Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, Southwest of Sri Lanka, across the equator. (Geographic Location: 3 15 N, 73 00 E)
Maldives is five hours ahead of GMT, (GMT +5:00).
The capital of Maldives is Male'.
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The national currency is Rufiyaa (MRf). One United States Dollar(USD) is equivalent to 12.85 MRf (Maldives Monetary Authority buying rate) and this value doesn't vary much.
You do not require a Visa prior to arrival in the Maldives. All tourists from all the countries are granted a free 30 day visa on arrival. However, all the visitors need a valid travel document. If a passport expiry date falls within 30 days of arrival, tourists cannot extend their stay beyond the passport expiry date. Working / Employment under tourist visa is prohibited. Working visas are provided by the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports.
Sub-tropical, with two monsoons, hot, humid and dry in northeast monsoon (November to March) and rainy in southwest monsoon (June to August) Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
All the hotels in Maldives have an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other islands, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located on their own Private Island or small islands where only a few resorts exist along the waterfront areas, all offer a high standard of service.
T-shirts and other light cotton clothes are the most suitable. Nudity is forbidden in all areas and modest clothing of non-see-through material (especially for women) is recommended when visiting all inhabited islands.
Dhivehi - a language spoken exclusively by Maldivians, is the National language, but English is used widely in commerce and education. Also, most people working in the tourism industry are competent in Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese.
All major credit cards are accepted in the resorts and in the capital including, America Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card, Union Pay.
Normally, no vaccinations are required by the Maldives authorities. However, visitors should check with their carrier when making reservations, as health regulations may change without notice.
The Male' International Airport looks like an Aircraft Carrier from top. But actually, it's an island long and thin. This airport could be considered as the safest airport in the whole world. The reason behind this is that there is only one run way. Therefore, there is no possibility of landing 2 to 3 planes at once. One at a time is the airport's hidden policy.
We would recommend that you do not change any of your money into Rufiyaa. All the resorts and all the tourist shops accept US Dollars and it is better to take all your travelling money as US Dollars.
Tipping is not very common in Maldives. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not get tipped.
Nobody is allowed to bring in liquor to Maldives, unless he or she has a special import license for liquor, beer and related products. If somebody has bought liquor and beer and related items on his/her way to Maldives from a duty free center, then the products should be bonded in custom on their arrival to Maldives. And the goods will be released on their departure.
Furthermore, nobody is allowed to bring in liquor, beer or related products to the capital city(Male'). Thus, hotel's in the capital city will not offer liquor, beer and related products.
Voltage in Maldives is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location. An adapter is recommended for using appliances you bring with you. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.
Yes, Maldives is probably one of the safest places in the world and the only danger to be concerned about is a coconut falling on your head...do not stand under these trees if the wind is blowing harder than a gentle breeze. Though, the resorts trim their palm trees regularly and this shouldn't really be a problem worth worrying about!
The water is drinkable, and most hotels also offer bottled water.
If you desire, you can bring cigarettes (up to two cartons) and underwater case for your digital camera. And don't forget an extra bottle of your favorite suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses, water socks (reef walkers) and any common insect repellent.
