Maldives

Travel tips for Maldives: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. While resort islands are entirely cashless and cards are widely accepted in Malé, recent traveler reports advise carrying USD or MVR cash for taxis, tips, and small vendors on local islands where ATMs can be unreliable.

Try the food

Mas Huni (މަސްހުނި): A traditional breakfast dish made of finely chopped tuna, onion, grated coconut, and chili, typically eaten with flatbread.
Garudhiya (ގަރުދިޔަ): A fragrant, clear fish broth cooked with fresh tuna, curry leaves, and lime.
Bis Keemiya (ބިސްކީމިޔާ): A deep-fried, flaky pastry filled with a savory mixture of tuna, hard-boiled egg, sliced onions, and sautéed cabbage.

Say it in Divehi

Hello: އައްސަލާމް އަލައިކުމް (Assalaamu alaikum)
Thank you: ޝުކުރިއްޔާ (Shukuriyyaa)
Please: އަދޭސްކޮށްފައި (Adeyskohfa)
Excuse me: މާފުކުރޭ (Maafukurey)
How much is this?: މިއީ ކިހާވަރަކަށް؟ (Miee kihaavarakah?)
Yes: އާނ (Aan)
No: ނޫން (Noon)
Goodbye: ވަކިވެލަނީ (Vakivelanee)

Essentials

Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Driving: Left side
SIM tip: Pick up a tourist SIM card from Dhiraagu or Ooredoo at the kiosks immediately outside arrivals at Velana International Airport.

Etiquette

Modest dress is required on local inhabited islands (shoulders and knees covered), and alcohol is strictly prohibited outside of private resort islands.