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| TAT number: 31/0734 |
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Getting There
All international flights to the Maldives land at Malé international airport, after a spectacular flight over the deep blue Indian Ocean, interspersed with vivid turquoise circles and tiny white dots.
When to Go |
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The obvious starting point for deciding when to visit the Maldives is the monsoon periods. For those whose main priority is sun, October to April are the months when rain is least likely, with February-April being the hottest and driest period of all. Unfortunately, this is the key draw for most visitors, so this inevitably means higher prices during these months. In June to October, wind and rain are more likely, although the islands are still warm and weeks can often go by with no sign of the latter. The European holiday in August can send prices up even during this time. The Christmas/New Year period of course sees them rocket.
For diving and snorkelling, there is a slightly different agenda. May-Nov brings larger swells and strong winds, which can make diving on exposed reefs difficult (although the many protected dive sites within the atolls are still a memorable option). It also brings large schools of pelagics (such as sharks, eagle rays and tuna) on the western side of the atolls, and the possibility of diving with mantas on their eastern side. From November the currents change, and are at their strongest around January. From here on, they begin to calm – which makes for superb underwater visibility between Dec-April, all the better to see the pelagics on the eastern side of the atolls. April-May brings a current reversal once again, with the most notable arrivals around this time being sperm whales, pilot whales and huge schools of dolphins. Mantas move back throughout this time to the atolls’ western side once more.
Visas / Entry Requirements
Visas do not need to be acquired before arriving in the Maldives – only a valid passport, an onward or return ticket, a completed landing card and evidence of ‘sufficient funds’ to cover your stay are needed. Upon arrival, most visitors are issued with a free 30-day visa – although some entrants from nearby countries and those who apply via a resort or hotel may get an extension for stays of up to 90 days. There is also a US$10 departure tax payable by all which is included usually in your airline ticketing.
Money
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, consisting of 100 larees. However, undoubtedly the favoured currency in the resorts is US$.
For those requiring to change money on Malé, banks are open 0900-1600, Sun-Thurs, and 0900-1100 on Saturday (Friday is a holiday). There is a bank at the airport. Do bear in mind though that it can be a pain to convert back. A number of banks will convert travellers cheques into US$. Generally, most people head straight to a resort, where cash is not required – a room tab is run for everything, and guests settle up at the end. Resorts accept most major credit cards
Communications
Time difference : GMT + 5 hours.
Telephone : The international code for the Maldives is +960.
Most resorts have IDD facilities, and Soneva Gili, Soneva Fushi and Cocoa Island all have phones in the room.
Fax : Fax is a common form of communications – both featured resorts have an efficient fax delivery service.
Internet : Internet use is widespread in the Maldives. All featured resorts have computer terminals with internet access.
Post : stamps are readily available at most resorts. Delivery time to the UK varies between five days to up to two weeks, depending on the flight schedules (post is picked up from the resorts by the seaplanes/motor launches that deliver guests, and taken back to Malé).
Electricity : 220/240V (take an international adaptor as socket types can vary!)
Health
There are no major tropical diseases prevalent in the Maldives, and no vaccinations are required (although those arriving from a Yellow Fever-infected area need to have a valid immunisation certificate, and tetanus, typhoid and Hep A are recommended). Malaria is rare, with a few cases limited to the outer atolls. Medical care is OK – there are private clinics - but expensive. Travel insurance is a must, and be aware that cash is almost invariably required before any major treatment is undertaken at the hospitals.
The key health hazards are :
Sunburn/UV rays - the sun in the Maldives is fierce, and out in force most of the time. It is therefore vital to take suitable precautions when exposed to it for any period of time.
Dive risks - always an issue in a popular dive destination, although the leading resorts have extremely well-equipped dive schools with high-tech equipment, where safety procedures are taken seriously. Should a recompression chamber be required, there are currently two available in the Maldives: one near Malé, near Bandos Island, an the other in the North Ari Atoll.
Jellyfish - not overly common in the Maldives, but they do occur. Many are harmless, or inflict only tiny stings – however, there are species that can be more painful. Ask the resort if any have been noted, and just keep an eye out. Do remember, however, that jellyfish drift with the currents, so will not ‘swim’ to you.
It is also not advisable to drink the tap water – stick to bottled water, which all resorts should be able to provide.
With Children
The Maldives is a great place to come with children, so long as they are happy in a predominantly sea and sand environment. Along with the obvious sandcastles and snorkelling, there are usually plenty of water sports to keep them amused, plus some land-based facilities such as a pool, tennis court, table tennis, large-screen TV etc. For older ones, an introduction to the underwater world with resort scuba diving courses is highly recommended. Most resorts welcome children, and hopefully cater to their presence – eg creche/discounts on rooms/extra beds/half meals etc. All these things should, however, be checked before booking.
Things to look out for :
- Younger ones definitely need watching around the water, and all young skin should be well protected from the sun.
- Although resort shops may have some products, it is best to come well-equipped with all necessities, such as nappies, before hand.
- It is also a long flight from the UK, generally with a stopover, so do bear this in mind before setting off.
- Healthwise, children tend to be more prone to common infections, including ear infections (which often arise from a lengthy amount of time in the water). Although good resorts will have access to a doctor, it will probably require travel to/from another island, so it is worth consulting with a doctor before leaving the UK.
- If you do bring children, do be respectful of other guests – many come to the Maldives to get away and relax in extremely peaceful surroundings, so excessive amounts of noise may not be appreciated.
Tipping / Customs
The official line is that there is no tipping in the Maldives. However, some resorts add a 10% service charge, which is perfectly reasonable if the service is good (and if they don’t, it is always nice to acknowledge those people who make your stay memorable anyway).
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