Currency. The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). US dollars are accepted everywhere in resorts and widely accepted in guesthouses and shops. Resort bills are almost always in dollars. On local islands, you'll use Rufiyaa for everyday purchases — street food, ferry tickets, small shops. ATMs are available in Malé and on inhabited islands, but may be scarce on remote islands and absent at most resorts. Bring sufficient cash in dollars.
Alcohol. The Maldives is a dry country by law. Alcohol is available only at licensed resort islands and on liveaboard dive boats — not on inhabited local islands or in Malé. You cannot bring your own alcohol into the country; any bottles will be impounded on arrival and returned to you at departure.
Religion. The entire population is Sunni Muslim, and Islam shapes daily life. Shops may close briefly for prayer five times a day. During Ramadan, restaurants and cafes on local islands will typically not serve food in daylight hours. If you're visiting during Ramadan, eating and drinking in public on inhabited islands is disrespectful.
Dress. On resort islands, normal resort wear is fine — bikinis on the beach, the usual. On inhabited (local) islands, cover up: shoulders and knees at minimum, no swimwear at the beach unless there's a designated bikini beach (some guesthouses arrange this). In Malé, dress modestly.
Health. No vaccinations are required, though hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended as a precaution. Tap water is not safe to drink — drink bottled or desalinated water. The main health concern for visitors is sunburn and coral cuts. Cover up on the water and wear reef-safe sunscreen. The nearest good hospital is in Malé (ADK Hospital); serious medical emergencies may require evacuation.
Electricity. 230V/50Hz. Sockets are typically UK-style three-pin (Type G), though resorts often have multiple socket types. Bring a universal adapter.
Time. The Maldives operates on UTC+5 year-round, with no daylight saving time. All atolls use the same time zone, though some resorts unofficially run "resort time" (UTC+6) to maximise daylight in the evenings.
Communications. Mobile coverage (Dhiraagu and Ooredoo) is good across most of the country. Local SIMs are inexpensive and available at the airport. Resort Wi-Fi varies from excellent to spotty; ask before you book if reliable internet matters to you.