Do I need cash in Maldives?

The currency used throughout the Maldives is Maldivian rufiyaa however the Euro and the US dollar are also widely accepted. All major credit cards can be used at resorts, restaurants, and shops in Male and several other islands. Withdrawing money from ATMs is not usually possible.



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Make sure you bring sufficient funds. On some islands cash machines can be scarce. Travellers' cheques are not widely used. Major credit cards are accepted at resorts and hotels.

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Currency Exchange
Bring a credit card and US dollars traveler's cheques. Most hotel and travel expenses will be billed in dollars, so there's no point in incurring extra conversion costs. Some cash in small denomination US dollars is useful for tipping and to change into rufiyaa for use in local shops.

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Maldives transporting cash amounting to 10,000 (ten thousand) United States Dollars or more, or its equivalent in Rufiyaa or foreign currency, shall be required to report the said amount to the Maldives Customs Service under Section 24(a) of Law no.

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Considering this, tipping in the Maldives is not mandatory, but of course, highly appreciated. Tipping can be done as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude for excellent service and it is up to the discretion of each traveler.

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If you feel like the staff has gone above and beyond, 5%-10% of your total bill is an appropriate amount to tip. Many all-inclusive resorts also offer guests a chance to give an additional 'thank you' by tipping extra for particularly excellent service.

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Advantages of using cash
If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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It is an offence to import the following items into Maldives: explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, materials deemed contrary to Islam including 'idols for worship' and bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands.

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It is prohibited for tourists to bring firearms, alcoholic beverages, pork products, pornography and idols of worship into the Maldives. Additionally, strict penalties apply to those attempting to bring illegal drugs into the country.

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Do I need to take beach towels to Maldives? Generally speaking no since your hotel should be able to provide you with them.

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Clothing Style in the Maldives
The Maldives is a Muslim country; while bathing suits and summer clothing are tolerated on the major resort islands, you need to cover up if you're staying at a local-owned guesthouse or resort. Nudity (like topless sunbathing) is against the law.

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Avoid Drinking Tap Water
Amongst the various things about Maldives that you should know, this one is most important. Water undergoes a different process in the Maldives to rid itself of all the harmful bacteria and germs. This process is known as reverse osmosis desalination.

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The amount you tip in Maldives will depend on where you are and what type of services you're buying. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%.

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In resort restaurants, tipping approximately $2 to $3 per person is acceptable. In higher-end restaurants, plan on a $5 tip at a minimum. Tip the bartender and pool staff $2 to $3 per interaction and the concierge $5 for services. Tipping shuttle drivers is also customary.

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Generally, the resorts and hotels in the Maldives offer a range of dining options, including international cuisine, local dishes, and seafood. The prices for meals at these establishments can range from $20 to $100 or more per person per meal, depending on the level of luxury and the type of restaurant.

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