Maldives General Travel Information

Maldives is 3 hours ahead of South African local time.

South African Passport holders and British passport holders do not require pre-approved visas

Voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles per second. The power plugs used are round 2 pin plugs.

The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments at the resorts and hotels can be made in hard cash, travellers’ cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diner’s Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Tipping is usually not customary in the Maldives. However, in the case of a liveaboard it is expected and you can set aside approx. $7 per passenger per day. At a resort if you are pleased with the service an approx. US$10 tip per week for the staff and waiters is a suitable amount. A few resorts add 10% service charge, in which case no tip is necessary.

It is generally warm and humid. Sun shines throughout the year. The average temperature in the Maldives is around 29 – 32 degrees Celsius. Water temperature will be around 29 degrees.

Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are the most suitable. In Male, the capital island and other inhabited islands, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without bearing too much.

Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island.

Approx. USD12 per person departure tax payable upon departure at Male Airport.  The counter is beside the entrance. Must be paid in USD cash, keep the receipt with you on check in.

It is prohibited to bring alcohol into the Maldives

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