Common Travel Tips When Traveling in the Maldives

To make your Maldivian holiday comfortable, enjoyable, and hassle free, keep these useful travel tips in mind.

Before You Travel

Check entry requirements: Tourist visas are generally granted on arrival, subject to meeting the Maldives' entry requirements. Travellers should have a valid machine readable passport, confirmed return or onward travel, confirmed accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay. The Traveller Declaration must also be completed electronically through the IMUGA system within 96 hours before arrival. Always check the latest requirements before travelling.

Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, particularly if you plan to enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, water sports, or excursions by boat or seaplane.

Plan around the weather: The Maldives has a tropical climate throughout the year, with distinct wetter and drier periods. Weather conditions can affect sea transfers and outdoor activities, so plan accordingly.

Book accommodation and transfers early: Resorts, guesthouses, seaplane transfers, speedboats, and popular excursions can become busy during peak travel periods.

Check your transfer arrangements: Confirm whether your resort is reached by speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight, and check the permitted luggage allowance for your transfer.

Money & Payments

Currency: The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

Carry some cash: Keep some local currency or small amounts of cash for local islands, small shops, cafés, and other everyday purchases.

Cards: Major resorts, hotels, restaurants, and many tourism related businesses generally accept international credit and debit cards.

Resort charges: Resorts may add service charges and taxes to bills. Check your invoice carefully so you understand the total amount payable.

Keep receipts: Retain important payment and currency exchange receipts when appropriate.

Clothing & Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs: The Maldives is a Muslim country. Dress modestly when visiting Malé and inhabited local islands.

Resort clothing: Swimwear is generally appropriate within designated resort beach and pool areas. Follow the individual resort's dress guidelines.

Local islands: When visiting inhabited islands, cover shoulders and knees where appropriate and avoid wearing swimwear away from designated beach areas.

Respect religious places: Dress appropriately and behave respectfully around mosques and other religious sites.

Alcohol: Alcohol is generally available at tourist resorts but is not permitted on inhabited local islands. Follow local laws and resort guidelines.

Footwear: Comfortable sandals or lightweight walking shoes are ideal. Reef shoes can also be useful for snorkeling, water sports, and excursions.

Food & Drinking Water

Enjoy Maldivian cuisine: Try local specialties such as mas huni, garudhiya, fish curry, hedhikaa, roshi, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.

Drink safely: Bottled or properly treated drinking water is a convenient choice for visitors.

Resort dining: Resorts offer a wide variety of international cuisine, while local islands provide opportunities to experience authentic Maldivian food.

Getting Around

Speedboats: Speedboats are commonly used for transfers to nearby resorts and islands.

Seaplanes: Seaplanes provide a spectacular way to reach many remote resorts. Transfers are generally arranged by the resort and operate according to weather and daylight conditions.

Domestic flights: Some resorts and islands are reached by domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.

Allow extra travel time: Sea and air transfers can be affected by weather, sea conditions, and operational schedules.

Travel light: Check the baggage allowance for your resort transfer, especially when travelling by seaplane.

Health & Personal Safety

Protect yourself from the sun: Use high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lightweight clothing.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, particularly when spending long periods in the sun.

Mosquito protection: Insect repellent can be useful, especially when visiting local islands or spending time outdoors in the evening.

Keep valuables secure: Store passports, money, electronics, and other important belongings safely.

Follow water safety advice: Always follow instructions from qualified instructors and your resort when swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or participating in water sports.

Travel insurance: Make sure your policy covers the activities you plan to undertake.

Tipping in the Maldives

Tipping is a thoughtful way to recognize excellent service and thank those who make your holiday special.

Tips are commonly appreciated by resort staff, housekeeping teams, waiters, bartenders, spa therapists, guides, boat crews, and activity instructors.

Many resorts include a service charge in their bills, so check whether service has already been included before tipping.

Travel Tip: If you receive exceptional personal service, an additional tip is a welcome gesture and is always appreciated.

Marine Life & Water Activities

Follow your guide: During diving, snorkeling, fishing, dolphin cruises, surfing, and other water activities, always follow the instructions of qualified guides and activity providers.

Protect coral reefs: Never stand on, touch, or remove coral. Avoid collecting shells, marine life, or other natural materials.

Keep a safe distance from marine life: Do not chase, feed, touch, or attempt to handle wild marine animals.

Use reef friendly practices: Choose responsible operators and avoid activities that can damage coral reefs or marine ecosystems.

Check sea conditions: Weather and sea conditions can change quickly. Follow advice from your resort, guide, or boat crew before entering the water.

Sun protection: Remember that the reflection from the sea can increase sun exposure, even when the weather feels comfortable.

Photography & Drones

Photography: The Maldives offers spectacular opportunities for photography, from turquoise lagoons and coral reefs to sunsets and traditional island life.

Ask before photographing people: Always ask permission before taking close up photographs of local residents, particularly on inhabited islands.

Respect privacy: Avoid photographing people in sensitive or private situations.

Drones: Check current regulations and obtain any required permissions before operating a drone. Follow restrictions around airports, resorts, government facilities, and other sensitive areas.

Underwater photography: Avoid touching coral or marine life while taking photographs.

Respect Local Life

Be respectful: Take time to understand and respect Maldivian customs, traditions, and Islamic culture.

Learn a few words: A simple "Assalaamu Alaikum" is a traditional greeting that can be warmly appreciated.

Support local communities: When visiting inhabited islands, consider choosing locally owned cafés, restaurants, shops, guides, and experiences.

Respect the environment: Avoid littering and reduce the use of single use plastics wherever possible.

Protect the ocean: The Maldives' natural beauty depends on healthy coral reefs, beaches, and marine ecosystems. Help keep them clean and protected.

Useful Numbers

Keep important contacts available during your trip.

Police Emergency: 911

Tourist Police Hotline: 1478

Maldives Immigration: 1434

Ambulance / Medical Emergency: Contact your resort or local emergency services and follow the property's emergency procedures.

Travel Smart. Travel Respectfully. Enjoy the Maldives.

The best way to experience the Maldives is to travel with an open mind, respect local traditions, protect the marine environment, and take time to appreciate the unique beauty of each island.

Take your time. Meet the people. Taste the cuisine. Explore the islands. Discover the underwater world. Embrace the tranquility. Discover the Maldives.

Experience the Maldives. Experience Pure Paradise.