Maldives Flights and Travel Guide

Language

Dhivehi is the national language. English is widely spoken in addition to German, French, Italian and Japanese, spoken by the resort staff.

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Money

The Maldivian Rufiya (MVR) is divided into 100 laari. The resorts in the Maldives are generally expensive and travelers should ensure they bring sufficient funds. There are no cash machines and travelers checks are rarely used, but there are foreign exchange facilities available at resorts and banks. Major credit cards are accepted at most resorts and hotels, however they should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud. U.S. dollars can be exchanged at the airport, banks or hotels. Guests staying at resorts can settle their accounts in hard foreign currency (U.S. Dollars are best), credit cards or travelers checks. Banks are usually closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Communications

The international access code for the Maldives is +960. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). No city/area codes are required. IDD facilities are available at all resorts and card phones are available on all inhabited islands. The major islands are coveredby the cell phone network; the local operators use a GSM 900 network, which is compatible with many international cell phone operators, but it is best to check whether your network has roaming agreements with the Maldives. Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunications Company provides cell phones for daily rental. Internet access is available in hotels and main tourist resorts.

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Tipping

Officially, tipping is not encouraged in the Maldives, but if the service is good it is customary to tip waiters and room staff in the resorts (unless a service charge has already been added).

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Safety

Crime levels are low but petty theft does occur. It is best not to leave goods unattended on the beaches or in hotel rooms.

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Health

Immunization against typhoid, hepatitis A and polio is recommended. Precautions should be taken to avoid sunburn and dehydration. There is a good private hospital on Male and first aid facilities are available on all the resort islands. Inthe event of diving emergencies, a decompression chamber is available. Food and water in the resort hotels is generally risk-free. Medical insurance is advised.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the two-pin flat blade plug and the round three-pin plug.

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