Spectacular coral islands, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, a stunning array of marine life and a multitude of water sporting activities are what make the Maldives the perfect holiday destination.
Comprising of over a thousand islands, of which only 200 are inhabited, the Maldives is grouped into 26 atolls, situated in the Arabian Sea area of the Indian Ocean. Their proximity to the equator means visitors enjoy consistent daytime temperatures of approximately 32 degrees Celsius with the lows hardly ever dropping below 26 degrees Celsius. The Southwest monsoon normally brings rain from May to October while for the rest of the year visitors enjoy nothing but endless days of sunshine and warm balmy evenings under a dazzling canopy of stars.
The Maldives is well connected to the rest of the world with regular flights from Europe, Middle East and South East Asia operating daily to Velana International Airport. Both scheduled and private ferry services operate to most of the atolls and transfers to your resort are either by speedboat or seaplane, depending on the distances involved, and are usually pre-arranged at the time of booking.
QUICK FACTS
• Time Difference: +3 Hours
• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)- USD is also widely accepted as are major credit cards
• Best months to visit: Jan – Apr
• Languages: Both Dhivehi and English are widely spoken
INTERNATIONAL DIALLING CODE
+960
ELECTRICITY
240 volts – The standard plug socket is the UK-style three-pin so remember your adapter.
MOBILE SERVICES
Most of the resorts offer free wi-fi
VISA
All nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival. You must produce a valid passport ( valid for at least 6 months), a return ticket, proof of reservation at a resort and sufficient funds to cover you for the duration of your stay.
TAXES
A Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) of 12% is levied on all goods and services at tourist establishments. A Green Tax of US$ 6.00 per person per day is payable by guests upon departure. It is not included in your package price.
ALCOHOL
The import of alcohol by individuals is strictly forbidden. however, alcohol is available at all the resorts.
RELIGION
The Maldives is an Islamic country. Public practice of a religion other than Islam is prohibited
CUSTOMS
The following items are prohibited: alcohol, chemicals, dogs, idols for worship, gun powder and explosives, live plants and animals, medicines or steroids, materials contrary to Islam (including a bible), narcotics and psychotropic substances, pork and pork products, pornographic materials, spear guns, and firearms and ammunition. Importing or possessing drugs can carry severe penalties in the Maldives, including life imprisonment. The export of tortoise shell and coral is forbidden.
CLOTHING
Light cotton clothing is recommended due to the hot tropical climate of the Maldives and tourist are expected to respect local customs and culture and dress appropriately when visiting or staying on inhabited islands.
MEDICAL SERVICES
The main public hospital Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and private hospitals ADK and Treetop are located in Male’. Each Atoll has at least one hospital and most resorts have their own clinics and in-house doctors.
WATER SPORTS
Very few, if any water-sports, whether motorised or non-motorised are included in your holiday package so please be sure to budget accordingly when planning your holiday.
