Maldives Holiday Travel Guide

Maldives Holiday: Travel Guide

Armed with the following information, you will be able to have a worry-free and totally relaxing holiday to Maldives:

When to come
The Maldives experiences a year round of tropical weather so you can go anytime of the year. Still, the best months to schedule a holiday are from December to April. These months experiences the longest hours of sunshine with a little chance of rain. However, these are also the popular times to visit so hotels and resorts can be fully booked and the prices are higher compared to other months.

What to bring
You don't really need many items to bring when visiting the country since the essentials are readily available at shops that are located on resorts. But to remind you of it, here is a list of the things that you should have:

Lotion
Sunglasses
Sunscreen with high spf
Bathing suits
Cap or hat
Insect repellant
Light cotton clothing
US dollars and credit cards

What to wear
Since it is generally hot and humid in the Maldives, it is advised that visitors should wear light t-shirts and shorts. If you are going there for a business meeting, the attire is usually casual. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, bring a light rain jacket. If you are in the capital, Male, wear modest clothes. The country is a Muslim nation so be respectful – nudity is prohibited.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Entering the Maldives can only be done by air since the country is composed of tiny islands. The entry requirements are few and simple. All you need to have is a valid passport. When you arrive, you are given free entry visa that is valid for 30 days – regardless of where you come from. Visitors are recommended to confirm their hotel or resort reservations before coming, however, reservations can be made right at the Tourist Information Counter in the arrival hall if you haven't had booked a resort or hotel. Be ready to have sufficient funds (US$25 per day of stay) and a return flight ticket. When leaving, prepare US$10 as exit tax.

Take note: if you are planning to visit the Maldives during peak season (December to April), make a reservation in advance as hotels and resorts are often fully booked.

Money
The local currency is called the Rufiyaah (about 12.75 Rufiyaah to a dollar). However, many resorts accept dollar as a form of payment. Larger resorts can accept euro, pound, yen and sterling. Bank and ATMs are only located on the capital, Male. Small shops usually don't accept credit cards so make sure you have cash when shopping.

Weather
The Maldives has 2 seasons: wet and dry. Wet season is from May to November; dry season is from December to April (which is also the best months to visit the country). Nonetheless, it experiences a year-round tropical climate due to its location on the equator. During the dry season, the country experiences a little rain and extra hours of sunlight. During the wet season, rains are expected but the temperature is still warm. The average temperature is 27.7 C (82 F). Temperature rarely drops to below 25 C (77 F).

Crime and Safety
The Maldives is a fairly safe country. While petty crimes do exist, they can be limited to Male and other inhabited islands. To be safe, just don't leave your valuables unattended.