 What
is Maldives?
Maldives is some small scattered islands in the Indian Ocean, comprising
about 1190 or more single islands, across Equator, having an average
temperature of 28.2 Degree Celsius. Maldives represent in Common Wealth and
in United Nation. It's a Democratic nation, holding a population width of
about 290,000 people.
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Do
I need a Visa to visit Maldives?
You do not require a Visa prior to arrival in the
Maldives. All tourists from all the countries in are granted free 30 day
visa upon arrival. However, all the visitors need a valid travel document.
If a passport expiry date falls within 30 days of arrival, tourists cannot
extend their stay beyond the passport expiry date. Working / Employment
under tourist visa is prohibited. Working visas are provided by the Ministry
of Human Resources Employment and Labour.
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What's
the time difference?
Maldives is five hours ahead (GMT +05:00) of
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
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When
is the best time to visit Maldives?
If you're looking for a few extra hours of
sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April,
which is the dry season. This is the high season, however, and resorts can
be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year. The
Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high
season. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be
cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is more likely. This is the low season,
and there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The transition months of
November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity
and better visibility for divers.
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What
vaccinations should I have?
Normally, no vaccinations are required by the
Maldives authorities. However, if you are from a Central African nation or
South American, or if you have traveled through these areas to get here you
need to have a valid certificate indicating that you have been vaccinated
against yellow fever. If not you do not need any specific vaccination
certificates to get into the Maldives. If you want to be extra careful, do
consult your personal physician for his recommendations.
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How
is the Airport?
The Airport looks like an Aircraft Carrier from
top. But actually, it's an island long and thin. This Airport could be
considered as the safest Airport in the whole world. The reason behind this
is that, there is only one run way. Therefore there is no possibility in
landing 2 to 3 planes at once. - Airport Floor Plan - The Airport is located
some 4 kilometers/ 2 miles from the capital.
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What
is the Capital?
The Capital of the Maldives is ""Male'""
pronounced ""Maa-ley"". Male' would also be counted as one of the smallest
capitals in the world in terms of its physical size. One third of the
country's population, of about 75,000 people lives in Male'. Different from
any other island in the country, Male' is a city of high-rise buildings and
paved roads. While the government offices are located in one area, the main
streets are lined with shops and offices. In the old bazaar area, which
still houses the country's hub of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are
so narrow that a single vehicle would find it difficult to navigate through,
especially with its throngs of busy people.
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What
is the currency used?
In Maldives we have our own currency called
""Maldivian Ruffiya"" (MRf). One United States Dollar is equivalent to 12.85
MRf (Maldives Monetary Authority buying rate) and this value doesn't vary
much.
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Where
is the best area to stay?
All the hotels in Maldives have an excellent
transportation system so visitors can easily reach other islands, no matter
where they stay. Most hotels are located on their own Private Island or
small islands where only a few resorts exist along the waterfront areas, all
offer a high standard of service and unless you need to be in a particular
spot, it really doesn't matter where you stay. more on resorts...
more..
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What
types of water activities are available?
Most visitors enjoy the lagoons as the natives
do, swimming and snorkeling in the warm, turquoise waters, or canoeing,
sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and water
skiing. The Maldive islands are world renowned for their scuba diving and
snorkeling. Or you can go on a shark feeding/ whale shark watching
expedition, where you're in the water with hungry reef sharks that are being
hand-fed by a guide. You can charter a yacht, perhaps with a captain and
chef, to sail among the islands. In Maldivian resorts they offer an enormous
range of water activities. more...
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Will
I be expected to pay tips?
Tipping is not very common in Maldives. It is
prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most
have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxis drivers do not
get tipped.
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What
is the Taxi Fare?
Tourists normally pay US$1.16. If tourists pay
in Maldivian Rufiyaa, they may pay MRF 15.00 for any given trip from one
point to the other. You maybe charged for the luggage based on number of
pieces.
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Could
I be able to take liquor to the Capital City/Island?
Nobody is allowed to bring in liquor to
Maldives, unless he or she has a special import license for liquor, beer and
related products. If somebody has bought liquor and beer and related items
on his/her way to Maldives from a duty free center, then products should be
bonded in custom on their arrival to Maldives. And the goods will be
released on their departure. Further nobody is allowed to bring in liquor,
beer or related products to the Capital City/Island. Thus the Capital City
Hotel's will not offer liquor, beer and related products.
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Will
I be able to use my electrical equipment in Maldives?
Voltage in Maldives is 110 or 220 volts,
depending on your location. An adapter is recommended for using appliances
you bring with you. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other
amenities.
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Is
Maldives safe for the visitor?
Yes, Maldives is probably one of the safest
places in the world.
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Is
the water safe to drink?
Each resort has its own water desalination
plant. Bottled water is readily available in all islands.
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Is
there anything you will recommend us to bring?
If you desire, you can bring cigarettes (up to
two cartons) and film (up to ten rolls). And don't forget an extra bottle of
your favorite suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses, water socks (reef walkers)
and any common insect repellent. Most of these are available from the hotel
shops.
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Is
English widely spoken?
Yes, there will be no problems in communicating
with people in many hotels, restaurants and on the public transport.
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Can
I use my Visa Card, Master Card, and Debit Card to get cash from the
bank?
Most of the local and souvenir shops in Male'
accept all major credit cards but none of these shops can get you cash from
your card. There are two or three merchants who get can get you limited cash
and this is only possible during weekdays as these merchants will be issuing
you a cash check which you will have to en-cash it from the bank. One bank
in the Maldives offers encashment of credit cards. However the withdrawals
are well limited.
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Are
their ATM's on the Capital City/Island or anywhere else?
The ATM's are located at a few places on the
capital island, easily reachable by walk.
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Why
are the Maldive Islands called ""The Last Paradise"?
Maldives and Her Islands have long been
referred to as a tropical paradise. But their unspoiled islands are not for
everyone. If you're looking for a familiar, commercial environment like your
own hometown, you won't find it in the Maldives. These extraordinary islands
are for people seeking the unique, novel or adventurous honeymoon experience
who want to visit a destination whose culture is different from their own.
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Why
is Maldives a favorite among honeymooners?
Maldives is simply the ultimate in romance.
Couples can immerse themselves in the incredible beauty of the islands and
the casual, relaxed pace. With its mesmerizing sunsets and sweet aroma of
flowers, Maldives radiates romance. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast brought to
your overeater bungalow by canoe. Find a secluded islet for a private
picnic. Arrange a traditional Maldivian wedding ceremony or renewal of vows.
Spend a romantic evening dinner for two at your hotel. Or simply take a
leisurely stroll along a secluded white sand beach and enjoy the most
spectacular place on earth.
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Are
there hospitals and medical facilities?
Maldives has excellent medical and dental
services, pharmacies, a large government hospital and many private clinics
in the capital city of Male', all of the resorts are also equipped with
outstanding medical facilities and clinics.
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How
do I book a travel package to Maldives?
Find your choice of travel agent, safari or the
resort island from our website. Here..
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Do
I need to pay Departure Tax?
If the airport tax has not been paid before,
you may need to pay US$12.00 at the airport. Only US$ Dollar is accepted.
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