Money

1. Currency Exchange

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (abbreviated as Rf or MRF) and is made up of 100 larees. Notes are available in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are denominated into 2 and 1 Rufiyaa and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree.

Currency can be exchanged at all resorts and banks in Maldives. Banks offer a better exchange rate as compared to resorts and hotels. Normal banking hours in the Maldives are from 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and from 9 am to 11 am on Saturdays. Friday is a holiday.

Credit cards are widely accepted for payment at resorts, hotels, restaurants, stores and retail shops. The most commonly used credit cards in Maldives are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card. Some shops in Male may add a surcharge above the price if payment is made by credit cards.

Payment is also accepted in the form of travelers' checks. Travelers' checks can also be exchanged for cash at banks and resorts. ATMs are situated at many tourist spots and in major cities across the chain of islands. They accept most credit cards.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

Most commodities in Maldives are quite affordable. Expect to pay around $2.5 for a small bottle of beer. A postcard and a stamp in Maldives costs about $1.7. A roll of 24-exposure film will cost $5.7 while a roll of 24 exposure print film will cost about $7.

Public toilet usage fee is about $.15 in Maldives. You can avail of half an hour of Internet access for about $8.

3. Telecommunications

Maldives has a developed and sophisticated telecommunications system. International Direct Dialing (IDD) facility is available at all important tourist destinations, including all major hotels and resorts. You can also make calls using card phones, which are available on all inhabited islands. While making an outgoing call, you will be required to dial 00 followed by the respective country's code.

You can also carry your mobile while holidaying in the Maldives. All major islands in the Maldives have good mobile network coverage. The local service providers use a GSM 900 network, which proves to be compatible with many international cell phone operators. However, before making a visit it is advisable that you check whether your service provider has roaming agreements with other operators within the Maldives.

You can also opt for rented mobile phones from various companies that provide these rental services on daily or weekly basis.

4. Cab Fares

Cabs are only available in the capital of Maldives. They are not metered and charge about $1.16 as a minimum fare for traveling from one point to another. Extra charge is applicable depending on the number of luggage items. There is no extra charge for the number passengers. Check the fare inside the cab or with the driver before starting the journey.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

The Maldivian Ruffiya is the legal tender for exchange in Maldives. It is written as MVR or Rf and $1 is equivalent to 13.00 MVR.

Currency Exchange Rates

MVR 1.00 USD 0.08 GBP 0.04 CAD 0.09 AUD 0.10 ZAR 0.46 EUR 0.06 NZD 0.12

6. Taxes

While visiting the Maldives, visitors should keep in mind that US $12 is to be paid as a departure tax per person. This tax is accepted only in US dollars. In most cases, it is included in the price of the air ticket.

Hotels may also charge a $6 tax for children under the age of 2. This amount should be directly paid to the hotel or resort while clearing your bill. The departure tax and holiday bed tax is bound to change. Hence, you should check beforehand about the rate fluctuations.

7. Tipping

Although tipping is usually discouraged in the Maldives, you can tip the room staff and waiters a small amount in case you receive satisfactory service. The standard rate for tipping is considered to be US$10 per week. Many hotels and restaurants also include a 10% service charge. In this case, you may not be required to leave any tip.