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)
|
|
0.082
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.081
|
Canadian Dollar
(CAD)
|
|
0.059
|
Swiss Franc
(CHF)
|
|
0.058
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.043
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
0.5
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
4.00
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
7.68
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
70.25
|
South Korean Won
(KRW)
|
|
0.23
|
Malaysian Ringgit
(MYR)
|
|
0.4
|
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
(RMB)
|
|
0.087
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
2.12
|
Thai Baht
(THB)
|
|
0.065
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
10% service charge, 8% Goods and Services Tax (to be levied on all services including accommodation, air transfers, food and beverage, activities and other services) and USD 8 bed tax per person per night regardless of age.
The GST will change from 8% to 12% on 1 November 2014. The Maldivian Bed Tax of USD 8 will no longer be applied from 1 December 2014.
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
Mostly Cloudy
Some sun, then turning cloudy
|
High:
|
31°C /
87°F
|
|
Low:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
Tomorrow
Intermittent Clouds
Nice with sun and areas of high clouds
|
High:
|
31°C /
87°F
|
|
Low:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Friday:
|
|
Thunderstorms
|
High:
31°C /
87°F
|
Low:
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Saturday:
|
|
Thunderstorms
|
High:
31°C /
87°F
|
Low:
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Sunday:
|
|
Intermittent Clouds
|
High:
31°C /
87°F
|
Low:
27°C /
80°F
|
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