Travel Essentials

Maldives: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Maldives?

Police: 119, Ambulance: 102, Fire: 118

Plugs: Types D, G, J, K and L (mixed), 230 V. Emergency: Police 119, Ambulance 102, Fire 118. Tipping: Not required; resorts add a 10% service charge, and a small tip for porters or guides is appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water; resorts treat their own.

Open The Maldives Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types D, G, J, K and L (mixed), 230 V

Emergency Numbers

Police	119
Ambulance	102
Fire	118

Tipping

Not required; resorts add a 10% service charge, and a small tip for porters or guides is appreciated.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water; resorts treat their own
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid
Malaria: None

Apps To Download Before You Go

BML MobilePay: The Bank of Maldives wallet and card app, used for local payments and transfers.
Faseyha (MIB): Maldives Islamic Bank's app, also widely used by locals.
Manta Air: Domestic flights and seaplane booking between Malé and the atolls.
Dhiraagu: The local network app for tourist SIM data, top-ups and calling.
Ooredoo Maldives: Another operator for visitors' SIMs and data.
WhatsApp: Resorts, guesthouses and boat operators communicate by WhatsApp.
Viber: Also common for calls and local groups.
Agoda / Booking.com: Used to book guesthouses and resorts across the atolls.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Men usually shake hands. Greet Muslims with "Assalaamu alaikum"; with women, wait for them to offer a hand first, and put a hand on your heart with a nod if they do not.

Islam. Maldives is a 100% Muslim country; dress modestly on local islands, and bikinis are only for resorts and designated tourist beaches.

Alcohol and pork. Alcohol is only sold at resorts, and pork is not available on local islands.

Ramadan. Eating or drinking in public during daytime is discouraged on local islands.

Safety And Scams

Maldives is generally safe for tourists, but resort travel is safest; petty crime is rare and sea currents are the main risk.

Unlicensed excursion sellers. Book snorkeling and boat trips through your guesthouse or a licensed operator.

Extra fees at departure. Confirm taxes, green tax and transfer costs before booking.

Women travelers. Dress modestly on local islands; resorts are relaxed, and harassment is uncommon.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Criminalized

Same-sex relations are illegal and punishable by prison or lashes, and public affection should be avoided. LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	MVR 60	$3.90
Local bus or metro ride	MVR 10	$0.65
Mid-range restaurant meal	MVR 250	$16
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	MVR 700	$45
Mid-range hotel (night)	MVR 3,500	$225
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	MVR 2,300	$150

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

November to April is the dry season with calm seas; May to October is the wet southwest monsoon with rain and rougher water.

Phrases

Basic English phrases