FAQ | Get Into Maldives

Frequently Asked Questions

About Maldives:

1. What is Maldives known for?

The country is known for their natural environment including the incredibly clear ocean, pristine white sand beaches, and abundant marine life. The weather of the Maldives is ideal for visitors to get engaged in underwater excursions and several types of water sports such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, fishing, windsurfing and kite boarding.

2. What is the weather like in Maldives?

Maldives has an average temperature of 30-degrees Celsius and has a tropical monsoon climate with two dominating seasons. The weather is mostly sunny and humid throughout the year and offers the most ideal weather from November to February. March to April comes at a close second and is also a wonderful time to visit, especially for surfers. Tropical rain showers during the wet season are expected from May to October.

3. How do I get around in the country?

There is a vast range of Transport options available in the Maldives that make it easy to travel. From Malé you can catch a speedboat transfer or sea plane to your Maldives resort. These can be arranged through the resort and upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a resort representative that will escort you to your resort. Resorts Islands do not have paved roads or cars, so walking is the main mode of transport. Bicycles are also offered by some larger resorts for guests.

4. What currency is used in Maldives?

The national currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa (MVR). Rufiyaa notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Most resorts, shops, service providers and hotels accept card or cash payments with Euro (EUR) and US Dollars (USD).

5. Do they have ATMs, can you use your credit card?

ATM machines are located all over the capital city Male and at the international airport. ATMs can rarely be found on resort islands, however. You can use your credit card for all purchases in your resort and they will normally charge everything to your room for payment at checkout.

6. Do I need a visa to travel to Maldives?

All travelers and visitors must be in possession of a valid passport no less than 6 months prior to expiration and the necessary travel documents. Passports are required for tourists visiting from outside of Maldives. Visitors with this documentation will be issued with tourist visas on arrival (VOA) for a period of 30 days, free of charge. Extension stays are available for a fee MVR 700.

7. What language is spoken in Maldives?

Dhivehi is the national language of Maldives. Maldivians are also fluent when it comes to English as it is used in education and commerce. People working in the tourism sector are well versed in many languages such as Italian, French, Spanish, German, and Japanese.

8. Is English spoken throughout Maldives?

It is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in island resorts and the capital city Male.

9. Is Maldives a family-friendly destination?

It might be famed for its romantic setting, but the Maldives makes just as good a holiday spot for families. The paradise islands are becoming increasingly popular for families, even those with babies and toddlers, wanting island-living at its best. The Maldives is reinventing itself as a family destination and now is the perfect time to go and experience something unforgettable.

10. What is the geography like?

The Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean, just across the equator. It consists of 1,192 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers north-south direction, spread over 90,000 square kilometers, only 298 square kilometers of that is dry land, making this one of the world's most dispersed countries. These atoll structures are formed upon a sharp ridge rising from the ocean, thereby creating their world-wide uniqueness.

Maldives is also the world’s lowest country, with maximum and average natural ground levels of only 2.4 meters and 1.5 meters above sea level. More than 80 per cent of the country's land is composed of coral islands that rise less than one meter above sea level. The reef is made up of both living coral and coral debris. The reefs of the islands, alive with countless underwater creatures and vibrant corals, acts as a natural barrier and protects the islands from wind and the ocean waves.
The bountiful waters of Maldives are home to many ecosystems. From bright coral reefs to 1100 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles, 21 species of whales and dolphins, 187 species of corals, 400 species of molluscs, and 83 species of echinoderms. There is an abundance of varied species of crustacean as well.

11. What is the capital?

Malé is the capital and most populous city in the Republic of Maldives. Malé is densely populated with over 282,871 people (2022 record) and an area of 9.27 square kilometers, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city is geographically located at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll (North Kaafu Atoll). Total population of Maldives is about 523,766 (recorded in 2022).

12. What is the time difference?

The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the GMT (GMT+5). However, some resort islands in the Maldives have their own time zone, so do not be alarmed if you discover that you have lost an hour or two on the way from Malé to your hotel. Many resorts are one or two hours ahead of the local time to make the most of the sunlight and staying at these places gives you more time to enjoy your day.

