MALDIVES PRACTICALITIES

 

Facts and Figures

Area: A territory featuring 1192 islets.

Population: 300,000

Capital: Male

Passport/Visa requirements

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. No visa is required unless staying 30 days or more.

Geography

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is situated 435 miles South West of Sri Lanka. The Maldives 26 atolls encompass a territory featuring 1,192 islets, 200 of these are inhabited. It holds the record for being the flattest country in the world. As sea levels continue to rise, the islands are threatened into non-existence.

Climate

The temperature varies between 24 to 33 degrees centigrade through out the year. The humidity is high, but there is always a constant breeze. There is a dry season, in the northern hemispheres winter and a rainy season in our summer. However, monsoon patterns are constantly changing.

Language

The official language is Dhivehi, which is an Indo European language, but English is widely spoken.

Money

The earliest currency was cowry shells, however today they use rufiyaa. The exchange rate with the US dollar is USD1 = MVR 12.80

Religion

Originally the religion was Buddhism, but Islam was introduced in 1153.

Time

UTC+5

Electricity

Mainly plugs need to be the round two pole type.

Brief History

The first settlers were Dravidian people from the southwest coasts of the India Subcontinent, many millenia ago. A British commissioner named Bell was shipwrecked there in 1879, and returned many times to investigate Ancient Buddist ruins. Ancient Maldivian Kings promoted Buddism, but over the centuries sailors and traders have been influential. The Maldives became independent from Britain in 1965, and after the following 3 years reign of King Muhammad Fareed, the monarchy was replaced by a republic. Maldive Islands became ‘The Maldives’. 

Music and Arts

On any of the island resorts you are likely to hear the sound of soft drumming and choir singing. There is also a national museum located in Male

Immunisations/Malaria

Visitors to The Maldives are typically advised to make sure they are up to date with their Diphtheria and Tetanus, Polia, Hepatitus A and Typhoid. Yellow fever is recommended.

Getting Around:

Seaplanes and speedboats carry tourists between the airport and the islands.

Baggage

We strongly recommend you use lockable luggage, and don’t leave any valuables in unlocked side pockets. Check whether you will be transferring to your resort by seaplane, as there will be strict weight restrictions.

Airports

If you have arranged a transfer, look out for your local representative outside the arrivals area. Please wait outside the arrival area for a reasonable amount of time e.g. half an hour. If your flight was late and you think they may not have waited please ring your contact number (provided by Magic of the Orient before you depart). If your plane is delayed or connection missed please try to phone the contact number and leave the new arrival time.

Honesty

Islanders are very friendly and helpful and you are very unfortunate to be a victim of dishonesty.

British Embassy

British Consular Correspondent, Male: +960 311 218.

Useful Numbers

From the Maldives to the UK: 00144 and number

From the UK to the Maldives: 00960 and number

Communications

Internet is available in most resorts and. The resorts office will also have a fax machine. Phones will be found in the rooms of most resorts.

Media

Newspapers from all countries can be requested for a fee, as well as a variety of the local papers.

Food and Drink

The standard of cuisine in the Maldives is excellent. Most island resorts grow their own fruits and vegetables and some have their own chickens. There is plenty of fish, seafood and organic produce. Although a Muslim country there is plenty of wines, beers and spirits, however you are not allowed to take your own alcoholic beverages into the country which makes drinks quite expensive.

Tipping

Tipping is normal practice at 10% however when staying half board or all inclusive, this is not necessary each time you dine. Butler service would require tipping at the end of your stay, at your discretion.

Shopping

This is limited in the Maldives, Male airport has a few tourist shops in departures.

What to pack

The Maldives are warm all year round, and even in rainy season, you will not require more than a shirt in the evenings. Most resorts provide large umbrellas and snorkelling equipment. The dress code is very relaxed and hardly varies from island to island, however, it is worth remembering the islanders are Muslim and traditionally cover up. Most islands do not allow shoes, so only 1 pair of shoes are required for your journey there and back.