey. We request you to wait at the disembarkation point where your train carriage comes to halt until our staff member or local representative establishes contact with you. This will normally be within 5 minutes of your alighting from the train.

Vaccinations are not mandatory but you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country. These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey. We highly recommend that you check with your physician to verify your particular needs. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends several vaccinations for travellers going to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

Guests should bear in mind that the infrastructure in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

It can also be quite warm when sightseeing, but using sun protection, including wearing a hat and sunglasses, and drinking lots of water can help minimize the impact of the weather.

Always keep a mosquito repellent with you and be sure to pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.

Public toilet facilities are rare. You are encouraged to take every opportunity to use a clean toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants. Most hotels catering to an international clientele provide western style restroom facilities.

CRIME & THEFT

India is not particularly more dangerous than the West. Most deluxe hotels have lockers to keep ones valuables, but one has to be cautious with valuables when outside. Violence against foreigners is virtually unheard of, provided basic precautions are taken like anywhere else.

INSURANCE

It is always advisable to obtain good travel insurance to cover any unforeseen incidents. Do keep a copy of your policy separately as a safeguard.

Indian food is as varied as the country itself, with every region having its own mouth-watering specialties. It therefore, does not always have to be “hot” nor can any one dish be labelled a “curry”. Most dishes with a gravy are normally called curries but are prepared with a different 'masala' or combination of spices containing among other things coriander, cumin, garlic, onions ginger, turmeric. Additional seasoning which adds to the flavour and richness of meat dishes is called “garam masala” and is made from different combinations of a variety of spices like cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves cinnamon, bay leaves, saffron and mace. The very aromas and flavours that drew the West to the Indian shores.

For an Indian, a drink with a meal usually means water! Imported wines and liquors are now available reasonably easily though not in great variety. The quality of Indian wines is improving steadily and is almost of international standards. Indian beer and rum are considered excellent, while gins and vodkas are good, the Indian whisky is an acquired taste. Gujarat is the only dry state in India at present. However, foreigners visiting India can obtain liquor permits either from embassies / missions / tourist offices abroad or at a Government of India Tourist office at Bombay, Delhi, Madras or Calcutta.

Drinking water could be a problem in India, and apart from the flasks of water in the hotel rooms, tea/coffee, mineral water and bottled aerated drinks, one should use purifying tablets. If one is out sightseeing or on an excursion it may be a good idea to carry a bottle of mineral water or to consume aerated soft drinks through a straw.

DINING

Most hotels offer a choice of cuisine in their restaurants. In the metropolitan cities, we would be pleased to recommend suitable restaurants outside your hotel. Meals in remote areas and wildlife parks will invariably be table d'hote. We suggest you avoid undercooked meal OR vegetables, eat fruit you can peel and make sure fresh fruit has been washed in bottled water. We strongly recommend that you drink only bottled water during your travel through India. Always wash your hands before and after eating.

Minor stomach ailments are the most common affliction of visitors to India. It is a nuisance and can dampen your enjoyment of the trip for a few days, we suggest you to carry water sterilizing tablets and medicines for possible stomach upsets or indigestion. Most hotels have a doctor on call to attend to your immediate medical needs.

The climate in India varies depending on the location and time of travel. In northern India, the weather during the late fall and winter months of October through March is dry with temperatures averaging 7 °C (45 °F) in the early morning and evening, and 21 to 25 °C (70 to 75 °F) during the day.

TIME ZONE

All cities in India are located in the same time zone, GMT + 5 hours, 30 minutes.

When packing for travel to India, we suggest you select a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. In India, delicate fabrics do not stand up well to laundering facilities except at deluxe hotels. Plain cotton or cotton and synthetic blend clothing is the most practical and is the coolest in summer. It is best to avoid synthetic fabrics that do not “breathe”. A hat with a wide brim will help protect you from the harsh sun. During the fall season, a collapsible umbrella comes in handy. During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are necessary.

We advise you not to dress in shorts, mini-skirts or tank tops unless you are on a beach. In small towns and cities, people may tend to stare if you expose too much skin. Most Indians dress in modest clothing. To respect Indian sensitivities when in public, we recommend that women wear skirts below the knee or longer or relatively loose slacks. Avoid wearing sleeveless blouses and tight pants. Young women and teenage girls, especially those dressed in tight or short dresses, may attract undesirable attention. Men should avoid going shirtless; trousers are preferable to shorts. However, shorts and sleeveless tops and blouses are perfectly acceptable attire in the warmer, tropical areas.

When visiting places of worship, women are not allowed to enter with bare shoulders, short pants or short skirts; a long skirt, dress, or slacks are recommended. A scarf is acceptable to cover shoulders if a woman is wearing a sleeveless top. Head covering is required at some of the places. Men should also dress appropriately for a holy sanctuary. Shorts are discouraged. All visitors will be required to remove their shoes in temples and mosques.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Airlines have adopted stricter policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind. On the Domestic front, many carriers require Checked Baggage not exceeding a weight of 15 kgs per person in the Economy class. Only one piece of hand baggage per person is permitted. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, it is advisable to check with the Airlines beforehand about it. Distant Frontiers cannot be held liable for variance in the weight limits listed by Airlines. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Economy Class travellers.

AIR INDIA

First Class 40 Kgs (88 lbs)

Executive Class 35 Kgs (77 lbs)

Economy Class (Y,B,M & H) 20 Kgs (44 lbs)

Economy Class (K,Q,V,W,G,L,U,S,T,X & N) 15 Kgs (33 lbs)

JET AIRWAYS

Jet Airways and JetKonnect have revised the free baggage allowance to 15 Kgs in Economy for travel within India for tickets issued / reissued on / after June 5, 2013 for travel effective June 5, 2013.

Spicejet 15 Kgs

Indigo 15 Kgs for Economy

GoAir 15 Kgs GoSmart & GoFlexi / 35 kgs on GoBusiness

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

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in India 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. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

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: No 

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.