Maldives Special advice!

Maldives Special advice – Transportation & Driving

Once you arrive in Maldives, there are several options available to reach your next destination. Some of these options may be possible to book or schedule in advance if they are part of the resort’s included service. If this is not the case, transportation to your island or resort destination will have to be done independently.

You will have the choice of speedboat or dhoni, sea-plane, domestic flight, or ferry. Ferry boats are definitely the most affordable option, but some ferries operate infrequently and don’t visit many of the resort islands.

Dhonis, sea-planes and domestic flights are common, but also the most expensive options (ranging anywhere from $150-400) to get to your resort or an island further away.

Keep in mind that while the price is quite high for sea-plane travel, this is an experience in itself and is considered worth the value for many people.

Just remember to have your camera in hand, so you don’t miss out on the picturesque, bird’s eye view. It is also important to remember that it will be extremely difficult to find a ferry on Fridays and many of the sea-planes do not operate after day-light hours, so if you arrive at the international airport late in the evening, you may have to spend the night in Male.

There are only a few places where visitors will need to travel by car or taxi, which are the cities of Male, Fuvahmulah and Hulhumale. In addition, Laamu and Addu Atoll are connected by causeways. Once you arrive at your final destination you will be able to walk or bicycle to any part of the island.

 

Maldives Special advice – Health & Emergency

A strong focus has been put on health and safety standards to make sure that modern, efficient options are available for all citizens and tourists alike. All inhabited islands are required to have an operating health center and resorts will also have their own medical facilities.

Furthermore, all Atolls have larger regional hospitals for more serious concerns and Male has two main hospitals, the ADK Hospital (960 332 0436) and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (960 333 6658).

The main police branch for traveler concerns is at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport on Hulhule Island, which can be accessed at any given time (24/7).  Other important and emergency numbers are listed below:

• Ambulance: 102
• Fire: 118
•  Police: 119
•   Power Outage: 104
•  Water Outage: 105

Electricity & Communication

Electrical sockets are compatible with the UK model (three pins). Many of the resorts will have adapters available, but it is better to be prepared and bring along a UK converter or international adapter.

• 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC

Dhiraagu and Wataniya Telecom are the communication providers in the Maldives. Internet access/Wifi is available throughout the islands, along with international roaming.

• 3G 2100 Ooredoo (Wataniya); 3G 2100 Dhiraagu
•  4G LTE Ooredoo (Wataniya) 2600Mhz

http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html   

Maldives Special advice – Currency & Tipping

There is a 10% service charge added to everything, so gratuity/tipping is not compulsory. However, with the influx of international travel over the years, tipping has become more readily common.

While many of the resorts and prices on the island can be quite high, the salaries of many of the workers are quite low in comparison. Some people staying at resorts for longer periods or those that simply want to add some extra money for good service can feel free to do so, but it is left up to your discretion.

• The currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
•  http://www.xe.com/currency/mvr-maldivian-rufiyaa

Maldives Special advice – Airlines

Some popular airlines were mentioned above, but this will really depend on your departure city, because there are currently around 40 different airlines operating through Male International Airport.

The two main domestic airlines are Maldivian and the private company FlyMe, which are interconnected with the nine other regional airports throughout the Maldives.

http://www.skyscanner.com.au/

 Maldives Special advice – Visa

When entering Maldives, be prepared to have your travel itinerary available at customs. If you don’t have specific plans, have the name, number and location of the guest house, hotel or resort you will be staying at.

There are no restrictions on any passport holders, foreign nationals will be granted 30 days in the country. Passport holders from Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan are given a 90-day stamp.

If you wish to stay longer than your legal time frame, you can either apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Male or leave the country and return. In either situation, be prepared have both out-bound and return flights purchased and proof of accommodation in Maldives.

Maldives Special advice –  Embassies & Consulates

All countries  embassy  info below:   

http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/maldives