13. What is illegal in Maldives?

The importation of items such as explosives, firearms, weapons, ammunition, and drugs are illegal in Maldives. In addition to the importation of material deemed contrary to Islam such as pornography, pork and pork products, alcohol, idols for worship, bibles or any non-Islamic religious text is also illegal.

14. What are some dos and don’ts Maldives?

Dos:
• Try different Maldivian cuisines.
• Visit the local market and the fish market.
• Remember to take off shoes before entering a Maldivian house.
• Dress modestly when visiting a Mosque or religious site.
• Purchase some authentic Maldivian crafts.
• Visit an inhabited island to explore how the locals live and try some traditional Maldivian eats in the process.
• Be polite to people and when greeting smile.
• Try and learn a few basic phrases in Dhivehi.
• Tour around Malé and Hulhumale and snap lots of photos and selfies.
• Watch traditional and cultural 'bodu-beru' shows

Don’ts:
• The import of liquor or alcoholic products without a license.
• Purchasing or selling turtle shells and black corals or any protected species in Maldives.
• Involvement in possession or consumption of narcotic drugs.
• Smoking or consuming food during the holy month of Ramadan in Malé is a no go.
• littering the streets.
• Touching or picking corals when diving or snorkeling.
• Disposing of plastic bags into the sea as it can be hazardous.
• Sunbathing topless
• Strong public displays of affection.

15. Are there hospitals and medical facilities?

Maldives has a wide selection of medical and dental services, pharmacies, government hospitals and many private clinics in the capital city. Apart from that, most island resorts in the country have resident doctors or nurses and basic medical facilities are available.

16. Is there an Airport in Maldives?

Maldives already has 14 airports, including five international airports. These include: the international airports such as the Velana International Airport, Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Gan International Airport, Villa International Airport, Maafaru International Airport, and domestic airports at Baa Dharavandhoo, Raa Ifuru, Th Thimarafushi, Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, Gaaf Alif Kooddoo, Gaaf Dhaal Kaadedhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo, Haa Dhaal Kulhudhuhfushi, and Gn. Fuvahmulah airport.

17. What airport am I landing in?

You will arrive to Velana International Airport (Male airport, MLE), the main airport in the Maldives.

18. Will I be expected to pay tips?

Tipping is not common in Maldives. You cannot tip in the airport as it is prohibited to do so. At restaurants, tipping is discouraged because many have a 10% service charge added to their bill. Tip at your own discretion when here.

Transfers to Islands and Resorts:

1. How to get from Male Airport to a hotel or guest house?

You will need to take a sea cruise or a flight from the airport. A domestic flight, speedboat, or seaplane transfer – depending on where your resort is located – to get you out to your island paradise

2. How do I get from the airport to seaplane?

After landing you will enter the arrival hall where resorts and tour operators have their own counters or representatives. If you have booked a seaplane directly through the hotel, show your voucher, or find your tour operator if you booked a tour.
After checking your documents, the resort airport representative will point you in the right direction, or they will personally transfer to the TMA registration desk. After registering and unloading your luggage, you will be invited to a minibus with air conditioning, which delivers passengers to the TMA terminal.

3. What time is speedboat transfers?

Speedboats operate 24 hours per day and these transfers will be arranged by the hotel based on your arrival/departure time.
Available for those located close to Male Airport, speedboat transfers are designed for transportation on short distances (usually up to 2 hours). On arrival, you will be greeted by Male airport representative who will escort you to jetty for that luxury speedboat transfer.

4. What if I miss my transfer?

In the arrival hall of Male Airport, you may proceed to the contact counter of your hotel for further assistance. If there is no designated contact counter for your hotel, please call Booking/Agoda/Expedia Customer Support. The phone number is listed on your hotel voucher.

5. How do I arrange my return transfers back to Male Airport?

All resort transfers are roundtrip. Please ensure that both arrival and departure flight details are noted on your booking to ensure that your hotel arranges your transfers accordingly.

6. How do I know when my departure transfer is?

When the sad time comes for you to leave an island, the staff will inform you of your transfer times one day prior to your departure date. Once the Seaplane Company or the Domestic Airline finalizes the timings, a resort's staff will deliver a departure letter to your villa.

