Travel tips · Maldives
Maldives travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
The Maldives is an Islamic republic, and life on its inhabited islands follows conservative Sunni Muslim customs: the call to prayer sets the rhythm of the day, Friday is the weekly holiday and alcohol is banned outside resorts. Resorts are self-contained bubbles where none of these restrictions apply. Dhivehi, written in the Thaana script, is the national language, and English is widely spoken in tourism.
Key facts
- Language
- Dhivehi and English
- Currency
- MVR
- Plugs
- Type D and Type G sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Resorts and guesthouses supply desalinated, filtered or bottled water; ask…
- Emergency
- 119 (police), 102 (ambulance)
Things to know
- On local islands and in Malé, cover shoulders and knees; swimwear is acceptable only at resorts and on designated bikini beaches.
- Alcohol, including in luggage, is prohibited outside resorts and liveaboards and will be confiscated at customs on arrival.
- Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public on local islands during Ramadan daylight hours.
- Many shops and cafés close briefly for each of the five daily prayers and on Friday around midday.
- Do not touch or stand on coral, and never take coral or shells; their export is banned.
- Book Ithaa Undersea Restaurant ahead: Seats are very limited; book well ahead, ideally when you book your stay.
- Pick a resort in North or South Malé Atoll reachable by speedboat to avoid the cost of seaplane transfers.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is added to most bills. Many guests also leave a cash tip in US dollars for room attendants, butlers, dive guides and boat crews at the end of a stay.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Assalaam alaikum | Peace be upon you (greeting) |
| Haalu kihineh? | How are you? |
| Shukuriyaa | Thank you |
| Aan / Noon | Yes / No |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing, swimwear and a rash vest for snorkelling. Pack a sarong or light trousers and a top that covers the shoulders for Malé and local islands.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type D and Type G sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Resorts and guesthouses supply desalinated, filtered or bottled water; ask before drinking from the tap.
- Emergency number
- 119 (police), 102 (ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Dhiraagu and Ooredoo sell tourist SIM cards at the airport; 4G covers most inhabited and resort islands, and resorts provide Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Indian/Maldives
Currents in reef channels (kandu) can be strong: snorkel with a buddy or guide and follow resort advice on where to swim. The equatorial sun burns quickly, and coral cuts heal slowly, so wear a rash vest and reef shoes.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Maldives's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Maldives?
A 10% service charge is added to most bills. Many guests also leave a cash tip in US dollars for room attendants, butlers, dive guides and boat crews at the end of a stay.
+Can you drink the tap water in Maldives?
Resorts and guesthouses supply desalinated, filtered or bottled water; ask before drinking from the tap.
+What plugs are used in Maldives?
Type D and Type G sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Maldives?
Dhivehi and English.