Maldives Travel Guide 🇲🇻
Everything a traveler should know before visiting the Maldives — islands, resorts, water villas, visas, budget & safety
🌤 Live Weather — Malé
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📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital Malé
🏝 Country Type Island Archipelago
💱 Currency Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
🗣 Language Dhivehi (English widely spoken)
⏱ Time Zone GMT+5
🔌 Plug Type Type D · G · J — 230V
Famous for: Overwater villas · Luxury resorts · Coral reefs · Honeymoon trips · Diving & snorkeling
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Visa on Arrival (for most nationalities) 30-day entry (extendable) Passport valid 6+ months Hotel booking & return ticket required- Travel insurance strongly recommended
- Yellow fever certificate required if applicable
- Immigration may ask for proof of funds
Proof of resort / hotel stay is usually mandatory at entry.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
☀️ Nov–Apr Dry season · best beaches
🌧 May–Oct Monsoon · cloudy skies
🐠 Year-round Diving & snorkeling
💰 Jun–Sep Cheaper resort deals
Water visibility for diving is best from Jan–Apr.
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget (local islands) — MVR 900–1,400 / ₹4,800–₹7,500 / $60–90 per day
- 🏨 Mid-Range — MVR 2,500–4,000 / ₹13,200–₹21,000 / $165–260 per day
- 👑 Luxury Resort — MVR 7,000+ / ₹37,000+ / $450+ per day
Water villas & private island resorts cost significantly more than local island stays.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Malé Maafushi Hulhumalé Vaadhoo (Sea of Stars) Ari Atoll Baa Atoll🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Speedboats connect nearby islands
- Domestic flights connect remote atolls
- Seaplanes used by luxury resorts
- Local ferries are budget-friendly
Transfers are often arranged directly by resorts.
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Main providers — Dhiraagu · Ooredoo
- Tourist SIM available at airport
- Strong 4G in resort & local islands
- Wi-Fi included in most hotels
eSIM availability varies — physical SIM preferred.
💵 Money & Payments
- USD widely accepted in resorts
- Cards accepted almost everywhere
- MVR cash needed on local islands
- Service charge often included
ATMs are limited outside Malé — carry some cash.
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Seafood curries
- Mas huni (tuna & coconut)
- Hedhikaa snacks
- Grilled fish platters
- Tropical fruits
Resort dining is expensive — meal plans can be cost-effective.
🎊 Festivals & Events
- Eid celebrations
- Islamic New Year
- Cultural island festivals
- Fishing & boating events
🛡 Safety & Common Scams
- Very safe for tourists
- Follow water activity rules
- Respect local culture on inhabited islands
Alcohol is only permitted inside resort islands.
🙏 Local Etiquette
- Dress modestly on local islands
- Swimwear allowed only in resort & bikini beaches
- Public affection discouraged
- Respect religious customs
🎒 What to Pack
- Light tropical clothing
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Swimwear & reef shoes
- Universal adapter
Sun is strong — carry SPF & hydration.
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Tropical & humid
- Warm all year
- Monsoon rains (May–Oct)
- Calm seas in dry season
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrival · Island walk · Sunset
- Day 2 — Snorkeling & reef tour
- Day 3 — Sandbank & dolphin cruise
- Day 4 — Resort / water villa experience
- Day 5 — Spa · beach · departure
🚨 Emergency Numbers
🚑 Ambulance 102
👮 Police 119
🔥 Fire 118
🧳 Tourist Help Resort / island offices
❓ FAQs
Is Maldives expensive?
Local islands are affordable — luxury resorts are costly.
Can I drink tap water?
No — drink bottled / filtered water only.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes — especially in resorts.
Is Maldives safe for tourists?
Yes — very safe with basic precautions.
🎟 Tours & Activities in Maldives
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