Maldives Travel Guide

Things to know:

TRANSPORTATION

The tourist resort islands have their own transfer boats to carry their clients. Visitors with confirmed reservations are normally met on arrival at the airport and transferred by boat, helicopter or sea-plane to the resort island of their choice. Transport and communication services provided for tourists are generally of a high standard. Minimum standards of service and safety also apply.

There is no regular inter-island transportation system between inhabited islands. The ad hoc transportation system is serviced mainly by local boats called Dhoni or Baththeli average a speed of about 8 miles per hour.

A large number of dhonis plow the Male International Airport and Male route as ferries. Dhonis and even modern speed boats are also available for hire. Air Maldives the national carrier, operaters regular flights to the domestic airport at Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadedhdhoo and Gan.

EXCURSIONS

An essential part of the visitor 's experience is taking part in the many excursions on offer. Visiting a fishing village to experience the Maldivian way of life or a trip to Male makes a visit to the Maldives more consummate. There are other excursions available: diving and sailing, safaris fishing trips by dawn and dusk and island hopping to fishing villages, resort islands and uninhabited islands. There are also aerial excursions by helicopter or sea-plane to experience the glittering shades of blue that is the Maldives. Moonlight excursions may also be available depending on the resort of your choice.

CURRENCY AND PAYMENT

The Maldivian currency, Rufiyaa comes in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. A rufiyaa is divided into 100 Larees. Coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, Larees and one and two Rufiyaa.

Major currencies are converted to local currency at the banks, tourist resort islands hotels and leading shops. The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Payments in the hotels can be made in most hard currencies, in cash traveler's cheques or credit cards. Personal cheques may be accepted if they are supported by an internationally recognised bank guarantee card. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express Visa Master Card Diners Club JCB and Euro Card.

DRESS

Light cotton clothing is recommended. Except on special occasions such as important business meetings, casual clothing is the norm. Nudism is an offense. When visiting an inhabited island. shorts and T-shirts for men and blouse or T-shirt and skirt or shorts that cover the thighs for women made of non-dlaphanous material is a minimum requirement.

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