Useful Information
Find all the information you need to plan your guesthouse vacation in the Maldives.
Documents
Regardless of nationality, anyone planning a trip to the Maldives simply needs to have a passport valid for at least six months from the expected return date (six months if you have a layover in Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi; otherwise, a remaining validity of 30 days from the return date is sufficient). Furthermore, according to current European regulations, minors must have their own individual passport. All incoming visitors are required to complete the IMUGA, a travel declaration that must be filled out up to 96 hours in advance and will be requested at the airport. Click here to fill out the IMUGA.
Alcohol & cigarettes
Alcohol is prohibited on the island and inside the guest house. Smoking is permitted, but tobacco is not sold on the island, and there are restrictions on the amount of tobacco and cigarettes that can be brought in: a maximum of 200 cigarettes (or 25 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco) per person. Regulations regarding e-cigarettes are still unclear. To be on the safe side, we recommend checking for the latest information before departure.
Restrictions
The importation of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, psychotropic substances, pork and pork products, drugs, pornographic material, spearguns, weapons, ammunition, and explosives of any kind is strictly prohibited. Pamphlets, flyers, booklets, or publications promoting another religion are also prohibited. When returning to Europe, please remember that it is strictly prohibited to bring mother-of-pearl, coral, seashells, and sand—whether taken from the sea or from beaches—back with you. Additionally, spearfishing is prohibited on the island.
Health regulations
No vaccinations are required for the Maldives. We strongly recommend using sunscreen (SPF 50+) and after-sun lotion, especially during the first few days of sun exposure, to avoid ruining your vacation with severe sunburn. Sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and protective creams can also be purchased on the island. A standard insect repellent may come in handy. In case of serious medical emergencies, there is a medical clinic that ensures a doctor is always on duty. The island also has a hospital, a licensed physician, and a pharmacy.
Dress code
The recommended attire is casual/sporty: T-shirts, sarongs, and cotton or linen clothing are the most suitable and comfortable options. Don’t forget sunglasses and appropriate headwear. You must pack your own snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, or water shoes) in your suitcase; we provide towels. The island’s inhabitants are Muslim; therefore, we advise female guests—only while in the village and out of respect for the local population—not to walk around in a swimsuit or in clothing that is too revealing (we recommend dresses or short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts, and skirts that aren’t too short. No high heels—wear sandals or flip-flops instead). Men are advised to wear a shirt; going shirtless should be avoided.
Taxes and Payments
– A 12% tax is already included in the rate.
– A $6 Green Tax (visitor’s tax) per person per night is payable on site. Only children up to 2 years of age are exempt.
For any credit card payments, the following commission rates will apply: – 15% for Visa or Mastercard. We do not recommend paying by credit card, as they may not be accepted. Preferred payment methods: cash in U.S. dollars* or euros, or bank transfer (bank transfers also incur a 15% commission; if paying by bank transfer, the customer is responsible for all fees).
* U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere on the island but must be in good condition and issued in 2009 or later
Climate
Since the Equator runs through the Maldives, the average temperature there is 30°, which remains constant throughout the year and never drops below 25–26° even at night, reaching a high of 32° during the hottest part of the day. The best time to visit is from December through the end of April.
Shopping
There are some interesting locally made items, such as sarongs and T-shirts, colorful wooden fish, small paintings, and other handicrafts, many of which are hand-painted. When shopping on the island, only cash in U.S. dollars is accepted. Check out the souvenir shops near Asia Inn.
Language
Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives and has both Arabic and Indo-Aryan influences. Both vocabulary and pronunciation sometimes vary from atoll to atoll. Dhivehi is used in all administrative offices in the Maldives. English is widely spoken and used everywhere. Our staff speaks English.
Phone
​The country code for calling the Maldives from Europe is 00960, while to call from the Maldives, you must dial the international access code before the number you wish to call. You can purchase an international SIM card upon exiting the airport. Otherwise, we recommend using an e-SIM such as Holafly or similar services.
Currency
The currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa (Maldivian Rufiyaa). The U.S. dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments on the island can only be made in cash dollars*; some places also accept euros, but credit cards and debit cards are not accepted.
*Note: U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere on the island but must be in good condition and issued in 2009 or later
Religion
The only religion practiced in the Maldives is Sunni Islam, which was introduced by the Arabs beginning in the mid-12th century, replacing the previous Buddhist religion.