http://www.worldtravelguide.

net/maldives

Maldives
Practical Info

Sunset in the Maldives

iStock photo / Think stock

Sunset in the Maldives

iStock photo / Think stock

Maldives
Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Light waterproofs

are advised during the rainy season.

Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin
plugs are now becoming more common.

Social Conventions
The majority of the indigenous population does not mix with the tourist
visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the
resorts and Mal. Dress is informal, but locals who are Muslim will be
offended by nudity or scanty clothing in public places, and the
government rigidly enforces these standards. Bikinis and other scanty
beachwear are not acceptable in Mal or on any other inhabited island;
they should be restricted to resort islands only. When entering a
mosque, the legs and the body, but not the neck and the face, should
be covered. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. The
indigenous population not involved in the tourist trade lives in isolated
island communities maintaining almost total privacy. A large number of
locals smoke, but smoking and eating during Ramadan is discouraged.

Language
The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business
language in government offices and the commercial sector. French,
German, Russian, Italian and Chinese are widely used at resorts.

Shopping

Eating

Opening Hours

Regional Specialities

Sat-Thurs 0830-2000, Fri 1330-2000. Shops

officially shut for 15 minutes five times a day in
deference to Muslim prayer times; however, this
rule is not always strictly adhered to in the tourist
areas away from the capital.

Credit Cards
Most major island resorts, local and souvenir
shops will accept American Express, Diners Club,
MasterCard and Visa. Arrangements vary from
island to island. There are ATMs widely available
in Mal.

Travellers Cheques
These are generally accepted. To avoid additional
exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to
take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Seafood such as tuna, grouper, octopus,

jobfish and swordfish is widely available.
Kavaabu (deep-fried snacks made from
rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices).
Curries, such as chicken or beef, are
widely available. Curry leaves are added to
a lot of Maldivian dishes.

Tipping
In international style restaurants in Mal
10-15% is standard. In local cafs it is not
expected. In resorts, a service charge of
10-15% is usually automatically included in
meals and for drinks.

Food Drink
The water provided in the resort areas is
generally safe to drink. In other areas,
water of uncertain origin used for drinking,
brushing teeth or making ice should have
first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.
Food in hotels and resorts is usually risk
free, although visitors should be cautious
elsewhere.

Exchange Rates
EUR 1 = MVR 20.38
GBP 1 = MVR 24.21
USD 1 = MVR 15.34
Rates c orrec t as of 1 0 D ec 2 0 1 3

worldtravelguide.net
Publishing world-class travel guides since 1982.

2013 C olumbus Travel Media Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
For information visit http://www.columbustravelmedia.com/columbus-content-solutions