| 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. |
| Getting
There |
A
number of schedule and charter flights operate to the
Maldives. It is
just 55 minutes from Sri Lanka (Colombo), approx. 4 hours
from
Singapore, Dubai, KualaLumpur and 11 hours from Europe. |
| 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, regardless
of
their nationality. For extended stays, Visas are renewable. |
| Currency |
Maldivian
currency is 'Rufiyaa' (MRf.) and MRf. 12.75 = 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 and also as a base currency for commerce.. |
| 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. |
