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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to plan your trip to the local islands of the Maldives — honest answers, worry-free.
Documents & Basic Info
10 questions
A passport with at least 1 month of validity. A 30-day tourist visa is granted free on arrival.
It's the mandatory traveler declaration. You must fill it out online for free within 96 hours of arrival.
No, the Departure Tax is almost always included in your international airline ticket.
Malé is GMT+5. Some private resorts use "Island Time" (GMT+6) to offer more evening daylight.
Tourist eSIMs are very convenient. If you prefer a physical SIM, Ooredoo and Dhiraagu have shops at the airport.
Yes, guesthouses and resorts offer free Wi-Fi, though it can be slow on local islands for heavy downloads.
Type G (UK style) three-pin plugs at 230V are standard. A universal travel adapter is highly recommended.
No. Dogs are strictly banned by Maldivian law. Other pets require complex permits.
Yes, in resorts you will be fully welcomed. On local islands (Islamic communities), total discretion is required for all couples.
No. There are no rental cars. You get around by walking, biking, or using electric buggies.
Weather & Packing
9 questions
December to April (dry season). May to November is the wet season: more rain, but great prices.
It rarely rains for days. Usually, it's a strong but brief tropical shower, followed by sunshine.
Rules are strict. Resorts require written permission. On local islands, avoid flying near mosques, ports, or airports.
Use SPF 50. It's crucial to buy "Reef Safe" sunscreen (no Oxybenzone) to protect the corals.
Swimwear, light t-shirts, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and basic meds. No heavy clothes!
A dream! The ocean is always between 28°C and 30°C (82-86°F) year-round.
No. Being located on the equator, the Maldives are not subject to destructive hurricanes.
Yes, humidity is usually around 80%. Wear breathable fabrics like linen or light cotton.
If sea conditions are unsafe, the excursion is rescheduled or refunded. Safety first.
Transfers & Transport
10 questions
They fly only during daylight (6 AM to 4 PM). If your flight arrives after 3:30 PM, you must stay overnight in Malé.
Yes: 20 kg checked and 5 kg carry-on. Excess weight is heavily charged at check-in.
Fast boats running on fixed schedules to local islands. They are much cheaper than seaplanes.
Sit at the back of the speedboat. Take a motion sickness pill 30 mins before boarding if the sea is rough.
They are cheap but very slow and often don't run on Fridays. We don't recommend them for short trips.
Seaplanes land on water at the resort. Domestic flights use regular planes to reach regional airports.
Often there is no direct link. You usually return to Malé airport by speedboat and catch another boat.
Yes, the Hulhule Island Hotel. Alternatively, nearby Hulhumalé island is packed with great transit hotels.
Chartering a private boat from the airport can cost between $300 and $1000 depending on the distance.
Seaplanes and private boats do. Public ferries don't. Scheduled speedboats have limited timetables on Fridays.
Local Islands & Rules
10 questions
On Islamic local islands, swimwear is restricted. The Bikini Beach is the designated area where you can sunbathe freely.
Cover shoulders and knees in shops and local restaurants. T-shirts and shorts are fine, avoid revealing clothes.
No, it's illegal. But many islands offer free shuttles to offshore "Safari Boats" where tourists can drink legally.
Absolutely not. Pork, alcohol, and religious idols will be confiscated at customs upon arrival.
On local islands, kissing or obvious PDA is offensive to Islamic culture. Please be discreet.
It's the holy day. Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, shops and local cafes close for prayer.
Yes! Many guesthouses organize "Day Passes" to nearby resorts, including buffet and alcohol.
Maldivians are very friendly. A smile and "Assalaamu Alaikum" (peace be upon you) goes a long way.
Generally yes, but they close for 15-20 minutes during the 5 daily Islamic prayers.
Use our Local Islands section! Filter by house reef, hospitals, size, and beach quality.
Resorts & Luxury
9 questions
Beach Villas have private sand, perfect for kids. Water Villas offer total privacy and steps into the ocean.
Often no. Many resorts restrict under-12s for safety, or require parents to sign a liability waiver.
Typically: 3 buffet meals, unlimited drinks (alcohol included), and minibar. High-end ones add excursions.
No, all resorts provide free large glass bottles of purified drinking water in your room daily.
Swimwear by day. For dinner, "Smart Casual" is expected: no swimwear, and men usually need sleeved shirts.
Yes, many medium/large resorts have fantastic free kids clubs with international staff.
Absolutely not. Resorts and good guesthouses provide fresh beach and pool towels daily.
Check-out is at 12 PM. You can request a late check-out (for a fee) or use free courtesy showers before your evening flight.
Almost never. Non-motorized sports (kayak, SUP) are usually free, but jet-skis are always an extra charge.
Activities & Excursions
10 questions
Centers rent them, but bringing your own well-fitting mask is far more hygienic and comfortable.
