LANGUAGE
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives.
English is widely spoken by Maldivian and visitors can easily
make themselves understood getting around the capital island.
In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff
including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.
DRESS
CODE
Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing
are most suitable. In Male', the capital island and other
inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest
clothing without baring too much.
HEALTH
Maldives is tropical country but the people are extremely
clean. You will be safe here in Maldives, but please get
advise from your doctor or health visitor regarding vaccinations.
LOCAL TIME
GMT + 5 hours
BUSINESS HOURS
From Sunday to Thursday 7.30 - 14.30 in the government sector
and generally from 9.00 to 5.00 in the private sector, although
most offices in the private sector open for a half day on
Saturday. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
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. Wide ranges of alcoholic drinks are
available in the resorts.
Narcotic Drugs are strictly prohibited; the penalty for
importing drug for any purpose is life imprisonment.
VISA
No prior visas are required, a tourist visa of 30 days will
be granted to all visitors with valid travel documents provided
the embarkation/disembarkation cards are filled properly.
CURRENCY
& PAYMENTS
The Maldivian Currency, Rufiyaa comes in notes of 5, 10,
20, 50, 100 and 500. A Rufiyaa is divided into 100 Laarees.
Coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 Laaree, one Rufiyaa
and two Rufiyaa. All most all-foreign currencies and major
credits cards are accepted, Amex, Visa, Master JCB Card. |
