10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Maldives

Maldives is everyone’s dream vacation, but like other countries in Asia there are do’s and don’ts you should know before you go. Here we’ve compiled the essential things you need to know before traveling to Maldives.

1. Visa requirements

No pre-visa arrival is required in Maldives. All nationalities get a 30-day free visa on arrival provided the following conditions:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
• Proof of onward or return travel (e.g., a confirmed flight ticket)
• Evidence of sufficient funds (approximately $150 per day) or a confirmed reservation at a resort, hotel, or guesthouse.
• A Traveler Declaration must be submitted electronically via the official IMUGA website within 96 hours before arrival or departure. Avoid non-government sites offering visa services, as they may be scams.
• Extensions up to 90 days are possible with proof of funds or a local sponsor, but stays beyond 60 days without authorization incur fines of 15,000 MVR or deportation.

I visited Maldives alone in 2018. I have a Philippine passport. My experience with immigration was smooth; I was asked to show passport and then I was able to go ahead with no issues.

2. What to bring to the country

Maldives is a Muslim country, and as such certain items are prohibited:

• Alcohol, narcotics, pork products, pornography, and religious idols are not allowed.
• You can declare restricted items (e.g., alcohol) at the airport, where they will be held and returned upon departure.
• Drones may be restricted or banned due to privacy concerns; check with your accommodation or local authorities before use.

What to pack:

• Lightweight, modest clothing for public areas.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and beachwear for designated areas.
• Cash in USD.

3. Currency

The Maldives uses Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted.

• MVR is non-convertible, meaning it can only be exchanged within the Maldives.
• Exchange USD to MVR at the Bank of Maldives in Velana International Airport’s arrival hall or at currency exchange counters in places like Hulhumale’s Newtown Inn. Avoid exchanging in Male due to long queues.
• Most establishments accept USD, but typically change is often given in MVR. I suggest changing a small note (such as $50) when you arrive and paying the rest of your purchases in dollars.
• Banks are strict about banknote condition—ensure USD notes are clean, unfolded, and undamaged.
• Keep your exchange receipt to convert remaining MVR back to USD at the airport’s departure hall after check-in.
• Declare cash amounts of $10,000 or more upon arrival.
• Taxes: Prices in restaurants and shops often exclude a 10% service charge and 16% GST. You should confirm whether taxes are included when booking or dining.

2025 Update: Some guesthouses and local shops prefer cash payments in MVR to avoid card fees, and exchange services remain strict about note condition.

4. ATMs and Credit Cards

ATMs are available at Velana International Airport, Male, Hulhumale, and several larger islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Gan. However, most private island resorts and smaller local islands lack ATMs, so bring sufficient cash.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted at resorts, hotels, and major establishments. A 3-5% card payment fee may apply on top of your bill.

Always carry some cash for small purchases, tips, or transactions on local islands.

5. Where to get tourist information

• An information desk is located in the arrival hall at Velana International Airport for basic guidance.
• For transfers, excursions, or local advice, it’s best to contact your accommodation directly. Resorts and guesthouses often arrange transport and activities.
• Online resources like Facebook groups, TripAdvisor, or travel blogs provide updated traveler insights.
• The Ministry of Tourism and X accounts like @MoTmv or @MaldivesJournal provide updates on weather, tourism statistics, and travel advisories.

When I visited Maldives in the past, I planned my own route (Gulhi Island → Maafushi Island → Fulidhoo Island). At the time of my visit there wasn’t any updated information online regarding transfers so I had to ask my booked accommodations for the schedules. It was a little worrisome but it worked out in the end.

Tip: Research ferry and speedboat schedules in advance, as they can vary, and confirm with your accommodation for accuracy.

6. Best time to visit

The Maldives has a tropical climate with average temperatures of 28-31°C year-round, so it can be visited all-year-round. There may be heavy rain showers any time of the year but they tend to be short, so you don’t have to worry about them.

• Dry Season (November to April): Peak season, with clear skies and calm seas. December to March is the busiest and most expensive.
• Wet Season (May to October): Expect occasional heavy but brief showers. August to September offers a balance of good weather and lower prices, as it transitions to high season.

Some people attest that August to September is the best time go to because it’s just starting to get into high season, so you can enjoy cheap prices and great weather. I went here on the month of June, and days were mostly cloudy with several hours of sunshine.

Recommendation: Visit in November or April for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, or August to September for budget-friendly rates and decent weather.

7. What to wear

Maldives being a Muslim country, as a general rule you should follow a conservative dress code on inhabited islands (e.g., Male, Hulhumale, and non-resort islands):

• Wear cover-ups and sarongs on your way to the beach.
• Bikinis and swimwear are allowed only on designated bikini beaches (e.g., on Maafushi), private resort beaches, picnic islands, sandbanks, or dive boats.
• Resorts and guesthouse may also have their own private beaches, gardens, or sunbathing terraces and may be more relaxed, but check specific rules.

In general, while some locals wear slightly less conservative clothing (e.g., shorts at thigh level), tourists should err on the side of modesty to avoid offending.

8. Alcohol consumption

Alcohol is prohibited in inhabited local islands, including the capital Male. However, you can still consume alcohol in private resorts, liveaboard boats, safari, or tour boats, which may offer alcohol for tourists. Just remember not to bring it back to your guesthouse.

In addition, in November 2014, Maldives enforced a vaping van, which includes all vaping devices and solutions, so do not bring these to the Maldives.

9. Business hours

Establishments in Maldives follow a business week from Sunday to Thursday, with limited or no operations on Fridays until after afternoon prayers (around 1:30 PM).

There are no public ferries on Fridays, except those operating in the capital area between Male, Hulhumale and Villingili. Still, services pause from 11:30AM to 1:30PM for prayers.

If you are visiting during Ramadan, expect reduced hours or closures during fasting times.

10. Budget travel to Maldives

Maldives can be affordable with careful planning:

• Stay on local islands (e.g., Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhiffushi) where guesthouses cost $30-100 per night, compared to $200+ at resorts.
• Use public ferries ($1-5 per trip) instead of speedboats ($20-50). Note that ferries don’t run on Fridays and have limited schedules.
• Eat at local restaurants on inhabited islands ($5-15 per meal) versus $30+ at resorts.
• Book group excursions (snorkeling, sandbank trips) through guesthouses to split costs.
• Bring a GRAYL water bottle to purify tap water, saving money and reducing plastic waste.
• Pay taxes and fees (e.g., 10% service charge, 16% GST) in cash (preferably USD) to avoid 3.5% card fees. Bring extra USD, as these cannot be paid online in advance.
• Book accommodations via Booking.com, Agoda, or directly with guesthouses for deals, and check X for recent budget tips.

Has our post on Things to Know Before Traveling to Maldives been helpful to you? If you have any questions or comments, let us know in the comment section below!

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• Maldives on a Budget
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