MaldivesThings to Know

How long can you vacation in the Maldives?

On arrival, you’ll receive a 30-day tourist visa, which can be extended up to a maximum of 90 days.

Do I need to tip in the Maldives?

There is no fixed tipping culture in the Maldives. Many restaurants, tour agencies and other services frequented by tourists include a ‘service tax’ instead of a tip. A small tip for your hotel staff is appreciated, however, and can be left in USD, EUR, or local currency. 

What currency does the Maldives use?

The Maldives uses the Maldivian Rufiyaa, which trades at about 15 to 1 USD. It’s best to have some local currency on hand for smaller transactions, and easy to change USD once inside the country.

How much is a Maldives vacation?

The Maldives is a luxurious destination offering a unique archipelago experience, and its price tag certainly reflects that. Expect to pay around $650 per person per day for an island-hopping vacation with seaplane or speedboat transfers, deluxe or first-class accommodations with all meals included, and a unique experience or two such as dining at an underwater restaurant. That being said, there is a lot of flexibility and variety between Maldives resorts and between seasons, so discuss your needs and expectations with a Destination Specialist.

Can I drink tap water in the Maldives?

Tap water in the Maldives is perfectly safe for washing, bathing, and brushing your teeth, but visitors are advised to stick with bottled water for drinking.

What is so special about the Maldives?

Once a destination known only to serious surfers and divers, luxury resorts in the Maldives today rank among the best in the world. It is a popular honeymoon destination ideal for either a relaxing beach holiday, sustainable water sports, or uniquely memorable experiences such as fine dining underwater and seeing ocean life such as whale sharks in the wild. The Maldives also offers a unique blend of Arab, South Asian, and seafaring cultures for those eager to go beyond their resort. It’s still a top-notch surfing and diving destination too.

Is tourism sustainable in the Maldives?

With extremely low elevation, the Maldives is sensitive to the effects of climate change and visitors are encouraged to do their part. Choose eco-friendly resorts and transport options such as seaplanes or boats, explore on foot or by bike once you arrive, and keep a respectful distance from any animals you see in the wild, including rays and whale sharks. Support small, local businesses when choosing souvenirs, and remember to take nothing from nature and leave nothing but footprints when it’s time to go home. 

Is the Maldives LGBTQ+ friendly?

Unfortunately, the Maldives remains deeply restrictive when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Tourists are unlikely to experience discrimination first-hand, but discretion is advised. Homosexual acts and changing gender both remain illegal and attract a possible prison sentence. Relatively few Maldivians are accepting of LGBTQ+ identities, though those in the tourism industry will most likely turn a blind eye. With these conditions in mind, it is up to each individual traveller to decide how comfortable they are visiting the Maldives.