Are you planning a trip to the Maldives, consisting of 1,192 dreamy coral islands? Because there are many reasons to visit the Maldives right now.
Or you wanna know about this beautiful island country just out of curiosity. Whatever the reason is, you probably have many questions about the Maldives, right?
And in this Maldives FAQs on TravelingRauf, I’ll answer all your questions about this fairly unique destination.
You can always ask in the comment section if I’ve missed yours! Already feeling my love for the Maldives? Great!
That said, let’s start our Q&A session right now. You can also jump straight on your question using this table:
Is the Maldives open for travel?
The Maldives opened for travel and tourism on July 15, 2020. And it’s reported that there will be no more travel restrictions now. So, the island nation is open. However, you should follow the restrictive measures within the country.
Is the Maldives open to US citizens?
Yes, the Maldives is open to all nationalities, including US citizens. However, you must have a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of your flight to enter the Maldives. Check out the US Mission for more information.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Maldives?
The Maldives tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival. So, you don’t need a pre-approved visa. All you need is to follow the basic entry requirements like a valid passport, an onward or return ticket, pre-paid hotel booking, and Imguga registration.
Can I extend my stay in the Maldives?
Yes, you can extend your 30-day on-arrival visa for 60 days more by applying for it via Maldives Immigration. So once you get there in the Maldives, you can stay for up to 90 days.
Is the Maldives safe?
Yes, the Maldives is a safe country to travel to. In fact, it’s one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate. Also, as an isolated island country, there’s no immediate threat of any disease or pandemic.
I could easily roam around Maafushi even at the night. But you must go through your government’s Maldives travel advisory.
Which country can be visited along with the Maldives?
The Maldives is a beautiful country located in the Indian Ocean, and it is known for its stunning beaches and clear blue waters. The destinations to combine with the Maldives may be Sri Lanka, India, or Seychelles.
Is the Maldives safe for solo female travelers?
The Maldives is a very safe destination for solo female travelers. You will never feel in danger or uncomfortable at any point. Of course, you should always be cautious and take the necessary precautions.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. The country experiences the dry season during this time with sunny skies and very little rain. So, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and stunning blue lagoons without any weather disruptions.
How long is the flight to the Maldives?
The flight time to the Maldives differs depending on your country. For example, the average flight from the US takes 20 hours or a little more to reach the Maldives. But, it depends on many factors like your location, the stopovers, and more.
Is the Maldives expensive?
The Maldives is one of the most expensive countries to travel to. In fact, it’s often referred to as a luxury destination due to its high-end resorts and exorbitant prices.
But you can find affordable accommodation on TripAdvisor and Booking. I got a decent hotel room for $38 per night on Agoda. As for food, you can get a decent meal for $10-$15 in local restaurants.
How much does it cost to go to the Maldives?
The cost of traveling to the Maldives differs from person to person. It depends on your travel style, chosen accommodation, and other factors. But on average, you need at least $130 per day for a basic trip.
This covers the cost of accommodation, food, and basic activities. Of course, you can spend more if you’re planning to stay in luxury resorts, eat at fancy restaurants, or do a lot of water sports.
Is there internet in the Maldives?
Yes, there is internet in the Maldives. But it’s slow, with an average speed of 2 Mbps according to the NomadList. The Maldives is ranked 138th in an international comparison for telecommunication. And the prices are quite high when compared to other countries.
What is the Maldives famous for?
Why is it a dream destination?
The Maldives is famous for its stunning beaches, beautiful blue lagoons, and luxury resorts. It’s also famous for its unique culture, a mix of influences from South Asia, Africa, Arabia, and more.
Floating breakfast, swimming with sharks and turtles, under the water, and over the water villas are the unique experiences that make the Maldives a dream destination.
The Maldives floating breakfast in pool prices start from $50 to over $100 for two persons. The Floating Continental breakfast usually includes an array of bakery goods, yogurts, jams, jellies, cold cuts, cereals, fresh fruits, and juices presented buffet-style for you to enjoy.
Which is the best island in the Maldives?
The best affordable island in the Maldives is Maafushi, which I visited with my family in 2021. Go for Biyadhoo, Kuredu, or Fihalhohi islands to enjoy a romantic honeymoon.
But honestly, all the islands in the Maldives are breathtaking, and you can’t go wrong with any of them!
What is not allowed in the Maldives?
