How Does Scams to Avoid Work in Maldives?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Africa & Oceania
1The Quick Answer
Overall scam risk is low, but fake resort websites, misleading guesthouse listings, and inflated airport speedboat prices do occur.
2What You Need to Know
The Maldives has a relatively low scam culture compared to other tourist-heavy destinations, but a few specific risks exist. Fake resort booking websites mimic legitimate properties and take payments for non-existent bookings — always book directly through official resort websites or established OTAs. Guesthouse photos online sometimes dramatically misrepresent the actual property. Airport touts can inflate speedboat transfer prices for newly arrived travellers unfamiliar with standard fares.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Book resorts and guesthouses only through official websites or reputable platforms like Booking.com or Expedia — verify the resort exists on the official Maldives tourism registry.
- 2Agree the speedboat transfer price in writing (or via the resort's confirmation email) before leaving the airport.
- 3Read recent reviews on TripAdvisor or Google specifically mentioning room conditions and photo accuracy before booking local guesthouses.
Important Warning
Fraudulent resort booking websites are a growing problem — check that payment pages use HTTPS and verify the resort directly by email or phone before paying.
How does this compare?
Scams to Avoid rules in nearby and similar countries:
ATM card-swapping scams, fake police, 'helpful strangers', and overcharging are the most common tourist scams — stay alert especially in Johannesburg CBD.
New Zealand has an extremely low scam culture and is one of the world's most honest commercial environments — fixed prices apply everywhere.
The 'friendly stranger' diversion, fake tour operators, airport taxi overcharging, and counterfeit currency are the most common tourist scams in Kenya.
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More About 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
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