Hello everyone! In this article we will talk about how to manage money in the Maldives and what are the best options to withdraw cash and make payments with cash or credit card. Maldives is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, known for its dream beaches and crystal clear waters. However, managing money in the Maldives can be a bit tricky, especially if you don't know what options are available.
The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian rupee (MVR), which is divided into 100 laaris. The Maldivian rupee is a relatively new currency, introduced in 1981 to replace the old Ceylon rupee. The Maldivian rupee is a legal tender in the Maldives and is used for daily transactions. Notes range from 5 MVR to 1000 MVR, while coins range from 1 laari to 5 MVR.
It is important to note that although the Maldivian rupee is the official currency of the Maldives, luxury resorts and hotels tend to use the US dollar as their currency of exchange.
On islands inhabited by locals, the Maldivian rupee is the predominant currency.
Regarding the exchange rate, the Maldivian rupee is not a very strong currency, so traveling to the Maldives can be more expensive compared to other tourist destinations. It is recommended to compare exchange rates before traveling and bring cash in US dollars or euros to exchange in the country.
Cash or credit card?
Many establishments in the Maldives accept credit cards, but not all. Also, there are some more remote islands where there are no ATMs or outlets. For this reason, it is always advisable to carry an amount of cash, especially if you plan to visit less touristy islands.
How to withdraw money in Maldives?
The largest banks in the Maldives, such as the Bank of Maldives and the Maldives Islamic Bank, have branches on many resort islands. However, ATMs are not available everywhere, so it is best to inform yourself before you leave.
In addition, many hotels and resorts in the Maldives offer currency exchange and cash withdrawal services at the reception, but the fees can be quite high.
Credit card
Most hotels and resorts in the Maldives accept all major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. However, it is always best to check with your financial institution before traveling to see if your card works in the Maldives and if there are any fees or restrictions.
You can also use credit cards to pay at restaurants, shops and other establishments, but it is always advisable to have cash on hand for emergencies.
The Revolut Credit Card is a prepaid credit card that offers many useful features for international travelers and users who shop online. You can withdraw cash anywhere in the world without paying commissions or fees.
The Revolut Credit Card is also very secure, allowing you to block the card at any time through the Revolut app. Plus, you can set spending limits and block online transactions to prevent potential fraud.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Maldives offers many options for handling money, but it is always better to educate yourself before you leave and to carry an amount of cash for emergencies. ATMs are not available everywhere, so it is important to plan ahead when withdrawing money.
In addition, credit cards are accepted in many establishments, but it is better to check the fees and restrictions before traveling. We recommend Revolut.
I hope this information is useful for those who are planning a trip to the Maldives. Thank you for reading this article!