After much contemplation and speculation, you have finally chosen Maldives as your destination. Travelling abroad is exciting but could also be unnerving at the same time. Do not worry, we will make sure that your plan works out by creating a timeline for you and guiding you step by step. 

Pre-trip jitters are no strangers to us, which is why it is essential to prep yourself for the trip way before the big day! Here are a few tips to make yourself trip-ready and ensure everything’s in place before the D-day! Be it two weeks prior to the trip or just a few days before it, we have got you covered with all the necessities that you need to look into. 

Two Weeks Prior

Here are some questions you may have before you head on to that fun trip in Maldives:

What are the Important Documents required to Travel To Maldives?

1. Visa – A free Maldives Tourist Visa, valid for 90 days will be issued post your arrival in Maldives. The documents required are:

• Application form signed as per passport signature
• Passport with a validity of six months 
• Two passport sized colour photographs taken at least three months prior  
• Confirmed details of your booked accommodation. 

2. Passport

What Do I Pack?

• Umbrella and rain gear
• Bug spray
• Sun-smart gear
• Heavy-duty deodorant
• Swimmer’s ear medicine
• Comfortable light clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Some tit bits to munch on while you are on your way 
• A book to read

What is the Maximum Luggage Allowed by Airlines?

• Your luggage should not weigh more than 20 kgs for storage in the luggage section of the aircraft. 
• For cabin baggage, the limit is 5 kgs.  

However, please check the luggage rules of the airline you are flying as these tend to differ across carriers.

Two To Three Days Before The Trip

Foreign Currency

SOTC provides you with currency notes and Forex Cards which can be used for ATM withdrawals and payments at establishments. The currency accepted in Maldives is Maldivian Rufiyaa with one MVR= 4.65 INR approximately.

Power Banks And Adapters

You need to make sure that you are always accessible. It is essential to stay connected with the people you are travelling with and to have access to information while on the go. Hence, make sure that your power banks are always charged in case your phone batteries run out during the trip. You do not want a dead phone when you reach an unknown destination. Also, do not forget to carry universal plug chargers and adapters with you. Maldives uses power outlets and plugs of type D and G.

Toiletries

• Hand sanitiser is a must to protect yourself from any germs you may have been exposed to during the trip. 
• Toothpaste and toothbrush, though available in the hotel, is a cleaner option if it’s your own. 
• A sunscreen and moisturiser at all times to protect your skin from the sun.
• Your own face wash which you can use anywhere and anytime during the trip to feel fresh. 
• Shampoo and conditioner, since you know your hair type best; the hotel provided ones may not suit your skin.
• Your personal hair comb or brush, which ideally, must not be shared with anyone. 

Clothes

• Swimwear, if you plan to jump into the sea or laze at the resort pool
• A pair or two of shorts to keep yourself cool
• Breezy, light and loose tops or dresses to stay comfortable
• A wide-brimmed hat for protection against the heat and sunrays.  
• Flip flops, flats and sports shoes
• A pair or two of heels for the night

Medicines

Always keep a first aid kit handy with you in case of any emergencies.

• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream
• Safety pins
• Crepe rolled bandages 
• Skin rash cream
• Cough and cold medicines

The Day Of Travel

Food

You could carry some ready to eat food like biscuits, nuts, sandwiches or rolls to keep your stomach full during the trip or just in case the airlines food doesn’t suit you. Homemade food is safer as you do not want an upset stomach on a flight.

Important Documents

• Valid photo identification proof such as your passport to enter the airport and even to access certain places in Maldives
• Visa
• A printed copy of your ticket
• Photocopies of important documents such as your tickets, passports, valid photo identification proofs, credit/debit/forex cards, and hotel and other sightseeing bookings
• Scanned copies of the above, which must be emailed to yourself 

Insurance

God forbid, if unwanted circumstances were to interrupt your trip or cut it short after the bookings have been made, travel insurance is a way to get some of your money back. Most international travel insurance companies provide you services such as medical assistance on your phone and reimbursement of medical costs during the trip, no matter where you are. 

Important Numbers

Always keep handy the numbers of the local Consulate, police and other emergency services as well as of the travel consultants and agents you have organised your trip through. 

Hotel Bookings

Confirm your hotel bookings and insist on the payment receipt or booking voucher before you reach your destination. Some resorts also provide pick up and drop facilities from and to the airport. SOTC also organises hotel bookings for you as a part of its holiday packages. 

Cash/Card

Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants in Maldives. You will also find 24/7 ATMs. Amex, MasterCard and Visa are the widely accepted credit cards in Maldives. However, do notify your credit card company of your travel dates before you leave and check on the surcharges that may be applicable on international travel. 

During The Trip

If you are visiting Maldives, knowing a few Dhivehi phrases could prove to be handy. Here are some phrases in the most widely spoken language in Maldives:

• Hello/Good Morning- Assalaa mu alaikum
• My name is – Aharenge namakee 
• Help! – Salaamai kurey! 
• Where? - Kobaa?
• I feel sick- Aharen miulhenee balive

Tips For Travelling  In Maldives

If you are looking for peace and solitude along with some entertainment for your kids, there are a number of islands in Maldives to choose from. Some of the stunning beaches are Hulhumale beach, Reethi beach and Cocoa Island beaches. 

Head to Rangali Island if you are looking for that perfect family vacation. Take back a memento of Maldives as you go street shopping at Majeedhee Magu in Male. 

Getting Around -

The most convenient way to explore Maldives would be to use the ferry that the resort will help you find out. You can also use the taxi, local bus services and even speedboats. The Maldivian Dhoni, a type of local boat, will make your island-hopping experience a memorable one; do not miss out on the many Dhonis waiting for you in the harbour. 

Maldivian cuisine comprises seafood, curries and sweet dishes. Visit the cafes and markets in Male to relish traditional Maldivian street food such as Kulhi Borkibaa (spicy fish cakes) and (fried fish with chilli and garlic)

If you are looking to try out some local dishes, do try Mas Huni, a tuna salad with coconut and served with chapati for a hearty breakfast. Also try the Banbukeylu Harissa, a curry prepared from steamed breadfruit, coconut, chilli and onion. 

Tipping waiters and porters is not customary in Maldives since 10% service charge is already added to the bill. However, if you do wish to tip, US Dollars are the most widely accepted currency. 

Social Etiquette -

• While greeting, do shake hands with men, while local women generally do not do the same.
• Eat with your right hand since the left hand is considered to be unclean. 
• Since islands are usually conservative outside the resorts, make sure that you don’t venture outside the resort in beach wear.

Cost of living in Maldives -

• If you are looking for a modest but decent resort, it will cost you around 5407 MVR per night
• A high-end meal in a good resort would cost you 2317MVR per person
• Public ferries will cost you 154MVR, while speedboats cost 3090-4635MVR

When to visit Maldives -

The best time to visit Maldives would be between November to April which is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There are hardly any fluctuations in the weather and the temperature more or less remains the same.

To take a break from the heat, visit during May to November. This is a good time to engage in some scuba diving and surfing.

A glimpse of Maldives through art:

Movie - Kites: Starring Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori, this romantic film captures the essence of Maldives. 

Music – Galliyan from the movie Ek Villain: This song revealed the magic and luminescence of Vadhoo Island in Maldives.