7. How long is the wait time for transfers?

Depending on the proximity of your chosen destination there may be some waiting time involved. Speedboat transfers are the best option for people who have no time to waste or are on shorter vacation days since they have their own transfers that can get you – depending on guest arrivals, there might be a wait time of 20 – 30 minutes, but that rarely happens. Seaplane transfers may have a wait time of up to an hour depending on arrivals as well since they group guests going to certain atolls together based on their international flight arrival or departure.

Room and Stay:

1. What is resort in the Maldives?

A Maldivian resort is a private island that contains restaurants, spa, tourist attractions, accommodation, and its amenities. The resorts in Maldives are self-contained as all that is required is imported from the outside world. This country is considered by many to have the best of the best when it comes to resorts and is a popular travel destination amongst top celebrities and travelers around the world. Maldives is also referred to as ‘Luxury Getaway’.

2. What is a Lagoon in Maldives?

In Maldives, the reefs form when corals grow in shallow water as fringing reefs close to the smaller islands. The corals will continue to push upward and outward well after the volcanic island is completely submerged. Over time, a lagoon forms between the corals and the sinking island and a house reef forms around the lagoon.

3. Is there a dress code?

Dress as you wish on the island as it is a very casual atmosphere in Maldives. In the Bars, Restaurants, and Reception, women are requested to cover up over a bathing suit (top and bottom) and men to at least wear a T-shirt and Bermuda style shorts. When visiting a local island, men and women should cover their shoulders and thighs and not wear anything transparent as public nudity is prohibited.

4. Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, Wi-Fi is complementary in most resorts and hotels. Some resorts only offer complimentary Wi-Fi in the primary areas of the property such as lobbies, restaurants, and bars and a considerable fee may be charged.

Food and Drinks:

1. What is Full Board/Half Board?

"Full Board" refers to breakfast, lunch, and dinner and "Half Board" refers to breakfast and dinner, only. These terms refer to your meal plan depending on the hotel you stay. In most hotels, meals are served buffet style and they would specify as to whether drinks will be included as well.

2. Is the tap water safe to drink?

Yes, it is. All the tap water found in Maldives island resorts are desalted and is produces at its own cleaning station at each resort. Most resorts supply purified drinking water to their guests free of charge and some cheaper ones make you pay for it.

3. Can I drink alcohol?

Legally, if you are 18 and not a Muslim you are allowed to buy and drink alcohol. Maldives is an Islamic nation and prohibits the consumption of alcohol for the local population.
Most resorts and liveaboard boats are licensed to serve alcohol, usually with a steep markup. The only place near Malé, aside from resorts, where people can drink alcohol is at the Hulhule Island Hotel, commonly known as HIH or the airport hotel.

4. Do the resorts cater for vegetarians?

Yes, they do. Some resorts in the Maldives offer options for vegetarians and vegans in their restaurants.
Since Maldives is a Muslim country, all meat is halal as well.

Excursions and Activities:

1. What are the most popular of the Excursions?

Sunset cruise, sandbank picnic, island hopping, surfing the waves of the Indian ocean, snorkeling boat trip – house reef, night fishing, dive with the manta rays or turtles, spot dolphins or whale sharks, visit a deserted island.

2. What are some popular watersports?

Maldives is renowned for its warm, turquoise waters perfect for activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. All kinds of other watersports including canoeing, sailing, deep sea fishing and water skiing are also quite common. You can go sunset fishing or even charter a yacht, with a captain and chef, to sail among the islands.

3. What is a House Reef?

The house reef is that area close to the island's vertical drop off where the coral begins to aggregate in a coral garden teeming with marine life and colorful fish. The shallow water enclosed by the house reef also serves as a large natural swimming pool and protects swimmers from the ocean waves and strong tidal currents outside the reef. It is a coral reef which separates the island and its lagoon from deeper water beyond the reef. Some are more accessible than others and can be easily reached direct from the beach - others can be reached by boat trip.

4. Can I go fishing in the House Reef?

No, fishing is not allowed on the resort reef in the Maldives. You can participate in fishing excursions by contacting your villa host and by visiting the reception.