Quite different to Sri Lanka, there are fewer independent travellers, but it is also one hundred percent Muslim and all other religious paraphernalia are confiscated at the airport. People pray up to five times a day and there is no alcohol except at the tourist resorts. Fish are still caught here by rod and line so as not to deplete stocks. Fishing used to be the country’s main source of industry but slowly it’s giving way to tourism.
The Maldives has gained a reputation for being one of the best diving destinations in the world. With hundreds of breathtaking dive sites and colorful fascinating underwater worlds, it has perfect conditions throughout the year and a visibility every photographer dreams of. It’s certainly not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists.
Climate
Dry season is from December to April, this is high season so resorts are very busy and prices are higher than normal. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of high season. Between May and November it’s still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is more likely. This is the low season, and there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.
Language
Maldivian Divehi is the national language, although English will be widely spoken in tourist resorts.
Cash
The currency in the Maldive is the Rufiya (Rf).For up to date currency information, check the Currency Converter.
Travellers’ cheques can be changed at most major banks. However, have some cash for times when you can’t get to a bank (there are plenty of money changers in Colombo and Hikkaduwa). US dollars are best. Cash machines are becoming a common sight, especially in major cities, but other than in Colombo and Kandy, they’re unlikely to accept international cards. Credit cards are widely accepted; Visa and MasterCard cash withdrawals are possible at major banks.
Sri Lanka is still a pleasantly economical country to travel around. Budget travelers can survive comfortably on less than US$20 a day by staying in basic share or double rooms, getting around by bus and not eating out at high-priced restaurants. Up the scale, add US$5 or $10 for kipping down in delightful rest houses, or plan on around US$100 a day if you want the full five star treatment.
A 10% service charge is added to nearly every accommodation or eating bill in the middle and top ranges, so there’s no need to tip, even though those serving you are unlikely to see much of it. Nor is there any need to top up taxi or three-wheeler fares. Hotel porters normally get Rs 10-20 per heavy bag. On the whole, prices are very negotiable in Sri Lanka, but bargaining shouldn’t be seen as a battle to the death. Find out what the approximate cost is and then come to a mutually acceptable compromise.
If you stay in Malé, the capital of the Maldives on a budget, you could get by on around US$35 per day if you shared a room. The cheapest resorts start at around US$50 per day in the low season, for a standard double room with full board. At most resorts, for most of the year, a double room with full board will cost around US$100 a day or more.
Diving costs vary from resort to resort but keen divers expecting to undertake about 10 dives a week should allow about US$350 per week if they have their own equipment or US$500 per week if they rent everything. On a dive safari, the costs can be anywhere between US$60 to US$160 per day, depending on the luxury, plus another US$70 or so for diving. Unless you’re content to bask on the beach all day, expect to spend around US$30 per day hiring windsurfs, snorkel gear, tennis courts, etc.
If you stay at a resort, you don’t need to carry money at all since everything will be billed to your room and you can settle up when you leave with travellers’ cheques or credit cards (American Express, Visa and MasterCard are best). It’s best to carry money in US dollar denominations, but British pounds, German marks and Italian lira are all pretty acceptable. You won’t need Maldivian rufiya unless you’re using local shops and services.
Sri lanka daily living Costs:
Meals
· Budget: US$0.50-3
· Mid-range: US$3-6
· Top-end:US$6 and upwards
Lodging
· Budget: US$4-15
· Mid-range: US$15-30
· Top-end: US$30 and upwards
Maldives – daily living costs are at least double that of Sri Lanka.
Dress
The Maldives is hot throughout the year. Together with its relaxed pace of life light, informal, summer cotton and linen wear is ideal. A wide brimmed beach hat and sunglasses are recommended for those who tan or burn easily. Most of the larger resorts would prefer guests to “dress appropriately” when visiting the bar or restaurants, especially at evening and night. This normally means smart casual dress instead of beachwear.
When visiting Male and other inhabited islands, visitors should bear in mind that, in this Islamic society, some modesty and decorum is appreciated. Remember to remove footwear when entering mosques.
Visas
A 30-day holiday visa is granted free of charge on arrival. You may be asked where you are staying. Most arrive in the Maldives with a prior booking at one of the resorts. At Port Health, immediately after Passport Control, you may be required to produce a certificate of inoculation if you have recently passed through a country in which contagious diseases have been reported. If you need an extension of your visa you will have to apply to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Male.
Health
It is recommended you seek travel advice at least 6 weeks before you travel. Discuss your requirements with your doctor, but vaccinations you should consider include the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (for those on long trips). Japanese B Encephalitis (if in a high-risk area), Polio, Rabies (particularly if handling animals). Tuberculosis (usually very low), Typhoid (if travelling for more than a couple of weeks in most parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America). Yellow Fever (if coming from an effected area such as Central Africa and parts of South Africa). Travellers visiting isolated, high-risk areas may like to carry a treatment dose of malaria medication for use if symptoms occur.
By Sally Delf
