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.
Sai (Tea) Maldivians drink copious amounts of tea every day. It is the nation's beverage that perfectly complements hedikaa, small snacks that locals have in the evening. Most residents drink black tea, known regionally as kalhu sai.
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As the islands are an Islamic nation, the population does not drink alcohol, however, it is available in most resorts. Locals instead prefer to drink sai or tea. Raa is a traditional drink and is a toddy that has been tapped from palm trees. It is sometimes left to ferment.
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Alcohol: All alcoholic drinks you'd expect to find are freely available on all resort islands, but alcohol is not allowed on local islands including Male, hence the strict ban on importing it into the country.
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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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The price of beer was around 11-12 USD. Also, you should remember that since the Maldives is a Muslim country, you'll only find alcoholic drinks at resorts.
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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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The state religion of the Maldives is Islam. Therefore, the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
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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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Legal situation
Public order and immigration laws are also used against sex workers. Foreigners who engage in prostitution can expect to be deported and Maldivians can expect a prison sentence. Whilst condoms are allowed to be sold to married couples, they cannot be sold to single people.
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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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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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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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