Visa
No prior visa arrangements are
required, a tourist visa of 30 days will be granted to all visitors with
valid travel documents provided the embarkation/disembarkation cards be
filled properly. A passenger service fee of USD 10/- is levied per person,
on departure which is payable only in US Dollars
Customs
As Maldives is a Muslim country
dogs, pigs/pork products, and pornography are forbidden. Alcohol
cannot be imported without an official license, if imported without a
license it should be declared at the customs and will be returned to you
on departure. A wide range of alcoholic drinks are available in
the resorts.
Drugs are strictly prohibited, the penalty for importing drug for personal use or other is life imprisonment.
Resort Transfers
The tourist resort islands have
transfer boats to carry their clients. Visitors with confirmed reservations
are met on arrival at the airport and transferred by boat, helicopter
or sea-plane to the resort island of your choice.
Currency and Payments
The Maldivian currency, Rufiyaa
comes in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. a rufiyaa is divided
into 100 laarees. coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 laarees, one rufiyaa
and two ruffiya. The exchange
rate on 1st April 1998 for USD 1.00 =MRF 11.72
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, traveller's
cheques or credit cards. The most commonly used credit cards are American
Express, Visa, Master Card,
Diners Club, JCB and Euro card.
What to wear
Dress is generally casual. T-shirts
and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island, it
is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.
Health
The IGM Hospital in Male' is the
biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care and
follows high medical standards. Experienced European doctors work at the
AMDC Clinic, and some resorts have an in-house doctor. Decompression chambers
are within reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency. ADK Hospital
is the biggest private health care facility.
For more information please contact
us
