The Republic of Maldives
comprises almost 1,200 islands and islets, located in and around 26 atolls.
Since gaining its independence from Britain in 1965, this unique country has flourished
as one of the world's leading luxury travel destinations.
The capital, Malé, receives
comparatively few visitors, but is well worth a visit if you have time between
connecting flights to or from Malé International Airport on neighbouring Hulhulé
Island.
Visas
No pre-arrival visa is required to enter the
Republic of Maldives.
A 30-day visa is issued free on arrival for
all nationalities, provided visitors are in possession of a valid passport, a
valid ticket out of the country and enough funds to cover the expenses for
duration of their stay in Maldives.
The official website of the Maldives Immigration
Currency
The national
currency in Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
MVR 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.24
|
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
|
|
0.07
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.07
|
Canadian Dollar
(CAD)
|
|
0.06
|
Swiss Franc
(CHF)
|
|
0.05
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.04
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
0.50
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
3.59
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
6.71
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
73.26
|
South Korean Won
(KRW)
|
|
0.20
|
Malaysian Ringgit
(MYR)
|
|
0.40
|
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
(RMB)
|
|
0.08
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
1.96
|
Thai Baht
(THB)
|
|
0.07
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
10% service charge, 6% Goods and Services
Tax (to be levied on all services including accommodation, air transfers, food and beverage, activities and other services) and USD8 bed tax per person per night regardless of age.
Tipping
Tipping is at the discretion of travellers.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
7.30am - 2.30pm, Sunday through Thursday
Office Hours
7.30am - 2.30pm (public), Sunday through Thursday (Government)
9am - 5pm, Sunday through Thursday (Private)
Shop Hours
9am - 12noon; 2pm - 6.30pm; 8pm - 10pm (2pm to 6.30pm on Fridays).
Public Health
The resort has its own in-house doctor and
decompression chamber in case of diving sicknesses. In case of emergencies that
cannot be treated at the resort, Hithadoo Regional Hospital in Addu Atoll is
equipped to provide medical treatment.
The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in
Malé is the biggest hospital in the country and provides sophisticated medical
care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private healthcare facility and has high
medical standards.
Dress
Dress code is generally casual. T-shirts and
cotton clothing are most suitable. In Malé, the capital, and on other inhabited
islands, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing.
Please be advised that the Republic of Maldives as an Islamic nation, and as such prohibits any form of public nudity.
Weather
The Maldives benefits from a
tropical climate with average daytime temperatures of 28°C (82°F) and above throughout the year.
Despite a close proximity to the
equator, humidity is low due to cooling sea breezes.
Today
Thunderstorms
Cloudy with a thunderstorm or two
|
High:
|
31°C /
87°F
|
|
Low:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
Tomorrow
Thunderstorms
Cloudy with thunderstorms, mainly early
|
High:
|
31°C /
87°F
|
|
Low:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Wednesday:
|
|
Showers
|
High:
31°C /
87°F
|
Low:
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Thursday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy with Showers
|
High:
31°C /
87°F
|
Low:
27°C /
80°F
|