CHAPTER 1
Where Is Maldives
In this chapter will take knowledge about the history of Maldives: culture, weather, people, currency and more.
About Maldives
The Maldives or Maldives island is a small country in South Asia. Located in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean. It consists of a series around 1192 Island atolls and sandy banks. But only about 200 of those actually inhabited by people, Approximately 99% of the Maldives is covered by the sea.
The Maldives has become a byword for unique beauty envisioned as sun-drenched sandy beaches. Surrounded by a dazzling shade of turquoise.
With a stunning choice of island resorts strung across the equator like a necklace. The Maldives encompasses everything from supreme and exclusive luxury to cozy beachside bliss accommodation options. renovate a holiday or family fun in the sun will be charming.
The Maldives on the list of many sun-seekers, divers, snorkelers, and those looking for a tranquil spa retreat. Which used to be an unimaginable holiday destination, is now within easy reach from anywhere in the world.
The appeal of the Maldives as a honeymoon destination is obvious, because of the spectacular setting and beautiful views.
The destination is also very child-friendly. Thanks to the direct flights and resorts that cater well for families with kids’ clubs and varied activities as well as great accommodation options. The turquoise water surrounding an island is usually relatively shallow and perfect for children to play in.
Soaring through the skies towards your destination looking down at one of the last magnificent virgin places left on earth. It is an experience never be forgotten with its amazing landscape in a pristine environment.
It’s easy to understand why the barefoot charm of the Maldives makes a lasting impression on everyone who is fortunate enough to visit it.
Weather Of Maldives
The location of the string of islands close to the equator. Means that the Maldives receive plenty of suns all year round. With the average air temperature close to 30 degrees Celsius. Water temperature constant at about 28 degrees Celsius.
Very few oceans are as tranquil as the Indian Ocean and the frequent mirror-like flat waters are amazing.
The weather in the Maldives is influenced by the two monsoons that create the two seasons in the archipelago. It experiences the best weather of the year from March to May.
Located amidst an ocean, weather conditions can change very quickly in the Maldives. However, the tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature and a great deal of sunshine throughout the year.
People, Language, And Religion Of Maldives
Maldivians are esteemed around the world for their hospitality and affability towards their guests. They share a similar cultural heritage, history, ancestry, homeland, language, and religion.
These common factors are the reason for the unity and harmony prevailing in the alluring islands. This mixture of features with other races, though people from the same region may closely resemble each other in features and mannerisms.
People of another atoll might carry a totally unique set of features. This interesting fact is tied to the history and the geographical location of the Maldives.
The official language is an Indo-European language called Dhivehi (or Maldivian). Arabic, Hindi, and English are also spoken. Islam is the state religion.
The Culture Of Maldives
The people of Maldives reflect virtually every race in the world. Not only from their features but also from customs and traditions handed down from generation to generation.
The customs and social behavior of the Maldivians have been greatly influenced by the Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs, and North Africans who visited the Maldives while traversing through the trading routes of the central Indian Ocean.
The Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant due to the infusion of various other cultural elements. The local culture features a lively mix of South Indian, Sinhalese and Arab influences that is reflected in the traditional music, cuisine, and art of the island.
As the climate is warm, most go about dressed casually in T-shirts and cotton clothing. Both imported garments and self-tailored ones can be seen.
Most of the young and old alike go about in the latest styles. With traditional clothes favored for special national events and celebrations.
Though the Maldives was culturally influenced by other traditions. Maldivians have built and preserved an exclusive cultural identity.
Maldives Visa
Can we go Maldives without visa?
No pre-arrival visa is required. Requirements for entry into the Maldives differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to travel, check with your government and your nearest Maldivian embassy or consulate what documents you need to travel to the Maldives.
A 30 day free visa is issued on arrival at Male city for all nationalities. It’s not a right of the passenger to claim, but lies at the discretion of the immigration to issue not more than 30 days and any period less than this.
All travelers are also reminded that it is a punishable offense to overstay in the Maldives beyond the number of days given.
The basic entry requirements are as follows:
A valid passport and should have at least 6 months validity.
Have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives. Enough funds to cover the expenses for the duration of the stay in the Maldives. Starting from 50 Usd per day or A pre-paid hotel booking accommodation.
The period of stay granted is shown on the endorsement in the passport. Visitors are advised to check their passport for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days granted to stay in the Maldives.
Once you arrived as a tourist. The visitor is not permitted to engage in any form of business, occupation, profession or paid employment while in the Maldives.
For more information please visit the below links.
Maldives Currency
What currency is used in Maldives?
The currency of the Maldives is called the Rufiyah. Which is divided into 100 laree come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 Ect..
Credit cards can be used in resorts and most guesthouses. Banks ATMs can be found in Male city and the bigger inhabited islands. Male airport prices everything in USD as well, so you won’t need local currency there. You won’t find ATM machines at resorts or smaller local islands.
Important note that change for items purchased on local islands will be given in Rufiya. Some resort islands will cash travelers’ cheques for dollars, but will charge you a hefty commission.
Be aware that there are restrictions on changing rufiyaa into foreign currency. If you take out cash in rufiyaa from an ATM, you won’t be able to change the remainder back into US dollars or any other foreign currency. Therefore if you need lots of local currency, exchange foreign cash for rufiyaa at a bank and keep the receipt to be allowed to change the remainder back at the airport.
Most resort and travel expenses will be billed in dollars, and most visitors never even see rufiyaa. As resort bills are settled by credit card and you’ll never need to pay for things in cash.
Every resort takes major credit cards including Visa, Amex, and Master Card. A week of diving and drinking could easily run up over US$1800. So ensure your credit limit can stand it. Guesthouses also accept major credit cards but do double-check this before you travel.
Most resorts and many local islands will accept the US Dollar and also Euros, Pounds sterling, Yen and other major currencies. If you’re staying in a resort, all extra costs like diving or other activities will be billed to your room, and you will pay before departure. So it is better to check with your resort before converting money into local currency, because it is usually not necessary. Most resort is likely to convert it back to dollars, so you effectively lose out twice on the exchange rate.
For people staying in guesthouses, it’s entirely another situation. While you’ll be able to pay for most things by credit card, small shops on local islands are unlikely to be able to accept credit card payment for goods. So make sure you have enough cash to cover your shopping needs.
You’ll need cash for meals outside the guesthouse, souvenirs and any other sundry expenses. So is better to Bring some cash like 5$ and 10$ or Euro.