| The
Islands |
All
the islands(approx. 1200 of which 200 are populated) are coral
islands of not more than 1-2 meters above sea level and surrounded
by shallow lagoons which are encircled by protective coral reefs.
These reefs are home to tens of thousands of tropical fish and
a variety of multi-coloured corals. |
| Weather |
The
weather is fine thoughout the year except for the monsoon periods.
The bad periods are June and July. However, the good news is
a visitor may never leave Maldives without considerable amount
of sun even in this period as it never rains non-stop. Therefore
it is seldom that a day passes without enough sun. |
| Temperature |
The
temperature is 26 - 31 º C through out the year - humidity:
approx. 80% |
| Religion |
Maldives
is a 100% muslim country. Visitors should not attempt activities
which disturb the faith/belief and way of life of Maldivians.
It is unlawful to act as representatives of foreign Religious
Missions (except may be for Islam where a permit may be required)
or attempt to spread other Religious Beliefs in Maldives (secretly
or publicly). |
| Alcoholic
Beverages |
All
resorts have well stocked bars with alcoholic beverages for
exclusive use of visitors/guests. Under no circumstances, such
beverages should be offered to locals. Offering alcoholic beverages
to locals is an offence punishable by law. |
| Drugs
|
Import
of drugs and use of drugs in Maldives will be severly punished.
The penalties range from 12 years to life imprisonment without
parole. |
| Dress |
Visitors/guests
may sunbath with bikinis (for ladies) and underwears (for gentlemen)
only in tourist resorts. If visiting other islands, ladies dress
should cover from neck down to knee level and gentlemen should
wear at least T-shirts and shorts. clothing should not be see-through. |
| Nudism |
Nudism
is strictly prohibited in Maldives even in resort islands. |
| Eco-system
|
Maldivian
echo system is very fragile. Visitors are requested to abide
by the rules laid to protect the environment. Picking of shells,
corals, and such creatures and activites to disturb their existence
are not allowed. |
| Entry
Visa |
Visitors
are issued with a 30 day toruist Visa upon arrival. For extended
stays, Visas are renewable. |
| Currency |
Maldivian
currency is 'Rufiyaa' (MRf.) and MRf. 11.72 = USD 1.00. However,
foreign currency is widely accepted and can be imported and
exported freely. All major creditcards are accepted in resort
islands and hotels. United States Dollars (US$) is the main
currency used in tourist resort islands. |
| Medical |
Malé,
the capital has two well-equipped hospitals and a number of
clinics. In larger resorts, there are well equipped clinics
and an in-house doctors. However, it is advised that visitors
bring medicines that are prescribed by their doctors for regular
use. |
| Electricity |
220-240V
is used throughout Maldives. |
| Communications |
Each
inhabited Island (including resort islands) is accessible by
telephone. In tourist resorts, there are a wide range of telecom
facilities from telephone in every room to TV-accessible Internet
service. |
| Working
in Maldives |
Expatriates
coming in for employment are required to arrange permits/formalities
before arrival. Visitors on tourist visas are not allowed employment
in Maldives. |
