Money and duty free for Maldives
Currency and Money
Currency information
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR; symbol Rf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of Rf1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rf10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at resorts, guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and tour operators, especially on resort islands and in Malé. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express may be accepted at higher-end resorts. Outside tourist areas and on local islands, card acceptance can be limited, so carrying some cash is advisable.
ATM
ATMs are available in Malé and at Velana International Airport, as well as on some larger inhabited islands. However, ATMs are scarce or non-existent on resort islands, and machines may occasionally run out of cash. Visitors should not rely solely on ATMs once they leave the capital and are advised to withdraw sufficient funds in advance if staying on local islands.
Banking hours
Sun to Thu, 08:30 to 14:00.
Currency restrictions
Travellers may bring foreign currency into the Maldives without restriction, but amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 must be declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on entry. The import and export of Maldivian rufiyaa is restricted. Visitors are advised to keep currency declaration forms and exchange receipts, as these may be requested on departure.
Maldives duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into the Maldives by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty:
• Up to 19 cigarettes, or 10 cigars, or 25g of tobacco.
• Goods to the value of 10,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa.
The importation of alcoholic drinks is strictly prohibited under Maldivian law. Alcohol is legally available only within licensed tourist resorts.
Certain medicines are restricted. Travellers carrying prescription medication, particularly controlled or psychotropic drugs, should carry a doctor’s prescription and declare the items on arrival. Undeclared or prohibited medicines may be confiscated.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports include religious materials offensive to Islam, idols for worship, pornography, narcotics, live pigs, dogs and dangerous animals.
The import of vaporizers including accessories (e-cigarettes, liquid nicotine, shishas, etc.) and their components is also prohibited. The possession, use, sale, promotion and giving away of vaporizers is also prohibited nationwide.
Restricted imports include alcohol, arms and ammunition, chemicals, pork, live animals and plants, and communications equipment.
Banned Exports
Numerous fish and marine products are banned from export, including coral, black coral necklaces, turtle shell, mother of pearl, conch shell and lobster meat.