Location:

Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.

Climate:

Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all the year through. Average temperatures are around 29⁰ to 32⁰ Celsius.

Language:

Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians, and visitors can easily make themselves understood.

Currency:

The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes are in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of Rf. 2.00, Rf. 1.00, and  larees 50, 25,10, 5, 2 and 1. The exchange rate is US $1.00 =Rf. 12.85. The US dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in most hotels and resorts can be made in hard currency in cash, travellers’ cheques or credit cards. The commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Local Time:

GMT + 5 hours.

Business Hours:

Government office hours are from Sunday to Thursday 07:30 – 14:30 hours. Weekends fall on Fridays and Saturdays. Most shops are open from 10:00 – 23:00 hours, with breaks for lunch and prayers.

Communication: 

Up-to-date technology and international satellite links provide a sophisticated communications system. ISD facilities are available in most hotels and resorts, and card phones are available on all inhabited islands. Dhiraagu, the Maldives telecommunications company, also provides mobile telephones on daily rental. It is also the Internet service provider.

Electricity:

The electricity system is 220 – 240 volts.

Visa:

No prior visa is required to enter Maldives. A visitor must hold a valid international travel document. Entry permit is granted to all visitors on arrival at the designated ports of entry, based on immigration requirements. An entry permit does not allow a visitor to take up employment. Expatriates must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Employment and Labour prior to arrival in Maldives, to engage in employment.

Port Health:

Maldives is free from certain diseases that are of a public health concern. To ensure adequate surveillance and to safeguard against any threats of introduction of such diseases, surveillance of incoming passengers and continuous inspection of food items and imported animals and plants are carried out at all ports of entry. Incoming passengers from malaria-infected countries are screened. Disinfecting of both passenger and cargo aircraft from yellow fever and malaria endemic countries is compulsory.

Transportation:

Male’ InternationalAirport is located on a separate island, Hulhule’, which is about 10 minutes by speed boat from the capital, Male’. A special dhoni (sailing boat) ferry service is available from the airport island to the capital around the clock. The ferry service leaves from the airport jetty to the capital every 15 minutes, which changes to every 30 minutes after midnight. The set charge per person for the ferry service is Rf. 10/- during normal operating hours and Rf. 20/- after midnight. If required, a dhoni can be chartered at the set rate for transfer to Male’.

Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways operate special air transfer trips to most resorts. Travel agents and resort operators best arrange this mode of transport.

Taxicabs are available for travel within Male’. There are set charges for trips between any two destinations. The charges are Rf. 10/- during normal operating hours and Rf. 20/- after midnight.

                                         
For further Information, please visit the website :  http://www.visitmaldives.com of the Ministry of Tourism.
          

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