FAQ Maldives
The Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate. Theoretically, it can be said that there is a dry and a wet season, but due to climate change, there is no specific division. The dry season is said to be from November to April. During the rainy season, rainfall, although violent and abundant, is short-lived. The air temperature is more or less the same throughout the year – they are approx. 32-34 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is approx. 28 degrees. The humidity remains at approx. 80%.
There are no mandatory vaccinations.
In the Maldives, Islam is professed on the basis of a constitution based on Sunni teachings. All citizens are required to adhere to Islam and non-Muslims are not allowed to be citizens of the Maldives. According to Sharia law in force here, alcohol is illegal in the Maldives, and its introduction to the islands is categorically prohibited (alcohol found is stored at the airport in a deposit that can be picked up at the departure).
It is strictly forbidden to bring alcohol. First of all, things considered violating the principles of Islam (objects of other cults and religions, pork and products derived from it).
This is prohibited due to European Union regulations. Breaking them may result in a really high fine. They can only be imported into China thanks to a special certificate, which is why you will find shells in souvenir shops.
A free 14-day visa is issued at the airport. However, please remember to present your hotel reservation confirmation at passport control.
When making a reservation with us, a hotel representative will be waiting for you at the airport and will help you find the right boat (or seaplane) that will take you to the island. There, the staff will help you with your luggage and in getting to the hotel.
It is important to talk to us about available transfer days and times when planning your trip. Depending on the island and the season, transfers are available once or at most twice a day, at a specific time, so it is so important that we know the exact time of arrival and departure.
Yes, all our hotels have free WiFi access.
At the airport you will find two operator stands (Dhiraghu and Oredhoo). Both companies offer the same package – 20GB for approx. 40USD valid for 14 days.
In the Maldives, the Maldivian rufiya is used – but it is recognized on an equal footing with the US dollar.
Due to the need to import most products, stores have a rather poor assortment. You can easily buy sweets, drinks, local specialties and fruit – prices will be around USD 1-2 for a large bottle of water, drinks and snacks. In local places you can drink fresh fruit juice or coffee for approx. 2-3 USD. A meal in such places costs USD 5-10, depending on your choice.
British sockets are available (three holes), but the hotels we offer usually have several types of sockets in the room, and you will find adapters at the reception. However, if you have a lot of things to charge (phones, cameras, power banks), we recommend taking your own adapters.
As in all of Asia, banks do not buy older banknotes (therefore, a hotel or shop may refuse to accept such a banknote). The same applies to those that have any defects – abrasions, scratches, bends, etc. It’s best to have nice new dollars with a blue stripe.
The most important will definitely be a cream with a high filter. The Maldives are located almost on the equator and the sun is merciless here, and its effect is further enhanced by the white ground that reflects the sun’s rays (it’s not quartz sand, but crushed corals). Plus a T-shirt and shorts – or the so-called dry suit, very useful when snorkeling – it’s treacherous to be in the water all the time when you don’t feel the sun – your shoulders and neck are most exposed during snorkeling, so it’s better to protect yourself 🙂 Don’t forget to take Panthenol with you for possible skin burns and a basic first aid kit depending on your preferences.
They happen, but they are not bothersome. There are always repellents in hotels, and if necessary, you can buy a cheap, good insect repellent in local stores.
No, there is no risk of malaria in the Maldives.
We recommend having cash with you – USD. In most hotels you can pay by card, but a commission for local banks is charged – 4%. When it comes to local shops, it is best to pay with local currency.
On some, yes, but you can ONLY withdraw local currency. Additionally, the commission for each transaction is approx. USD 7 regardless of the amount withdrawn. We recommend exchanging some (small) dollars at the airport – but in local stores you can also pay in dollars without any problems.
Theoretically, all hotels have snorkeling equipment, but we recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. Unfortunately, it is not so easy to adjust the perfect mask so that it does not fog or leak. It is best to purchase equipment before going to the Maldives.
The Maldives practically do not have their own crops (the exception is coconut) and they do not breed animals – all this means that their traditional cuisine is not extensive. Virtually all ingredients (except fish) must be imported, which results in quite high food costs. Dairy is practically non-existent, mainly due to very high temperatures and difficult storage conditions. However, this did not prevent the formation of a very tasty cuisine, based on tropical fruits, fish, coconut and countless very aromatic spices (the nearby Sri Lanka and India have their merits here). However, to meet the expectations of tourists, the owners of guesthouses even serve spaghetti. Don’t worry about your children – there will always be something delicious for them too 🙂
The basic rule is – we do not touch anything underwater – e.g. touching a turtle or manta rays. Firstly, it causes us to destroy their natural protective filter on the skin, which makes them sick and, above all, they stop coming to the place where they are found.
Secondly, we never know what is dangerous for us under water, some corals, fish, etc. have a defense system in the form of mucus, bites, etc. that irritate our skin.
Another rule is: we do not stand on the reef. Reefs in the Maldives (and around the world) are already in poor condition due to global warming. After all, it is a living organism, and if it breaks, the reconstruction process takes a really long time. The result, of course, is that more guests encounter a dead reef where colorful fish do not feed because they have nothing to eat.
In addition to the ever-popular fridge magnets (approx. $3-5), you can also buy coconut products, natural unrefined oil, and local sweets – e.g. those that look like cigars – coconut flakes wrapped in a banana leaf and with coconut syrup.
A local delicacy is smoked, dried tuna, which can be purchased in vacuum packaging.
You will also find a large selection of T-shirts, as well as traditional sarongs/pareos with traditional Maldivian patterns.