Should you bring cash to Maldives?

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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Since credit cards and/or USD are widely accepted in almost all the places including some inhabited islands like Male and Maafushi, there's no need to carry too much local currency.

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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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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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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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Many hotels and resorts in the Maldives have “unseen” staff members who work behind the scenes, possibly cooking your meal, or arranging romantic dinners, or excursions. It is recommended to tip $10-20 a week.

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Yes, you can carry water to the Maldives. From a regulatory point of view, there are no restrictions on carrying it into the country. But you may be limited by baggage weight restrictions. Most resorts offer water bottles in the package.

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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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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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Prohibited Items 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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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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Food quality really matters on Maldives' holidays, so make sure your all-inclusive meal plan offers a good selection of dining options. The Maldives, for many, are a once-in-a-lifetime destination, so if you really want to enjoy it all, and not be restricted by your budget, an all-inclusive option can be a fine choice.

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Do you tip in Maldives? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Maldives - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.

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It's not uncommon to see gratuities of between 30% and 50% from these travelers. If you leave tips like that, then you can safely consider yourself in the overtipper category. Is there such a thing as being too generous? says Samantha Lambert, the director of human resources for a media company in New York.

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Common expectations when ordering drinks at a bar are to tip $1 per drink like beer or wine, and $2 per cocktail, which takes more work to make. For open bars, it's advised you tip at least $1 per drink.

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Unless you are 100% sure you'll need cash right on arrival, avoid exchanging money in your home country. Airports all have ATMs where you can withdraw money if you desperately need it. (However, I suggest you wait until you get to your destination and withdraw money downtown/from an ATM away from the airport.

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