So what not to do in the Maldives? These are some of the biggest mistakes people make when visiting the Maldives:
- Drinking tap water.
- Bringing too many clothes for you (Check out my Maldives Packing List)
- Thinking that only a certain island is worth visiting.
- Not getting a travel or diving license before arrival.
- Drinking too much when doing water sports like scuba diving.
- Doing stupid things for fun, like chasing animals in the sea.
- Trying to save a few bucks and compromising amazing experiences.
- Not booking an all-inclusive package in the resorts (or else you’ll pay more than you can imagine).
- Not considering the cost of reaching a Maldives resort (That may cost you $300 or more per person).
The takeaway is that you should try to book resorts with speed boat transfers and not seaplanes if you’re on a budget.
Furthermore, these things are not allowed in the Maldives islands:
- Take photos of anyone without their permission.
- Show your love for someone publicly, especially if you’re LGBTQ.
- Taking banned items with you. That includes alcohol.
Other than that, there are no strict rules in the Maldives. Just be respectful and enjoy your time in the dreamy tropical destination.
Can unmarried couples stay in the Maldives?
Yes, unmarried couples can stay in the Maldives, although it is prohibited. The country welcomes all travelers, regardless of their relationship status. The law doesn’t allow that! But you’ll have no problem at all.
How many islands are there in the Maldives?
The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and sandbanks grouped into 26 natural atolls. Out of them, 200 are inhabited by human beings. The nation has 90,000 square kilometers of land territory.
How do I get around the Maldives islands?
The best way to get around the Maldives is by boat. The local ferries are called dhoni, the most popular transportation between islands. You can also take a seaplane or a speedboat, but these are more expensive options.
What should I pack for the Maldives trip?
The essential items that you should pack for the Maldives are:
- A good sunscreen.
- Sunglasses and hat.
- Light, airy clothing.
- Wet and dry travel bags.
- Swimwear and beach cover-ups.
- Comfortable walking shoes, flip flops, dive shoes, and beach sandals.
- An underwater camera and snorkeling gear (You can rent them there. I got snorkeling gear and underwater photography included in the tour package)
What do you wear in the Maldives?
The best way to describe the Maldives’ fashion is “casual chic.” Most people dress very casually during the day but put more effort into their looks in the evening. Swimwear is completely acceptable during the day.
Is the Maldives kid-friendly?
The Maldives is a great destination for families with kids. There are plenty of activities that kids can enjoy, such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, visiting the local markets, and more.
Keep an eye on your kid on the beach near the water. And be careful with the sun, as it can get really harsh there.
Are there mosquitoes in the Maldives?
Yes, there are mosquitoes in the Maldives. However, they’re not as bad as in other tropical countries. The hotel staff will provide you with insect repellent if needed. By the way, the bites are not harmful and won’t make you sick.
What plug sockets are in the Maldives?
In the Maldives, the standard voltage is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 hertz. The plug sockets are of type C, D, G, and M. Hotels and resorts in the country provide you with an alternative socket if needed.
However, I recommend taking a universal travel adapter, just in case.
What is the official currency of the Maldives?
The Maldivian currency is called Rufiyaa (MVR). 1 MVR is equal to 0.065 USD, or the 1 USD is equal to 15.35 MVR at the time of writing this Maldives FAQs. But you can always check the latest conversion rate online.
How many ATMs are there in the Maldives?
8 banks are working in the Maldives right now. But the biggest one is the Bank of Maldives, with 136 ATMs, 35 branches, and 277 agents. Still, don’t believe you can easily find the ATMs to withdraw your cash.
They’re mostly located in the capital city of Male, but you can also find them in other tourist areas such as Hulhumale, Maafushi, and Ari Atoll.
Which payment card is accepted in the Maldives?
You can use any type of credit card in the Maldives. Big resorts and restaurants accept international credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Some local shops also accept cards, but not all of them.
Can you drink alcohol in the Maldives?
Yes, you can drink alcohol in the Maldives islands and resorts. But you’re not allowed to drink in public places like beaches, parks, and streets. In Islam, alcohol and pork are ‘haram’ or ‘forbidden.’
What language do the Maldivians speak?
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. But most people also speak English, especially in tourist areas. You will have no problem communicating with locals during your stay.
How do you say hello in the Maldives?
