Visiting Time
Since the Maldives has warm, tropical weather year-round it is always a good time to visit. There are particular times during the year when such things as resort prices or water clarity (for diving) change which may be of interest to you. If you visit during the dry season, which is from December to April, you get a few extra hours of sunshine and a less likely chance of rain. However, this is the most popular time to visit, and resorts can be fully booked with prices that are higher during these months. The Christmas and New Year holidays are the busiest and most expensive part of this season. During the wet season, from May to November, rain, cloudy skies and higher humidity can be more likely (though we have seen many sunny days during this time). There are fewer tourists and lower prices during this period. For divers, November and April are good months to visit since the seasonal change can bring increased water clarity and better visibility.Language
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by the Maldivians and every visitor can make himself understood when getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese.Cloths Wearing
We recommend you bring light cotton clothing to wear during your stay in the Maldives. Since it is generally hot and humid, shorts and t-shirts are the best types to bring. Business dress is casual, and when visiting inhabited islands such as Male’, it is asked that visitors dress modestly. If you plan to visit during the “wet” season (May through November), we recommend you bring a light rain jacket. Nudism is strictly prohibited.Transportation
When staying at resorts in the Maldives transportation is of little concern. Visitors who arrive in the country with previously booked reservations are normally met at the airport and escorted to the chosen resort by a boat, helicopter or seaplane. There is no need for transportation while on resort islands, as everything is within walking distance. If you plan to go on any excursions to other islands or to Male’ you may book transportation through the resort. Your stay may include a visit to Male’ or other islands, depending on the tour package you choose.Communication
The Maldives has a reputable communications system, using up to date technology and international satellite links.Telephone
Private international phone calls can be made from all resorts and most hotels in the Maldives. Dhiraagu is the country’s telecommunications company, and is an affiliate of the British Cable and Wireless Co.
Letters, postcards and packages can be sent from the Maldives. Most tourist shops at resorts will sell postage and can direct you to the international mailbox located on that resort. The national post office can be found on the capital city, Male’, where you can buy postage and even send packages.
Internet Cafés
Most resorts provide internet access. There is also a fairly large internet café on Male’ which provides exceptional service.
Shopping
The Maldives has great shopping. Whether you’re staying at a resort or in hotel you can find good places to shop. Resorts usually have their own souvenir shops, and nearby island villages have tourist shops, but Male’ (the capital) is known to be the best place for shopping. Taking a day trip to Male’ or other inhabited islands is the best way to explore the fantastic tourist shops while experiencing Maldivian culture. Also, you may bargain the price with shopkeepers on Male’.Currency
Currency is of little concern to tourists staying in the Maldives, unless you are staying on Male’, the capital. Resorts, as well as hotels on Male’, accept US dollars, traveler’s cheques and major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Diners Club. British pounds, German marks, Italian lira and Eurocard are also accepted, although US dollars are more widely received. If you are staying at a resort you do not need to carry money as everything is billed to your room, and the tab settled when you check out.If you are visiting or staying on Male’ the only time you would need Maldivian currency is if you are dining at smaller restaurants or shopping at places other than tourist shops. Even then they may take foreign currency. If you must exchange money for Maldivian currency, which is called “rufiya”, you can do so at your resort or at one of the major banks located on Male’. Major hotels on Male’ can exchange money for their guests.
The exchange rate is 11.72 rufiya (rf) for one US dollar. Rufiya comes in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. One Rufiya is divided into 100 laari (coins).
Bank hours are from 8am to 1:30pm Sunday through Thursday.