Visible in the dark on the shoreline. Peak season is July-November. Vaadhoo island is the most famous spot.
No! They are gentle giants that only eat plankton. Swimming with them (esp. in South Ari Atoll) is a dream.
Not necessarily. You can do a "Discover Scuba Diving" session up to 12 meters with an instructor.
April to October. North Malé Atoll has the most accessible breaks, while Southern Atolls offer expert waves.
Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll) sees hundreds from May-November. Other atolls (like Ari) have year-round cleaning stations.
Sandbanks are pristine strips of sand in the middle of the ocean. You take a boat there for surreal photos and swimming.
Strictly forbidden to protect the reef. You must book an authorized sunset or big game fishing boat excursion.
Very safe. Just avoid stepping on the bottom to prevent cuts from corals or stepping on a stonefish. Reef sharks are harmless.
It is a serious crime. Sand, corals (even dead), and shells belong to the ecosystem. Fines at the airport are massive.
Food & Allergies
6 questions
"Mas Huni": smoked tuna mixed with coconut, lime, and chili, served with flatbread (Roshi). Divine for breakfast!
Resorts are very accommodating. Local islands are more limited, but rice, fish, and fruit are always safe. Tell us in advance.
Very cheap! A meal in a local cafe is $5-$8. A fresh grilled seafood dinner at a guesthouse is around $15-$20.
There are small minimarts. You will find water, cookies, sunscreen (expensive), chips, and sodas.
Yes. The Maldives is 100% Muslim, so all meat imported and cooked in the country is strictly Halal certified.
Almost all tourist guesthouses offer pasta, grilled chicken, eggs, and fries for those who don't like spicy local food.
Payments & Costs
9 questions
Always pay in US Dollars! Euros are accepted but often at a very poor exchange rate chosen by the shop.
Maldivian banks reject US Dollars that are old (pre-2009), torn, creased, or written on. Bring crisp, new bills.
No. Only in Malé and larger local islands. In resorts, you pay everything at checkout with a credit card.
A 10% Service Charge is already included in bills. Extra tips aren't required, but leaving $5-$10 for your waiter or housekeeper is highly appreciated.
A fixed environmental tax, per person per night: $3 in guesthouses, $6 in resorts. Included in our packages.
Often no! To the listed price (e.g. $10), you must usually add 10% Service Charge and 16% GST.
Not much. In souvenir shops, you can ask for a discount if buying multiple items, but heavy haggling isn't customary.
Rarely. Some high-end resorts might, but most places require your physical credit card for the POS terminal.
Excursions and dinners can be paid by card. Bring $100-$200 per person in small bills for ice cream, souvenirs, and tips.
Health & Safety
10 questions
Malé has the excellent Tree Top Hospital. Every atoll has a regional hospital, and every inhabited island has a basic clinic.
No malaria. Rare Dengue cases during the monsoon. Fogging is regular, but a good tropical repellent is highly advised.
It is desalinated: do not drink it. Always use the provided bottled water, even for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Extremely safe. Micro-crime is near zero and hospitality is genuine. Just avoid completely isolated beaches at night.
Yes, in carry-on with original packaging and an English prescription. Warning: some psychotropic drugs require prior approval.
Sanitary pads are sold in local shops. Tampons are culturally absent on local islands: bring your own from home!
The equatorial sun is fierce. Bring strong aftersun, or ask your guesthouse for a freshly cut Aloe Vera leaf.
Many dive centers will charge a few extra dollars for daily DAN insurance if you don't have specific dive coverage.
For snorkeling, you can easily use soft daily disposable contact lenses under your mask. Just close your eyes if water leaks in!
Yes, called STO Pharmacies. They stock basic meds (paracetamol, plasters), but always bring your own first-aid kit.
Our Trips & Packages
10 questions
The zero-stress formula. Our packages include accommodation, taxes, transfers, and a set of amazing excursions.
Yes, the soul of a group trip is sharing. You will share a room with a traveler of the same sex.
Unless specified as "Flight Included", packages don't include flights. This leaves you free to hunt for the best airfare!
Absolutely! It's our specialty. Experience authenticity first, then spoil yourself in luxury. Request a custom quote.
For Christmas, NYE, and August, top resorts and guesthouses sell out 6-8 months ahead. Book as early as possible!
Depends on the accommodation. Usually, a deposit is required, with the balance due a month prior. All terms are clear in your quote.
We partner with top-tier providers and can include comprehensive travel insurance directly in your holiday package.
The group itinerary is fixed, but you can always add extra days (like a luxury resort stay) at the end independently.
Yes, on custom trips (Single Supplement). But on group trips, no supplement applies if you share a room!
Yes! Our Maldivando Coordinator meets you at the airport and lives the whole adventure with the group, handling logistics.
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