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Money & duty free for Maldives

Currency information: 

Maldivian Rufiya (MVR; symbol MRf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of MRf500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of MRf2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.

Credit cards: 

Most major island resorts, local and souvenir shops will accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Arrangements vary from island to island. There are ATMs widely available in Malé.

ATM: 

There are ATMs widely available in Malé.

Travellers cheques: 

These are generally accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking hours: 

Sun-Thurs 0730-1430.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Currency exchange: 

Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards.

Maldives duty free

The following goods may be imported into the Maldives without incurring customs duty:

• A reasonable amount of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco.
• A reasonable number of gifts.

Note: It’s important to note that while you can drink alcohol in all resorts, it’s illegal to import any alcoholic drinks.

Banned imports: 

Pornographic literature; idols of worship; pork; alcoholic beverages. Drugs are strictly prohibited; the penalty for importing drugs for personal or other use is life imprisonment.

Banned exports: 

The following may not be exported in any form: tortoise and turtle shells and products made of turtle shell (the government has banned the killing of turtles), and black coral in whole form.

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