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Is there a dress code in Maldives?

What is the Maldives Dress code? As stated above, the Maldives is a conservative country with traditional Muslim values. This means that, as with many other Muslim countries, wearing revealing clothing is not acceptable. In the Maldives, it is appropriate for men to wear shorts (knee length) and t-shirts.



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Whilst it is acceptable for men to wear T Shirts and shorts or swim shorts; females should avoid causing offence by maintaining a more conservative approach to clothes by wearing T Shirts, loose shorts or sarongs and avoid wearing bikinis and swimwear unless on an uninhabited island, picnic island, sandbank, dive boat ...

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If you travel to Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, you should dress modestly. If you want to visit some of the historic religious spots, a casual head cover might be in order. Because of the country's strict Islamic beliefs, tourists are expected to respect and obey Islamic traditions while on the island.

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Men often wear tailored shorts or lightweight pants with t-shirts or short-sleeved, button-down shirts. Women can also be seen wearing tailored shorts and t-shirts or nicer tops. They may opt for summer dresses and skirts. Both men and women tend to wear flip-flops in the evenings as well.

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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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Keep in mind that wearing anything too revealing is against the law in Maldives. This is enforced in public locations. In most cases, as long as women cover their shoulders and thighs, this is sufficient to be in line with the rules.

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Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hand-holding, are illegal. Alcohol is illegal, too, though it is available and can be consumed on resort islands. Homosexuality is also illegal in this island nation.

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Public display of affection (PDA) is not illegal but is frowned upon in the Maldives. Especially in local places with fewer tourists; it's ideal to always maintain a decent distance between one another. Due to the Maldives being a Muslim country, acting intimately in public places may make the locals uncomfortable.

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Yes, unmarried couples are allowed in the Maldives. If you're a tourist visiting the archipelago with your partner, there won't be an issue. Maldives is a famous honeymoon destination amongst travellers, but that doesn't mean you have to be legally wedded to share a room or enjoy a vacation in the country.

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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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Roaming your Maldives resort island barefoot can be a beautiful, freeing experience if you're used to squeezing your feet into heels all day long. Many studies are now showing that a barefoot connection with the ground brings with it a whole host of health benefits too.

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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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Drinking water: Water on the resort islands and in Male is desalinated and purified and can be drunk from the tap, but it can have a strong taste because of the processing it has received and most guests prefer to drink bottled water. Tap water is absolutely fine for brushing teeth.

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Additionally, many resorts offer cultural activities such as cooking classes, language lessons, and traditional handicraft workshops, providing a unique and immersive cultural experience for non-swimmers. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the Maldives' many water sports and activities without venturing into deep waters.

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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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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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There are no restrictions to internal travel in Maldives. Tourists can travel between islands and resorts as normal. Wearing a mask is only mandatory under the following conditions: In health all facilities, regardless of outbreak status, staff, patients and visitors.

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It's Illegal to Take Seashells Home Although it seems harmless, there's a strict policy against collecting seashells, tortoise shells, and corals. Hermit crabs love to make the shells you see on the beach their home, and these crabs are vital in controlling the sand fly population.

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The Maldives is a conservative Islamic society and, with the exception of resorts, is officially “dry”. Don't try to sneak bargain booze into the country because on arrival your luggage is X-rayed. Customs will politely confiscate bottles but return them, unopened, on departure.

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It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Maldives, including dengue fever and zika, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible.

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There may be a place in Male that does tattoos but to my knowledge, Maldivians tend to get their tattoos done outside of the country. In any case, there are no Maldivian 'tribal styles' for you to get tattooed with as it's not part of this country's culture.

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Women can also be seen wearing tailored shorts and t-shirts or nicer tops. They may opt for summer dresses and skirts. Both men and women tend to wear flip-flops in the evenings as well. Women may prefer low heels, but anything more than a small heel will be inconvenient due to sand walkways and boarded decks.

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Packing the Right Things for the Maldives
Every tourist to the Maldives should bring more modest clothes unless they plan to spend all their time on a resort island. Bring your bikinis and speedos, but only wear them at the resort or designated beaches.

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