£1 MVR 20.74
Today
8:56 am
+5h from you
Weather in Maldives
Maldives
29°
Partly cloudy
Wed
29
29
Thu
29
29
Fri
28
29
Sat
28
29
Sun
28
29
SPF level in Maldives
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Maldives
Tipping in Maldives
Tipping isn't deeply ingrained in Maldivian culture, but it's increasingly appreciated in tourist areas for good service. It's a nice way to show your gratitude.
Restaurant
5-10% if service is not included in the bill.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is appreciated; small tips for good service.
Taxi
Not expected for short rides. Rounding up is a kind gesture.
Hotel Porter
10-20 MVR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 MVR per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the quality of the service.
Safety in Maldives
Tips for British travellers
Maldives is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave items unattended on the beach or in unlocked hotel rooms as petty crime occurs.
Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands, so do not take any alcohol out of your resort.
It is illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam, so ensure your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan.
Only swim in well supervised areas or where lifeguards are available and pay attention to warning signs or flags.
Avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark, due to incidents of gang-related violence in some areas.
Bonus tips:
It is illegal to take tortoiseshell jewellery or pieces of coral out of the country.
You cannot eat, drink, or smoke in public in the daytime during Ramadan, except within holiday resorts.
Driving in Maldives
A UK driving license is valid for up to 30 days. An international driving permit is not required.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
N/A (no motorways)
Urban speed limit
30 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
119
Ambulance
102
Fire
118
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Maldives
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type G, Type L, Type J, Type K
UK adapter needed?
No
The Maldives uses 230V electricity. UK visitors may not always need an adapter, as Type G plugs are common in both countries, but other plug types are also used, so an international adapter is recommended.
Cards & payments
Increasingly accepted in resorts, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is essential for smaller establishments and local islands.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Maldives
Limited, mostly in Malé and resort islands.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are mainly found in Malé, the capital, and on some resort islands. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. It's wise to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival, especially if travelling to more remote islands.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the Maldives. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 300 MVR (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Dhiraagu, Ooredoo Maldives
WiFi & internet
Good in resorts and hotels, but can be limited and less reliable on local islands.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Most resorts and hotels offer Wi-Fi, often included in the room rate. Internet cafes are rare. Mobile data is a viable option using a local SIM. Speed can vary, but is generally adequate for basic browsing and communication.
Health & vaccinations in Maldives
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities in the Maldives can be limited, especially on local islands. Check if your policy covers activities like diving and water sports.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Dengue fever is a risk, so take precautions against mosquito bites.
Medical facilities in Malé and resorts are generally adequate for minor issues. Serious cases may require evacuation. There is no GHIC/EHIC agreement between the UK and the Maldives.
Calling Maldives
Country code
+960
To call the Maldives from the UK, dial 00 960 followed by the local number.
To call the British High Commission, you would dial 00 960 332 2323.
The country code for the Maldives is 960. When calling from abroad, use your country's exit code followed by 960 and the local number.
UK Embassy in Maldives
British High Commission Malé
H. Orchid, 11th Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, 20057, Maldives
Airports in Maldives
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.