Everything you need to know before visiting the Maldives — visa, packing, budget, transfers, local customs, and insider tips.
- Visa & Entry
- Getting There
- Transfers
- Budget Planning
- Packing List
- Local Customs
- Health & Safety
- Communication
- Insider Tips
- Visa on arrival: Free 30-day tourist visa for all nationalities
- Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but USD accepted everywhere
- Language: Dhivehi (official), English widely spoken in resorts
Major airlines flying to Malé (MLE):
- From China: China Eastern, China Southern, Sichuan Airlines (direct)
- From Europe: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines (via hub)
- From Asia: SriLankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia
See YEIN Flight Routes Guide for detailed route maps.
| Type | Duration | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | 15-90 min | $100-300 RT | North/South Malé Atoll |
| Seaplane | 20-60 min | $300-600 RT | Remote atolls |
| Domestic flight + boat | 1-3 hrs | $200-400 RT | Southern atolls |
| Style | Per Person/Day | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $50-80 | Guesthouse, local food, public ferry |
| Mid-range | $200-400 | 4★ resort, half-board, activities |
| Luxury | $500-2000+ | 5★ water villa, full-board, spa |
Use the YEIN Budget Planner to estimate your total trip cost.
- Visit during wet season (May-Oct) for 30-50% off
- Stay on local islands (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah)
- Book all-inclusive to avoid surprise costs
- Compare islands with YEIN Selector
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
- Snorkel gear (resort rental available but own is better)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Modest clothing for local island visits
- Insect repellent
- Power adapter (UK Type G plugs)
- Dry bag for boat transfers
- Seasickness medication
- Binoculars for dolphin watching
- Kindle/book for beach reading
- Dress code: Bikinis OK on resort islands; cover up on local islands
- Alcohol: Available only on resort islands, not on local islands
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated ($5-10/day for room staff)
- Friday: Local islands may have limited services (Muslim holy day)
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing locals
- No vaccinations required (but check latest advisories)
- Tap water: Not safe to drink; bottled water provided
- Sun protection: Equatorial sun is intense — reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
- Marine life: Don't touch coral or marine animals; watch for sea urchins
- Currents: Respect channel currents; always snorkel with a buddy
- WiFi: Available at all resorts (quality varies)
- SIM cards: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo available at airport
- Time zone: GMT+5 (resorts may use GMT+6 "island time")
- Book direct with resorts for best rates and room upgrades
- Seaplane window seat: Right side going north, left side going south for best views
- Snorkeling at house reef: Often better than excursion trips
- Sunset fishing: Most resorts offer free or cheap sunset fishing trips
- Island hopping: Ask resort about day trips to nearby local islands
- Manta season: Visit Baa Atoll June-November for manta ray encounters
- Whale sharks: South Ari Atoll year-round, peak August-November
- YEIN Island Selector — Find your perfect island
- Honeymoon Guide — Romantic island picks
- Snorkeling Guide — Best reefs and marine life
- Family Travel — Kid-friendly resorts
- All-Inclusive Guide — Package comparisons
Have a tip to share? Found outdated info? PRs and issues welcome!