Travel FAQs

What should I wear in the Maldives?

Due to the hot weather all year around, t-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. Dress is generally casual. In Malé and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing. Nudism and topless sunbathing are prohibited in the Maldives, including on resort islands.

What should I take with me to the Maldives?

Take the prescription medicines you need and enough hair care and beauty items, cosmetics, contraceptives, feminine hygiene products etc to last for your trip as you might not visit a proper shop unless you visit Malé. Resort-island shops stock basic supplies and souvenirs.

If you have a spare pair of glasses, take them as replacing a lost pair would be difficult.

Sunglasses.

Plenty of good quality, high factor sun cream.

A torch may be useful to walking back to your room at night.

Photocopies of your personal travel insurance policy, air tickets and passport details. If you plan to take part in a spot of scuba diving, make sure your insurance policy covers it.

Seasickness pills if you are likely to suffer from seasickness

If you do forget anything, the shops in Malé are well-stocked and shopping locally helps the Maldivian economy.

Can I get married in the Maldives?

Visitors (irrespective of religion) wishing to get married in the Maldives cannot legally register their marriages in the Maldives. However, non-religious, purely ceremonial wedding events can be arranged by resorts for visitors upon request.

Please contact the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation for details on resorts that provide this service:

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation

3rd Floor H. Aage, 12, Boduthakurufaanu Magu

Malé, Republic of Maldives

Tel: +960 332 3228

Fax: +960 332 3229

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.visitmaldives.com

Can I marry a Maldivian while I am in the Maldives?

No. Your intention to get married to a Maldivian must be submitted in writing to the Department of Immigration and Emigration before your arrival in the Maldives.

What health facilities are available in the Maldives?

In Male’, there are two main hospitals - Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and ADK Hospital. These hospitals provide medical services to locals and visitors, and any taxi driver can take you to to them. All the doctors can communicate in English.

In addition to this, there is a large number of clinics that provide specialist and GP services around Male’. All inhabited island have a health centre, and all Atolls have larger regional hospitals. All resorts have their own medical facilities.

What banking facilities are available in the Maldives?

The national bank, Bank of Maldives has several branches in Male’ as well as other major population hubs such as the Male’ International Airport, Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll Kulhudhufushi and Lhaviyani Atoll Naifaru.

Several other regional banks also operate in central city, Male’, including the State Bank of India, Bank of Ceylon, and HSBC.

ATMs

Most banks represented in Malé provide automatic teller machine (ATM) services and credit card services at several key points in Malé.

Can I use my credit card in the Maldives?

Yes. Most cards such as American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club are widely accepted by resorts, hotels and souvenir shops.

What is the currency of the Maldives?

The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa. One Rufiyaa is 100 Laari and is available in 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Rufiyaa notes. One US Dollar is equivalent to 15.42 Rufiyaa. Visit Bank of Maldives Website for currency exchange rate details.

However, resorts tend to operate in US dollars, and dollars are accepted in many establishments in Male' and some local islands.

Please Note: Rufiyaa can only be exchanged in the Maldives. No Bank or Bureau de Change will convert to/from Rufiyaa in the UK. Please remember to convert any remaining Rufiyaa before departure from the Maldives.