The US Dollar is accepted as legal tender throughout the Maldives. Should you arrive with no USD$ then other major international currencies can be exchanged at the Bank of Maldives Foreign Exchange counter located in the arrival hall.
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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.
The Maldives has a non-convertible currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa – this cannot be purchased beforehand. One Rufiyaa is 100 Laari and is available in 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Rufiyaa notes. The US Dollar is accepted as legal tender throughout the Maldives.
The best currency to take to the Maldives is the local currency, the Maldivian rufiyaa. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices.
Generally speaking, if you have had a memorable ride on a small boat with a friendly crew, a modest $5-10 tip is a great compliment. Some of the transfers in the Maldives are private or chartered and the price reflects this, so tipping here is not necessary.
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.
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.
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.
Maafushi is a local island, so every thing in Maafushi is not expensive. About USD$1-2 for 1L bottled water. Yes, you may buy bottled water at any grocery stores.
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, outside of the monsoon season. We recommend staying during March and April (excluding the Easter holidays when pricing is more expensive) when you will enjoy hot, dry weather and quieter resorts.
Figuring out the tipIf your total bill is $200 and you want to tip 15%, work out the tip by multiplying the total bill by 0.15. You can then add this amount to your bill when it comes to pay. Simple. Or alternatively, you can multiply the bill excluding service by 1.15 (assuming you want to leave that same 15% tip).