Should I take cash to Maldives?

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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Taking cash & cards to the 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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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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How much do you tip a Maldivian butler? The butler or concierge will be the member of the staff you interact the most with, so they should get the biggest tip if you have been happy with their service. About 3-5% of the nightly room rate is a good rule of thumb in this case.

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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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