Frequently Asked Questions

Maldives - Frequently Asked Questions

If you are planning a honeymoon, family vacation or just a well-earned beach holiday, while being bathed in glorious sunshine, Maldives is an ideal candidate.

Maldives is heaven on earth and a unique luxury travel destination. 

Why Maldives?

Maldives offers something for everyone. There are around 1200 islands of which 200 are inhabited - mainly with resorts. These cater for every type of holidaymaker - families, couples, honeymooners, singletons, spa enthusiasts, oenophiles, gourmands, divers and surfers. Expect soft white powder sand, crystal blue seas and spectacular sunrises and sunsets - on an almost daily basis. Maldives is famous for its overwater villas but there are also beach villas, private islands and villas set out in the Indian Ocean. With great weather all year round and easy access from every continent, it is not so much "Why Maldives" but "Definitely Maldives".

Where is Maldives?

This multi-island nation lies in the Indian Ocean, 700 kilometres south-west of Sri Lanka and 3000 kilometres east of Somalia. The capital is Male and international flights land there at Velana International Airport. Maldives is one of the few countries that crosses the Equator. The Equator is 0 degree latitude and there are two Maldivian atolls to the south of it - Fuvahmulah and Addu. Addu is Maldives second city. If you get the chance, visiting the Equator and "standing" with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere is an unforgettable experience. Maldives spans an incredible 90,000 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean. 

When is the Best Time to visit Maldives?

The ideal months to visit Maldives are from November to early April. These are the peak months for travel so book early. Expect little rain and temperatures to average 29 degrees Celsius during the day. As with all beach holidays, sun cream is a must and a hat to prevent sunstroke. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular and the seas are very warm. The western atolls are teeming with manta rays during these months.  

From late April to the end of October, Maldives swings from monsoon - heavy rain and sometimes stormy seas - to clear, bright but humid days. Late July to October are very popular for the savvy travellers. Yes, you may get showers, but they do not last long. The temperature averages around 26 degrees Celsius - ideal for families. The eastern atolls are the best to see manta rays during these months.

How do you Choose a Resort in Maldives?

Maldives has adult-only, all-inclusive, family, diving and spa resorts. There is a resort for everyone. The BusinessClass.com Maldives Guide can help you choose

Which is Best, an Overwater or Beach Villa? 

It is a personal preference but there is something quite divine about living and sleeping over the Ocean. You will have direct access into the water ... either by steps into the sea or by waterslide! The BusinessClass.com guide to the best overwater villas in Maldives.

Beach villas have easy access to the Ocean and are more private.

An easy compromise is spend some nights overwater and some by the beach!

Can you get Married in Maldives?

Unless you are a Maldivian national, you cannot legally get married in the country. However, every resort offers blessings and of course honeymoon packages. The BusinessClass.com guide to the best honeymoon/couples resorts in Maldives

Is Maldives safe for Tourists?

In a word, yes. Maldives depends on tourism and visitors to the country are made to feel welcome from the moment they step off the plane. Respecting local customs is important and sunbathing on the beaches in the nude is not allowed.

Do I need Vaccinations for Maldives?

Make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Maldives. If you are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to Maldives.

Ensure that you hold travel/medical insurance. Most resorts have a medical centre that can deal with basic ailments. 

What are the Visa Requirements for Maldives? 

Tourists visiting Maldives do not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival:

- A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 months validity

- A pre-paid hotel booking/accommodation.

- Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Maldives.

- Confirmed onward/return tickets to home country or to country of residence.

- A Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 72 hours to the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA

The maximum number of days granted on arrival is 30 days - but can be extended at the discretion of the Maldives Immigration.

What is the TIme difference?

+ 5 hours GMT - some resorts work on "island time" which is an extra hour (+ 6 hours GMT).

Can I Take My Own Alcohol in Maldives? 

It is illegal to carry alcohol into Maldives. It will be confiscated at the airport. 

All resorts serve alcohol. 

What is the Currency of Maldives?

The main currency in Maldives is the Rufiyaa. US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros are also accepted - as are all major credit & debt cards.

What Languages are Spoken in Maldives? 

The language of Maldives is Dhivehi. However, due to the international nature of the resorts, English is the primary language with other European and Asian languages spoken by resort staff.

Is Maldives a good destination for tourists with Disabilities? 

Many of the resorts do offer specially-adapted guestrooms and villas for disabled guests - with ramp access. But guests that are permanently in a wheelchair will struggle with the seaplanes and indeed getting around the sand roads on the island resorts. 

Is Maldives LGBTQ+ friendly?

Under Sharia Law, it is illegal to be lesbian or gay in Maldives. However resorts welcome international travellers and do not discriminate against colour, creed or sexual orientation. 

How do you Get Around in Maldives?

Velana International Airport is the main arrival point for international travellers. From there it is either a seaplane or speedboat to your resort. There are five international airports in Maldives and fifteen domestic airports. Depending on where your resort is located, you may have to take another internal passenger jetInvariably you will be met at the airport by a representative from your resort and you will either be escorted to the seaplane terminal (5 minutes drive) and into a lounge or the main concourse or to the dock (5 minutes drive) for a boat transfer.

There are three main seaplane companies that transfer to resorts, flying 15-seater DeHavilland Twin Otter seaplanes but some resorts have their own aircraft. Seaplanes do not fly in the dark so ensure that your international flight lands in enough time to allow you to depart the seaplane terminal before 1600 hrs. 

Each passenger is allowed 20 kilograms of luggage with a further 5 kilograms for hand baggage - any more will attract excess baggage charges. Note that the further your resort is from Male, the more expensive the transfer will be.

At your resort, generally, you will be shuttled about in golf buggies. The larger resorts have electrified minibuses. Some resorts offer bicycles but when in paradise, walking is the best way to get around!

Is Island Hopping easy in Maldives?

Travelling between islands is very easy. Your resort concierge will be able to help you organise either seaplane flights or boat transfers.

Do you need to Tip in Maldives?

Most resort staff do not expect tips for individual service. If you have a dedicated villa butler then you may feel that their personal service deserves a gratuity at the end of your stay. Every bill you sign for adds an instant 10% tip - which is distributed to staff.

Are the Resorts accommodating with special Dietary Requirements? 

You should only drink bottled water in Maldives.

Every resort will cater for those with dietary requirements. Ensure that it knows your requirements when you book and reiterate them when you arrive on resort.

The BusinessClass.com guide to the best dining experiences in Maldives

Does Maldives have Internet available? 

All resorts have Wi-Fi and it is complimentary.

What Power Plugs do you need in Maldives?

Maldives uses power plugs and sockets that are of type D and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Most resorts provide adaptor plugs and USB points.

Is there a Drone Policy in Maldives? 

Each resort has its own drone policy but they are mainly outlawed as they interfere with other guest's privacy and could put the safety of seaplanes in jeopardy. 

What are the Must Take items on a holiday to Maldives?

Pack light but ensure that you have the essentials including swimming outfits, sun cream, sunglasses and a good book! You can take photos and videos on your cellphone but consider taking a camera for those special moments.  An underwater camera is a must for divers and snorkellers.

Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that includes watersports.

Final advice on Maldives: 

Expect to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime and want to return time & time again! 

 

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and accommodation in Maldives. 

 

 

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