Affordable
Maldives
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Key things to know before your trip
Last update May 04, 2024
Affordable Maldives means
- Staying on islands inhabited by locals, away from the typical tourist resorts
- Arranging your own transportation, accommodations, and meals
- Free visa upon arrival (stamp in the passport) for citizens of all countries
- All international travelers must complete the Traveller Declaration form within 96 hours of arrival/departure
- Allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days
Best time to visit
- November through April: Dry season
- May through November: Rainy season
- Purchase your ticket well in advance; prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches. However, this is a general rule and applies to all trips. Check prices here *
- ! Opt for flights that land early in the day, even if they're slightly pricier.
1. You'll get a bird's-eye view of the islands, and 2. You can proceed to your chosen island right after landing without spending a night in the capital, Male.
Hotels in Male tend to be over $50, and they might not offer the best value. Additionally, you'd have to factor in the taxi fare. It's worth noting that ferries and boats to the islands don't operate late in the evening or during the night
How to choose an island
Opt for an island closer to the capital, even if the lodging is more affordable further out. It's crucial to research transportation options to the islands beforehand. If ferries aren't available, you might have to rely on a seaplane, which could end up costing more than a week-long hotel stay
The most popular local islands (not too far from the capital)
The most popular local islands (not too far from the capital)
- Thoddoo
- Rasdhoo
- Ukulhas
- Maafushi
Where to stay
- Guest houses and hotels. On a local island, a well-rated room with its own bathroom typically averages around $50 per night
- When booking a hotel, say via booking.com, set your rating filter to a minimum of 8. Always read the property description and especially the reviews, prioritizing the newest ones and negative feedback. Also, be aware that the displayed price often doesn't include taxes, which can add an additional 20-30% to the listed rate. This tax detail is typically mentioned in smaller print below the price
- Take note of reviews regarding breakfast quality. A hearty breakfast can not only satisfy your hunger but also save you money on lunch
- "Opt for a hotel that offers snorkeling gear. While some hotels might charge $5 a day for masks and fins, others provide them at no cost, so the potential savings are clear
- Consider locating a preferred hotel on Google Maps, where you'll typically find a contact number. Reaching out directly through WhatsApp could get you a 10-20% discount on your booking. Always make sure to ask whether taxes and fees are included in the quoted price
From the airport to the island
- Taxi (only in Male and Hulhule)
- Speedboat
- Ferry
Taxi (only in Male and Hulhule)
- There is an Official taxi service from the airport, to the left of the exit. Fares are indicated on the sign at the passenger boarding point, the cost is approximately the same as in the app. The queue is clearly organized
Currency exchange
- Currency - Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- In exchange offices, shops, hotels
- From taxi drivers near the ATM at the airport! You give them dollars, they immediately withdraw money from the ATM, and at a better exchange rate than the official one
- Accommodation is paid in US dollars
- You can buy something in a store or restaurant for US dollars, and get change in local currency
Sim card
- Free at the airport. It's obtained from a dedicated SIM ATM by scanning your passport. The SIM card isn't preloaded; you'll need to top it up yourself to use the internet
- In theory, you don’t need a SIM card! The hotel has wifi, the islands are very small, and everything is nearby. The cafe may also have wifi
Food
- Tuna is the main dish of the Maldives. Try tuna in all its variations from canned to dried
- Most cafes are aimed at Europeans; they offer pizza, pasta, seafood, and Indian/Sri Lankan cuisine.
- You can buy dinner at the hotel or book accommodation with meals included: BB - breakfast only, HB - half board (breakfast and dinner), FB - full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
May be useful on a trip
- Т-shirt or a rash guard plus shorts/leggings for swimming (lycra) - will come in handy for snorkeling
- Snorkeling mask with a breathing tube
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sunglasses
- Don't pack too many clothes. You'll be spending most of your time at the beach. ! Remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country, so it's best to choose attire that covers your shoulders and knees, at the very least avoid revealing outfits. You should be dressed when walking to the beach - no bikinis in the city, restaurants, or stores
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More About the Country
personal experiences and impressions
personal experiences and impressions
The most important reason why people go to the Maldives
The main reason people visit the Maldives is its rich marine life. And you don't have to go far to see a variety of fascinating fish, turtles, and reef sharks. Most of these wonders are located within the house reef, often just 3-5 meters from the shore.
So, when choosing an island for a budget-friendly Maldives trip, pay close attention to reviews about the house reef. From our experience, I'd recommend Toddu Island. Apart from the fish, you're guaranteed to see sea turtles about 10 meters from the shore. It's also said there are many fish and sharks around the reef's edge, where the shallow water gives way to the deep blue. However, we didn't venture that far, and you should note there can be strong currents there. It's best to snorkel with fins.
On Ukulhas Island, the reef is quite shallow, and the edge of the reef is very close to the shore. There's almost no current, plenty of fish, and sometimes reef sharks swim just a meter away from the beach.
As for Rasdu Island, we found its marine life a bit lacking. We took a sea excursion there, and it felt just like a nature documentary.
TURIST_VERON
So, when choosing an island for a budget-friendly Maldives trip, pay close attention to reviews about the house reef. From our experience, I'd recommend Toddu Island. Apart from the fish, you're guaranteed to see sea turtles about 10 meters from the shore. It's also said there are many fish and sharks around the reef's edge, where the shallow water gives way to the deep blue. However, we didn't venture that far, and you should note there can be strong currents there. It's best to snorkel with fins.
On Ukulhas Island, the reef is quite shallow, and the edge of the reef is very close to the shore. There's almost no current, plenty of fish, and sometimes reef sharks swim just a meter away from the beach.
As for Rasdu Island, we found its marine life a bit lacking. We took a sea excursion there, and it felt just like a nature documentary.
TURIST_VERON
Maldives is alcohol-free country
The Maldives is a dry country, meaning alcohol is off the table. This isn't just a rule for the locals, who predominantly follow Islam, but for tourists as well. You won't find booze in stores or on restaurant menus. Even if you decide to bring your own from home or grab some from duty-free before landing, they'll confiscate it upon arrival.
However, there's a twist: resorts are the exception. It's one of the differences between staying on a resort island versus a budget (local) island. Interestingly, even locals are prohibited from handling alcohol, which means that at these resorts, it's likely a staff member from Sri Lanka or another nearby country serving you at the bar.
But here's a little secret: if you're absolutely craving a drink, there are special "booze boats" out in the open sea where you can indulge - albeit at a hefty price. It's something that's not widely advertised or openly offered. If you're interested, it might be worth discreetly asking at your guesthouse or through a tour agency.
TURIST_VERON
*Реклама. Go Travel Un Limited. ИНН 58937560
However, there's a twist: resorts are the exception. It's one of the differences between staying on a resort island versus a budget (local) island. Interestingly, even locals are prohibited from handling alcohol, which means that at these resorts, it's likely a staff member from Sri Lanka or another nearby country serving you at the bar.
But here's a little secret: if you're absolutely craving a drink, there are special "booze boats" out in the open sea where you can indulge - albeit at a hefty price. It's something that's not widely advertised or openly offered. If you're interested, it might be worth discreetly asking at your guesthouse or through a tour agency.
TURIST_VERON
*Реклама. Go Travel Un Limited. ИНН 58937560