How Things Work in Maldives

Most resorts automatically add a 10% service charge, but small additional tips in USD are appreciated by housekeeping and boat staff.

Updated 2025-06

There are no roads between islands — transport is by seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight, with no rideshare apps available.

Updated 2025-06

Medical facilities are very limited outside Malé, and medical evacuation insurance is absolutely essential for all visitors.

Updated 2025-06

Islam is the state religion and its laws apply strictly — alcohol, pork, gambling, drugs, and LGBTQ relationships are all illegal on local islands.

Updated 2025-06

Police: 119; Ambulance: 102; Fire: 118; Coast Guard: 191.

Updated 2025-06

Swimwear is fine at resort beaches and private sandbanks, but on local islands you must cover shoulders and knees at all times.

Updated 2025-06

Alcohol is completely banned on all local islands and is only legally available at resort islands, liveaboards, and the international departure terminal.

Updated 2025-06

Bargaining is not a strong cultural norm — prices are mostly fixed, though some flexibility exists at Malé's local market and for boat hire.

Updated 2025-06

Photography is generally unrestricted at resorts and underwater, but always ask permission before photographing local women or mosques.

Updated 2025-06

Friday is the Islamic holy day — government offices close Thursday–Friday, while resorts operate all week and local shops reduce hours on Friday.

Updated 2025-06

There are no rideshare apps — in Malé taxis cover short distances, while speedboats and dhonis serve as inter-island transport.

Updated 2025-06

Do not drink tap water anywhere in the Maldives — bottled water is essential, and staying hydrated in the tropical heat is critical.

Updated 2025-06

Carry USD cash — resorts are mostly card-friendly but local islands and smaller guesthouses often require cash, and ATMs are scarce outside Malé.

Updated 2025-06

Buy a Dhiraagu or Ooredoo SIM in Malé or at the airport — resorts provide WiFi, but coverage thins out significantly on outer atolls.

Updated 2025-06

The Maldives uses 230V/50Hz — socket types are primarily Type D (Indian 3-pin) and Type G (British 3-pin), so bring an adapter.

Updated 2025-06

Overall scam risk is low, but fake resort websites, misleading guesthouse listings, and inflated airport speedboat prices do occur.

Updated 2025-06

The Maldives is one of the world's safest tourist destinations — violent crime against tourists is extremely rare and resorts are essentially private secured islands.

Updated 2025-06

The Maldives is a devout Muslim nation — respect religious practices, dress modestly on local islands, and avoid public displays of affection.

Updated 2025-06

Dhivehi is the national language, but English is spoken fluently throughout the tourism industry and in Malé — there is virtually no language barrier for tourists.

Updated 2025-06

The Maldives has some of the world's best beaches and snorkelling, but stingrays, strong currents, and swimwear rules on local islands require awareness.

Updated 2025-06

Tourists essentially never need to drive in the Maldives — resorts use golf carts, and all inter-island transport is by boat or seaplane.

Updated 2025-06

Resort food is excellent but expensive; local Maldivian cuisine centres on fresh tuna, coconut, and distinctive short eats available cheaply in Malé.

Updated 2025-06

The Maldives is 100% Muslim with no temples or churches — mosque visits require modest dress, and non-Muslims cannot enter during prayer times.

Updated 2025-06

The best time to visit is November–April (dry northeast monsoon), with December–March offering the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas.

Updated 2025-06

Stay at local island guesthouses on islands like Maafushi or Thoddoo to access the Maldives for USD 30–80 per night instead of USD 500–1,500 at resorts.

Updated 2025-06