These are the top questions people ask when thinking about vacationing in the Maldives.
Does the Maldives have internet access?
There are telecommunication and internet services across the Maldives. You will be able to purchase a local sim card for use in your mobile device. Most resorts offer free wi-fi services to their guests. Many of the top liveaboards will also have access when close enough to a Maldivian island. The dialling code for the Maldives is +960.
Where are the Maldives?
The Maldives is an island chain, made up of 2 rows of atolls crossing the equator in the Indian Ocean. It is the smallest country in Asia and lies south of India and west of Sri Lanka. The co-ordinates of the Maldives are 3.2028° N, 73.2207° E. The distance from Colombo, Sri Lanka is 889km; from Kolkata, India is 2589km and from Singapore is 3388km. The time zone is GMT + 5 hours.
How many islands make up the Maldives?
Spread over 90 000 square kilometres, the Maldives is made up of 1190 coral islands and sandbanks, of which only about 200 are inhabited
How do you get to the Maldives?
You can charter a flight to Male, the capital of the Maldives, where the main airport is situated on an island of its own, Hulhule Island. The airport is the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and the airport code is MLE. Flights arrive on a number of major carriers from various parts of Asia. These include via Dubai on Emirates; via Colombo, Sri Lanka on Air Sri Lanka; via Singapore on Singapore Airlines and via Doha on Qatar Air. You can also cruise to the Maldives, conditional to permission granted and through one of the Maldives official harbours. Speedboats, Yachts, Seaplanes and Domestic Flights are available to transport you around the Maldives.
When is the best time to go to the Maldives?
The Maldives is great for vacationing all year round, although, for diving, the sea is slightly calmer between December and May. With an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day, it’s the ideal destination during the northern hemisphere winter. Most of the rain falls between June and November, but it does rain throughout the year in varying quantities. As it is difficult to predict when it will rain in the Maldives, it’s best to go when suits you and enjoy it regardless of the weather.
What currency is used in the Maldives?
The currency used in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa which is abbreviated to MVR. At the moment 1$US is equal to MVR15-41. You can buy MVR at local banks and registered foreign exchange points. Other major currencies such as $US, British sterling and Euro can also be used, especially if you are on a liveaboard. Major credit cards are accepted at all leading resorts and hotels. Banks are open Sunday to Thursday from 8am to 3pm.
What language is spoken in the Maldives?
Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives although English is widely used across the archipelago and is the official business language.
Do I need a visa for the Maldives?
You do not need to apply for a visa prior to travelling to the Maldives. A permit will be given to you upon arrival. However, this is for tourists only. If you are planning on working in the Maldives or conducting any professional activities, you will need government consent. Tourists need a machine readable passport, a return air ticket or proof of departure date. You will also need proof of where you will be staying eg.the name and reservation details of your resort.
What is the capital of the Maldives?
Malé City is the capital of the Maldives – it is the seat of the Maldivian government and legislature and is one of the world’s most densely populated cities. It sits adjacent to the airport island of Hulhule. Most air and sea traffic arrive and depart through Malé. There are round the clock ferries which will take you the short distance from the airport to Malé.