Currency Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR). Reference exchange rate approximately 15.42 MVR per USD (verify before travel).
US Dollar The USD is the lingua franca: resorts, safari boats and almost all local islands accept it. Bring clean, unmarked notes.
Cards Visa and Mastercard accepted at all resorts, tourist restaurants and Malé shops. American Express has more limited coverage.
ATMs Plentiful in Malé and Hulhumalé, scarce on local islands, non-existent at resorts — everything is charged to the room.
Taxes A Green Tax of USD 6 per person per night at resorts, plus a 16% TGST on all consumption. Confirm whether your rate is inclusive.
Gratuities A 10% service charge is included on resort bills. An additional discretionary tip of USD 5–20 for villa butlers, instructors and porters is customary.
Visa Free on arrival for all nationalities, no prior application required. Initial stay of 30 days, extendable to 90.
Imuga Mandatory online travel declaration form, to be completed between 96 and 24 hours before both entry and exit flights. Free and takes five minutes.
Requirements At Malé immigration: passport, onward ticket and confirmed accommodation booking.
Passport Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Immigration rules change — verify before travel.
Documents Accommodation voucher, international travel insurance and return flight to hand for the immigration officer.
Yellow fever Certificate required only if travelling from an endemic country (Brazil, Colombia, Peru) or making a long stopover in one. Administer at least 10 days before departure.
Recommended Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, diphtheria and typhoid up to date. Travel health consultation six to eight weeks before departure.
Sun The highest health risk in the country. Extreme UV year-round — reef-safe mineral SPF 50 from the morning and a rash guard for snorkelling.
Insurance Essential with maritime and aero-medical evacuation cover: a rescue from a remote atoll can cost over USD 25,000.
Water Resorts use their own filtered water plants. On local islands, always drink sealed branded bottled water.
Seaplane Trans Maldivian Airways and Manta Air fly to resorts 50–250 km from Malé. Daytime only, USD 400–800 return.
Speedboat For resorts within 50 km of Malé. Operates day and night, always coordinated by the resort.
Domestic flight Maldivian and Manta Air connect Malé with the airports of the deeper southern and northern atolls.
Public ferry Connects local islands for under USD 5. Slow, no air conditioning — an option for time-rich travellers.
In Malé Fixed-fare taxis and local apps Pickme and Avas. The Sinamalé Bridge connects the airport to the capital in 10–20 minutes.
Official Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan language written in Thaana — a unique script that reads right to left.
English The working language throughout the tourism sector, spoken fluently from reception to kitchen. On local islands the level is lower but young people manage well.
Spanish Virtually non-existent. A Spanish-speaking guide is exceptional; CocoVolare arranges one on request.
Vocabulary Shukuriyaa (thank you) · salaam alaikum (formal greeting) · kihineh (how are you) · dhoni (traditional boat).
Detail Four words of Dhivehi on arrival and the service warms immediately. Curiosity about Latin America is genuine.
Islam An observant Muslim country. Outside the resort: no alcohol, no pork, no public displays of affection.
Dress Total freedom within the resort. On local islands, cover shoulders and knees outside the designated bikini beach.
Right hand Eat with the right hand at a local table. The left is considered impure, as in the Arab world.
Photography Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children. Only Muslims may enter mosques.
Nature Do not touch coral, collect shells or take sand. There are legal prohibitions and fines. Reef health is a national priority.
01 · Capital
Half day to 2 nights
