Essentials

Time
The Maldives time (MVT) is 5 hours ahead of GMT.

Money
Traveling to the Maldives? The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), with 1 USD equal to MVR 15.42. Notes come in denominations from 5 to 1000 rufiyaa. While many places accept US dollars and credit cards, cash is handy for island expenses. ATMs are available in Malé, airports, and most inhabited islands.

Communications
All resorts and most hotels, guesthouses offer IDD telephone services. If you prefer to use local mobile phone service, you can purchase a sim card from the airport offered by Dhiraagu or Ooredoo.

Internet
Your accommodation providers will mostly provide you with Wi-Fi access, if you require separate mobile internet access you would need to purchase a local mobile sim card from the airport.

Post and Courier Services
For letters and postcards, you can use the postbox at your resort or island.

If you have urgent documents to send you can use the various international courier services providers located in Malé city.

Getting Around
Malé city and Hulhumalé city have public bus services at reasonable charges, or hop on a dhoani ferry to travel within the greater Malé city area of Malé-Hulhumalé- Villingili.

You can enjoy the Hulhumalé beach for water sports or snorkeling. If you want to go to nearby islands, island ferries or domestic flights are available on daily basis.

During your stay in inhabited islands, you would be required to cover up and be aware of your belongings during commute.