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Is alcohol allowed in Maldives?

As Maldives is a Muslim country, alcohol is prohibited for the locals. This also includes locations such as the capital city, Malé, and other inhabited islands. That means alcohol will not be found anywhere and is not sold in supermarkets, grocery stores, etc.



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Alcohol in the Maldives is expensive, this is because it is imported from outside the country with high levels of taxes. If you really want a cocktail then pay attention to when happy hour is as you can often enjoy drinks for half the price or on 2 for 1 offers.

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For straight and LGBTQ couples alike, public displays of affection on non-resort islands such as Malé City are considered extremely offensive and may result in punitive action. This includes behavior like hand holding and kissing.

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Yes. The Maldives are mostly a safe place to visit as the crime rate is low. However, there is some risk of terrorism. Luckily, most tourists are insulated from the worst that can happen in Maldives as they primarily stay in isolated resorts that put the safety of their guests first.

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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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Respect local customs and dress conservatively, especially when visiting a mosque. Women should cover their heads and shoulders and neither men nor women should wear shorts. Alcoholic drinks are available on the resort islands, but not elsewhere.

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The law prohibits smoking in most workplaces and public places. The law permits smoking in designated smoking areas in non-air-conditioned teashops, restaurants, cafés and other food and beverage outlets. The law prohibits smoking in public transport vehicles or vessels and public transport facilities.

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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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The Lack Of Cultural Attractions: While the beaches and water are beautiful in the Maldives, there aren't always many other things to do on these islands. If you're looking for a more diverse travel experience, you may find that the Maldives doesn't have quite as much to offer as some other destinations.

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You can explore the beautiful sandy beaches, swim among exotic marine life in shallow waters and experience the culture and culinary expressions of the archipelago. Swimming in the stunning blue waters of the Maldives is generally considered to be safe and you are sure to collect a million memories to take back home.

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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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In the Maldives, it is appropriate for men to wear shorts (knee length) and t-shirts. Women in particular should take care to stay covered though, so always wear over-the-shoulder longer dresses, shirts and trousers. Never wear skimpy swimwear unless it is clearly marked that it is okay to do so.

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There are some other suggested precautions and preparations for traveling to the Maldives. They include: Do not wear/bring religious symbols (crosses, statues, etc.) or documents (e.g. Bible) into a Moslem country. If you plan to go jogging outside the Equator Village; best to check on proper attire suggestions.

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Drinks in Maldives
Sai (tea): Tea is a common drink whether as a tea-time delight or to end a meal. You can choose either kalhu sai (black tea) or kiru sai (milk tea) and enjoy them with sweet or savoury snacks.

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