Organize your stay Maldives

Covid-19 : current situation Maldives

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Maldives. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information

Money Money Maldives

The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa, often reduced to its acronym of Rf or MVR. However, unless you go to a local island and make some small purchases in shops, you will not need local currency. Payments in island hotels, guesthouses or for travel are made in US$.

In November 2021, the exchange rate for 1 € was :

1 € = 17.68 MVR

1 € = 1,12 US$

Budget & Tips Budget & Tips Maldives

The Maldives are among the most expensive destinations. In addition to the price of the room, you have to add the price of the transfer to the islands, the price of the activities you will undertake, and the meals not included in your stay. Almost all hotels in the Maldives offer half-board or full-board packages, or even "all inclusive" (including alcoholic drinks). Some resorts even offer non-motorized activities. The rates are higher of course, but can be more advantageous if you intend to spend an active holiday. Generally speaking, resorts give their prices exclusive of tax. You will need to add 12% VAT, 10% service charge and US$ 6 per day per person for the green tax.

Small budget.It is necessary to count between 60 US$ and 75 US$ per day and per person to stay on a local island and to make a daily excursion (diving, sandbank, deserted island...). In an island-hotel, it is necessary to count at least 150 US$ per day and per person for a stay in half-board, without activities. The islands-hotels offering such low prices are often old-fashioned and far from the dream brochures, except for the landscapes.

Average budget. It is necessary to count between 200 US$ and 350 US$ per day and per person to stay in an island-hotel of category 3* or 4* in half-board. You must add at least 100 US$ per day if you dive.

Big budget. It is necessary to count between 400 US$ and 1 500 US$ per day and per person for a stay in an island-hotel 5*. Some resorts charge even higher rates and the cost of seaplane transfers can add to the total price of the stay

Passport and visas Passport and visas Maldives

A 30-day visa is issued upon arrival in the country, upon presentation of a valid passport, return or onward air ticket, hotel reservation or proof of sufficient funds to stay in the country.

Driver's license Driver's license Maldives

There are few islands where road traffic is possible. With the exception of Malé/Hulhumale and Addu, there are no roads or cars in the Maldives. Therefore, there is no reason to rent a car. For any movement in these islands, take a bike or a taxi!

Health Health Maldives

There is no particular health risk in the Maldives. Nevertheless, cases of chikungunya have been reported on the island of Addu. In any case, bring a good mosquito repellent. Tap water, if it is drinkable, is not for the fragile stomachs of Westerners. You will find bottles of drinking water in your room (spring water or desalinated water).

Mandatory vaccination Mandatory vaccination Maldives

The Maldives does not require any vaccination for entry into its territory. However, vaccination against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B are strongly recommended.

Security Security Maldives

The Maldives is one of the safest countries to travel to. If the political situation is not always stable, it has never had an impact on tourism. The country is considered so safe by its inhabitants that the police do not even carry lethal weapons.

Time difference Time difference Maldives

The time difference between France and the Maldives is 5 hours in winter and 4 hours in summer. When it is noon in Paris, it is 4pm in the Maldives in summer and 5pm in winter.

Some islands-hotels cheat on the time zone and practice an artificial time difference of one hour with the Malé time, in order to benefit from a later sunrise and sunset. This is particularly the case in some northern islands

Spoken languages Spoken languages Maldives

The official language of the Maldives is Divehi. It has its own script. But English is the most widely used language and the vast majority of Maldivians speak it.

Communication Communication Maldives

Telephone. The international code of the Maldives is +960. Check with your telephone company to find out the rates for making and receiving calls on your mobile. You can also get a local SIM card, which is very useful if you plan to travel to the inhabited islands. The Maldivian operator Ooredoo has a counter at the airport.

Internet. Internet coverage is excellent and the vast majority of island hotels and guesthouses offer wifi

Electricity and measurements Electricity and measurements Maldives

Maldivian sockets are of the English standard (three square plugs) and supply 240V. However, most of the hotels have a double electricity system, with European plugs. Resorts and even newer guesthouses also have USB sockets in the walls, so you can charge your electronic equipment. You will have no trouble getting an adapter from your hotel if you need one.

Luggage Luggage Maldives

The Maldives is in essence a destination where you can travel light. The tropical climate will encourage you to pack summer clothes, swimsuits and flip-flops. Some resorts offer themed evenings, so a smart outfit may be useful. The air conditioning is pushed to its maximum in some places (domestic flights, airports...) and a light sweater or a shawl will prevent you from catching a cold. Don't forget your sun cream with a very high protection factor and preferably waterproof, as well as a good mosquito repellent. Take your snorkeling equipment with you as it will quickly pay for itself.