The most common way to say “hello” in the Maldives is “assalamu alaikum.” That’s an Islamic greeting from Arabic.
But you will also hear people saying “hi,” “hello,” or “good morning” in English. Say “Aan” for yes, “Noon” for no, “Adhes koha” for please, “Shukuriyaa” for thank you, and “Ma-AAF kurey” for excuse me.
How do the Maldives islands get electricity?
The Maldives islands get electricity from diesel generators. The government is working on a new project to switch to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. But for now, most electricity still comes from diesel generators.
How do the Maldives get water?
The Maldives get water from the rainfall, groundwater, and sea. Also, the island nation imports ice, snow, and potable water. There are many desalination plants on some of the islands that turn salt water into fresh water.
But the water quality in the Maldives may not be safe to drink, so, drink bottled water only. The pricing for a 1.5-liter bottle may range from $2 to $3.
What do people of the Maldives eat?
The Maldives is a Muslim country, so most people there are non-vegetarians. The typical Maldivian food consists of rice, seafood, coconut, and starches. But you will also find international cuisine in many tourist areas.
What is the average life expectancy in the Maldives?
The average life expectancy in the Maldives is 78.92 years. That’s one of the highest in the world. You’ll be amazed to learn how far they’ve come since 1960 when the life expectancy was under 40 years.
How much do Maldives workers earn?
The average salary in the Maldives is 20,000 MVR ($1,302) per month, with a minimum of 5000 MVR ($325) to a maximum of 85,000 MVR ($5,537). The current unemployment rate in the Maldives is quite low.
How was the Maldives formed?
The Maldives was formed by the volcanic eruption of an undersea mountain. The first islands were probably uninhabitable until coral grew and turned them into atolls.
With time, the reef slowly became a barrier enclosing a shallow lagoon. Read further: Formation of Island Nation by Maldives Insider.
How could the Maldives preserve wildlife?
The Maldives could preserve wildlife by creating protected areas, enforcing hunting bans, and controlling the number of tourists. Maldives conservation projects & initiatives are underway to help preserve the environment.
Is the Maldives sinking?
The Maldives is not really sinking. But, it is threatened by rising sea levels due to climate change. If the sea level rises by 1 meter, then about 60% of the country will be underwater.
At the current rate of global warming, almost 80% of the Maldives could become uninhabitable by 2050, according to NASA and other institutions.
Can the Maldives have a tsunami?
The Maldives can have a tsunami because of the very low average height of 4 feet above sea level. In 2004, a tsunami hit the Maldives after the Sumatra earthquake, killing 82 people. All the islands except for 9 were badly hit.
Is the Maldives a country?
Yes, the Republic of Maldives (Maldive Islands) is an independent nation with complete sovereignty. It’s located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Learn more about this amazing country in Britannica.
Is the food in the Maldives halal?
The food in the Maldives is halal. That means it’s prepared according to Islamic law and suitable for Muslims. But if you are not a Muslim, you can still find plenty of non-halal food options on the islands and resorts.
How did the Maldives become a Muslim country?
Buddhism ruled the Maldives for about 12 centuries until the conversion to Islam in the 12th century. The last Buddhist king of the Maldives, named Dhovemi, converted to Islam in 1153.
But that was just one event of many! Traders from Africa and the Middle East had a significant role in it. They introduced Islam to the Maldives through commerce and intermarriage.
Is the Maldives a part of India?
No, the Maldives is not a part of India. The Maldives is an independent country. But it’s located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India’s islands of Lakshadweep. That’s why you might be confusing the two.
How was the Maldives separated from India?
The Maldives was never a part of India. It’s located in the Indian Ocean, bounded by India, Maldives, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, the Malay Peninsula, the Sunda Islands of Indonesia, Australia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.
The Maldives was a British colonial protectorate until it won independence in 1965. But the history of Maldives dates long back to the ancient era (300 BC), including the Buddhist and Islamic periods.
Can locals in the Maldives speak Hindi?
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. Dhivehi is a mixture of Urdu, Hindi, Sinhalese, Arabic, and English. Many people speak Hindi and English as well. Go through this Maldivian language phrasebook.
No, That’s Not All the Maldives FAQs 🙂
I’ll keep updating this with more Maldives questions, as you ask in the comments below. Enjoy your trip to the Maldives, and have a wonderful time! Let me know what you think is the most shocking thing about the Maldives.
