Should I carry cash in Maldives?

The only time you are likely to need the local currency is if you are staying in a local guesthouse or if you are visiting Malé City and would like to purchase something from a local market or shop. However, US dollars are widely accepted.



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Budget-Friendly Travel Planning
How much money will you need for your trip to the Maldives? You should plan to spend around MVR4,623 ($301) per day on your vacation in the Maldives, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

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Leave a tip for room staff including the butler if there is one. Acceptable currencies for tips are US dollars, local currency and Euros. It is not usually necessary to tip bar staff or waiters as the tip is added to your bill.

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Choose a local island Staying on a local island in the Maldives is an excellent way to save money while still enjoying your vacation. Local islands often have cheaper accommodations and activities, but they also provide unique experiences that you won't find in the more popular tourist spots.

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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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While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.

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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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Buy currency before you travel. Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

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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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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.

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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.

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“It is not customary to tip at a continental breakfast that is served buffet-style,” Bergen says. “It is customary and appreciated to tip during breakfast when there is a server who takes your order or serves coffee and juice.”

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The expenses covered in a resort fee can vary from hotel to hotel, as each property has the ability to choose what's covered by the charge. While resort fees may include certain hotel services, amenities, and access to different areas, they do not include tips or gratuity for hotel staff.

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