Currency - The Maldivian currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa and has an approximate exchange rate of 1 GBP : 18 MVR (current as at February 2009), but $US Dollars are just as widely accepted. For those needing to change money on Malé, banks are open 0900-1600, Sun-Thurs, and 0900-1100 on Saturday (Friday is a holiday). There is a bank at the airport. For guests heading straight to the islands very little cash will be required as the resort will simply run a room tab which is settled on departure. The resorts accept major credit cards and tipping is not customary.
Health - There are no major tropical diseases prevalent in the Maldives, and no vaccinations are required although tetanus, typhoid and Hep A are recommended. Malaria is extremely rare. Medical care is adequate, but expensive. Travel insurance is essential, and please note that cash is generally required upfront before any major treatment is undertaken at the hospitals. Sunburn is in fact the biggest health risk in the Maldives, followed by diving related incidents. The resorts take dive safety procedures very seriously and there are currently two recompression chambers available in the Maldives: one near Malé on Bandos Island, and the other in the North Ari Atoll. It is also not advisable to drink the tap water – stick to bottled water, which all resorts should be able to provide. For more information visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk & www.malariahotspots.co.uk
Visas/Passports - Visas do not need to be acquired before arriving in the Maldives – only a valid passport, an onward or return ticket, a completed landing card and evidence of ‘sufficient funds’ to cover your stay are needed. Upon arrival, most visitors are issued with a free 30-day visa – although some entrants from nearby countries and those who apply via a resort or hotel may get an extension for stays of up to 90 days.
Insurance - A policy to cover theft, loss, cancellation and medical issues is a must. You may also wish to check out cover for specific activities such as diving, water sports, submarines, seaplanes & speedboats. It is a good idea to photocopy all relevant documents - passport, travel, insurance policy etc... and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals.
Time Difference - The Maldives standard time is 5 hours ahead of GMT.
Telephone - Country code +960.
Post - Stamps are readily available at most resorts. Delivery time to the UK varies between five days to up to two weeks, depending on the flight schedules (post is picked up from the resorts by the seaplanes/motor launches that deliver guests, and taken back to Malé).
Electricity - 230-240 volts AC, 50Hz. It can be difficult to find appropriate adaptors in the UK, but a general international adaptor is a good start and most of the resorts now have English sockets anyway.
Laws & Customs - Modesty is important while on Male, other than that anything goes on the resorts within reason.
Tipping - is not customary in The Maldives and a 10% service charge is automatically added to most room charges, therefore additional gratuities are not necessary but always appreciated by members of staff who have particularly assisted your stay.
Crime and Nuisances - The crime rate in the Maldives is generally very low, and even lower out on the resort islands. However, valuables should not be left unattended, and where a safebox is provided by the resort, it is sensible to use it. Should anything occur, your first point of reference would be the resort. Other than that the resorts are extremely safe and trouble free, however please be aware of strong sea currents outside of the shallow lagoons and you will want insect repellent to ward off the mosquitoes.
FURTHER INFORMATION -
National Tourist Board:
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
4th Floor
Bank of Maldives Building
Malé 20-05
Republic of Maldives
Tel: +960 323228. Fax: +960 323229
Useful websites:
www.visitmaldives.com
www.themaldives.com |
