USEFUL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. It is an archipelago consisting of around 26 atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. The geography of the Maldives is defined by its stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches.
SIZE
The Maldives has a relatively small land area compared to many other countries, with its landmass spread across approximately 298 square kilometers (115 square miles). This makes it one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of land area.
LOCAL TIME
GMT+5:00
CURRENCY
The currency in Maldives is Maldiviyan Rufiyaa or MVR. However the services of the resorts are priced in USD. Hence, there is no requirement of exchanging currency. In fact, it is advisable to convert a minimal amount of your money to MVR as you won’t have much use for it and might have to sell it back at a much lower rate. Major international credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and Amex are accepted here.
PHONE AND INTERNET
You can expect sound telephone coverage and internet in majority of the atolls. It is a good idea to buy a prepaid SIM card on arrival which will save you the hefty roaming charges during your stay in the country. You can get local sim cards at the airport or we can arrange it for you at a nominal cost.
Most hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi. However, your local sim will come with internet service as well. Global roaming is also accessible.
Telephone code: +960
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage is 230-240V, 50 Hz. Plug types with 3 round pins (type D) or 3 rectangular pins (type G), are the most common. It is recommended that you bring appropriate converters for your electronics if necessary.
VACCINATION
Maldives does not typically require specific vaccinations for entry, except for a Yellow Fever vaccination if you were traveling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. It is strongly recommended to check with official sources such as the Maldives Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
LANGUAGE
The language spoken in the Maldives is called Dhivehi, also known as Maldivian. It is an Indo-Aryan language and is the official language of the Maldives. Due to the increasing connectivity and tourism in the Maldives, English is widely spoken across this island country.
FOOD AND WATER
To be safe, we recommend drinking only bottled or mineral water. Bottled water is available even in small roadside shops. Do make sure that the bottles are sealed and not broken.
The cuisine of Maldives is influenced by Sri Lanka and South India. Every dish is rich in spices, chilies, and coconut flavors. Rice is staple here along with fish broth. Seafood is in abundance and made in various ways. All the resorts serve International cuisines as well as local delicacies.
SHOPPING IN SRI LANKA
There isn’t much to shop in the Maldives. For a more local experience, you can buy local artefacts such as lacquer works, dhoni crafts, wood carvings, mat weavings, coconut shell items, coir ropes, and perhaps clothes.
SAFETY
Maldives is a tourism driven economy and is generally a safe destination for travellers. The locals are very helpful and respectful towards travellers. However it is crucial to stay informed about the current situation, exercise caution, and respect local laws and customs. However, as with any international travel, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and vigilant of their personal belongings.
TIPPING AND GRATUITIES
Tipping is always at your discretion, although it is usual to tip guides, drivers, porters, as well as anyone who provides a direct service. We can give you a guideline to help you determine how much and when to be prepared to tip.
PEOPLE
The people of the Maldives, known as Maldivians, have a rich history and vibrant way of life deeply intertwined with the ocean and their surroundings. Maldivian culture is a blend of South Asian, African, and Arab influences, shaped by centuries of maritime trade and interaction with neighbouring countries. Given that the Maldives is composed of around 26 atolls made up of over 1,000 coral islands, the ocean is an integral part of Maldivian life. Maldivians are known for their warm hospitality and close-knit communities.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Given the absence of extensive road networks and the abundance of water bodies, transportation is heavily reliant on boats, ferries, and seaplanes. Dhonis are traditional Maldivian boats used for various purposes, including transportation. Speedboats are a faster mode of transportation between islands. They are commonly used by resorts to transfer guests from the main airport to their respective destinations. Public ferries are a crucial transportation option for locals traveling between inhabited islands. Seaplanes are a unique and scenic way to travel between islands. They are often used to connect travellers between the main international airport in Malé and the more remote resort islands.
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL
We recommend travellers to obtain international travel health and accidental insurance. Having medical and accidental insurance is highly advisable in order to obtain the best services and healthcare during your trip, should you need any.
Since the pandemic, all resorts have one medical clinic, which works the same way as all private clinics do. Visiting guests may book appointments or walk-in to get a consultation with the medical officer.
For serious medical conditions, there are two hospitals in Male – the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and the ADK private hospital.
