Enjoying yourself Maldives
Timetable Maldives
In town, restaurants are generally open continuously from lunch until 11pm, or even midnight on Thursday and Friday nights. In the island hotels, each restaurant has its own opening hours. Gastronomic restaurants are often only open in the evening, with reservations. On Fridays at noon, all restaurants are closed between 11am and 2pm, so that Muslim employees can go to the mosque. In the island hotels, the buffets are generally less crowded on that day.
Budget & Tips Maldives
It is necessary to count about ten ruffias to make a complete meal in a Maldivian restaurant. The trendy restaurants in Malé are often a bit more expensive.
What costs extra Maldives
The bill always includes a 10% service charge. Nevertheless, a tip, even a small one, is always appreciated.
The local way Maldives
In local restaurants and kiosks, it is not uncommon to eat with your hands. Remember that you should always use your right hand. However, Maldivians are used to western ways and you will always have cutlery at your disposal.
To be avoided Maldives
Eating with the left hand is very much frowned upon in the Maldives. As in all Muslim countries, the left hand is reserved for impure actions such as intimate hygiene.
Kids Maldives
Children are always and everywhere welcome in the Maldives. They usually attract the kindness of waiters and table neighbours.
Smokers Maldives
Maldivians are heavy smokers. Smoking in enclosed spaces is theoretically prohibited. However, it is not uncommon in local island cafes for men to smoke inside. There are always tables outside for those who like to eat and smoke at the same time.
Tourist traps Maldives
Tourists usually go directly from the airport to their island-hotel. Few tourists visit the local islands (except for Maafushi) and your presence will be met with indifference at worst and curiosity at best.
Take a break Maldives
Timetable Maldives
Maldivian days never end late, except on the party islands. Cafes are open during the day and close in the early evening, except for the trendy places that delay closing time until 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Budget & Tips Maldives
You should expect to pay around MVR 35 for a coffee and MVR 20 for a soda. If you like to party, plan a stay in an all-inclusive island hotel, so you don't have to spend money at the hotel bar.
Age restrictions Maldives
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives on the local islands. However, it is allowed on the tourist islands. If you are staying on a local island, you may be able to go to a neighbouring island hotel (some of which allow outside visitors for a fee) to enjoy the bar. On the busier local islands, there are floating bars. A boat anchors off the island and alcohol consumption is allowed for foreign tourists. Do not try to bring alcohol to a local island or to the country. It is strictly forbidden.
What's very local Maldives
In the absence of alcohol in the local islands, Maldivians consume a lot of sodas. You can also find non-alcoholic cocktails in some western-style cafes.
Kids Maldives
Children are welcome everywhere you go. Be aware that women and children may be looked down upon in the traditional cafes of the small local islands, which are frequented only by the men of the village.
Smokers Maldives
Smoking is not permitted in enclosed public spaces. Maldivians are heavy smokers and men sometimes smoke in small traditional cafes. Cafés and restaurants almost always have a terrace where smokers are happy to sit.
Tourist traps Maldives
The Maldives is a very safe country. There are no particular tourist traps or scams in the country.
