The Practical Guide

Maldives travel tips & FAQ

The straight answers: the free 30-day visa, the resort-vs-local-island rules, where alcohol is (and isn’t), what to tip, and what a week genuinely costs at every budget — plus a few words of Dhivehi that make the whole country smile.

Straight answers

Before you go

The questions every visitor asks, answered straight.

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The money

Shape your spend

A rough, honest estimator in USD. The Maldives runs from backpacker guesthouses to four-figure villas — drag the dials and see what fits.

Travel style
Add-ons

Estimated total

$0

$0 / person · 7 days

    EUR, GBP and AUD figures use approximate mid-2026 rates — indicative only. Festive weeks and peak dry season run higher; monsoon-season value can run 30–40% lower. We quote exact figures when you inquire.

    A few words

    Speak a little Dhivehi

    English is widely spoken throughout the resorts — but a greeting in Dhivehi opens every door in the islands. Tap any phrase to hear it.

    Dhivehi is written in Thaana script, right to left — these are approximate romanisations.

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