
2. If you are fond of a beach vacation, the best time to come to the island is from December to March – the dry season. Surfers like arriving in here from April to November when there are rather strong winds and waves are right perfect.
3. As for pros, if you come here in the rainy season, you’ll manage to do it for lower flying and accommodation prices.
4. Packing your stuff, don’t forget to take sun protection and beach clothes. Sun is extremely harsh here, so it’s not a deal to get a sunburn even while swimming in the water quite easily. Remember that it’s a Muslim country – light modest clothes are welcomed here. Shorts, see-through blouses and tight dresses with a too low neckline will most likely cause resentment among the local population.
6. Don’t forget that there are no stores on resort islands, and still you can buy some knick-knacks in small shops, on the other hand, take care of baby food and cosmetics in advance.
7. We recommend to stay in Malé for a day – you can purchase everything you need there and, besides, buy a couple of souvenirs. Stores’ working hours are from 8 a.m. till 11 p.m. seven days a week. You can and you should bargain in small shops and even in duty-free.
North Male Atoll offers its guests perfect conditions for water sports and beach vacation. For example, it’s, of course, diving. There are several wonderful marine reserves in the …
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9. One can pay by credit cards in every hotel and the majority of stores in Malé. If you go to a market or a gift shop on a non-resort island, it’s always better to have some cash in your pocket.
10. A definite amount of money on your credit card is always blocked by a hotel, that is why you’ll be able to pay your staying only when leaving. Make sure you’ve checked your accounts.
11. It’s better to go on your foot around the islands’ territories, while in the capital city, you can get a taxi. Nevertheless, the city is not that big, you can basically go all around it just in two hours. In order to get from one island to another, rent a motorboat, and in case you need to get to remote ones, you’ll have to do it by a helicopter or a small airplane, which is quite expensive.
12. If you want to have a trip from your resort to an adjacent one, a hotel will offer you a motorboat or recommend a tour that includes visiting several atoll’s islands.
13. Concerning telephony, it’s better to get yourself a SIM card that you can buy right at the airport. Furthermore, every hotel provides decent Wi-Fi.
14. Divehi is he official language here on North Male Atoll. Still, locals who inhabit touristic islands are fluent in English. You can also speak French, Italian and German. But when you come to aboriginal islands, you’ll have to communicate with the help of your guide or using gestures.
15. As the country is Islamic, it also influences the local mode of life. For example, there are signs in most hotels that direct to Mecca where people can pray.
16. Sellers have a break for praying in their shops several times a day, besides, there are special places for it on the hotels’ territories.
17. There are not so many restaurants in Malé, almost all of them are for tourists and located in hotels. There is alcohol in most menus. There are lots of teahouses in the capital where you can stay for a break.
18. Alcohol is prohibited here. You won’t find it in stores and it’s not allowed drinking it on the streets. On the other side, there are slacks for tourists – they can drink alcohol in their rooms. You can buy some in a duty-free. Then, there is also a bar at the airport.
19. Laws are strict here, so security level is high too. You can’t litter, sunbath and swim with no clothes or topless, do fishing near the islands, rules concerning selling and taking drugs are extremely harsh as well. Men can’t talk with local women or touch them.
20. Remember that non-compliance with laws will result in large fines or even imprisonment. Be especially careful about transportation of your luggage in order not to have any troubles at the airport.
21. You are not obliged to vaccinate before coming to the atoll. There are no drug stores here, however, there are medicine cabinets in all the hotels. In case of emergency, you’ll be immediately delivered to Malé. Health insurance is essential.
22. In order not to have any health issues, never forget about sun protection and don’t drink tap water. Beware dehydration.

Maldives: travelling advices

7. Alcohol, overly explicit bathing suits on public beaches, and public displays of affection are not encouraged. This is due to the fact that the Maldives is a Muslim country, although it is open to tourists. You will not be able to buy alcoholic beverages in any store. However, there are no problems with this in resorts. Homosexuality is also condemned and punishable by law. You should cover your bare knees and shoulders when visiting mosques. Women should also wear a headscarf. You will have to take off your shoes when entering the mosque.
8. The "all-inclusive" wording is a bit misleading. It usually includes food, drinks, use of the pool, gym, and entrance to the beach. Spa treatments are rarely included in the cost of guest’s accommodation. As a rule, they are paid separately in the SPA center. It is better to study independently the hotel's policy on the website or through a tour operator in advance.
9. The Maldives is the perfect place to forget about the "real" world. This is quite acceptable for some tourists. They want to completely distract themselves from everyday life. But this is not suitable for everyone. Please note that not all resorts offer free Wi-Fi. Some hotels charge a fee for using the Internet. Wi-Fi prices can go up to $150 a week. … Open
