# Tip 1 - Arrival & Departure
Arrival
In case of seaplane transfers, if your international flight arrives after 04.00 pm and according to your resort location and policy, you will need to spend the first night in Male or at the Hotel located on the Airport Island. You will be then transferred to your resort the following day.Departure
If your departure flight is late in the night,
#Tip 2 - Boat Transfers
Be aware that boat transfers can be longer than scheduled in case of bad weather. When the Maldives waters get rough, transfer time might be doubled and very uncomfortable (particularly between Atolls or in wide Atolls). Besides sea sickness, back pain could be an issue. If your back needs particular attention, this point has to be considered in your choice too. A Resort located the closest as possible to Male airport could be a better option.
Extra Tip : If you should find yourself in the middle of such a situation, take one of the rear seats.The swell will be smoother. And Please note that bad seas don’t only occur during the rainy season but might happen all year round.
#Tip 3 - Flight Delays
Besides usual delays due to unfavorable weather conditions, international flight delays or technical problems, the recent merging of both seaplane companies, TMA and MAT (which now does not exist anymore), brought out some more occasional delays. Since this merger, the company has been operating under the TMA brand and is the single one operating in the Maldives today. Passengers might have to fly to 1 or 2 more resorts before reaching their final destination. The increasing amount of mixed passengers is causing more delays that can lead to further problems like missing your international flights.
#Tip 4 - Weather
To avoid any disappointment,be aware that Maldives weather patterns are not as simple as what you usually read in brochures or on the Net. Yes, the “Dry” season can have some bad days. Rains, cloudy skies and strong winds might disrupt your stay. Monsoons are very complicated in this region of the world. They change each year and are themselves subject to inner cycles.
#Tip 5 - Snorkeling
The Maldives are all about Snorkeling and Diving. Some Resorts benefit from a close-by reef and some others don’t, like the ones surrounded by big lagoons.In such cases and if you intend to snorkel on a daily basis, be aware of the following :
--Various reefs and fishes can be seen after a short swim directly from the beach or your villa. In such case, your ability to swim will make the difference. Keep also in mind that the quality of the spots and the amount of fishes might not reach your personal expectations.
--The reefs and the fishes are too far to be reached. In such case, a snorkeling trip will have to be booked. Some resorts include it in their All Inclusive packages or as a courtesy for their guests and some others charge for it. So, if you’re a regular snorkeler, check for the price list.
--Finally, remember that some resorts charge for snorkeling equipment. Most of the time it will cost around 7 USD + taxes for 1 person/ per day & 35 usd + taxes for 1 person/ per week. It might be a good idea to make some space in your suitcase for your own.
#Tip 6 - Villa Location
This is an important point to get the best of your Holidays on your little paradise.
– If you can, during your booking process, check with your travel agent or directly with the
resort about your Villa location on the island .
– Avoid to be located close to the transport / diving jetty(ies), generators, restaurants and Bars.
– Check for the nicest part of the beach ( some islands suffer from erosion according to the monsoons ) and if you’re a snorkeler, check the Reef locations.
– If your privacy matters, try to ask for the most hidden / protected (Water) Villa.
#Tip 7 - WiFi Connectivity
The Maldives are perfect to forget about the “real” World and some of us wish to be totally “disconnected” from this daily life. But in some cases, either it is for pleasure or work, some others need to be connected during holidays. Be aware that some resorts offer free Wi-Fi services and that some others charge for it. Wi-Fi prices can reach up to around 90 USD per week and 8-10 USD for one or two hours.
You might find various packages, but overall, they are all expensive. Please also keep in mind that the connection speed can be very slow. Consequently and according to your needs, you will probably need more than 1 hour to achieve what you need to do.
Finally, if you like to be connected in a comfortable way, check if Wi-Fi is available in your room, in all public areas or just at the lobby, in all bars or just the Main bar.
#Tip 8 - All Inclusive Package
All inclusive Resorts have become very popular the past years. Depending on the resort, you will be able to chose from one to a couple more of options.
Generally, all inclusive package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner & selected alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages. Be aware that all Inclusive packages are not equal in matter of quantity and quality.
Before chosing and booking, ask the following questions to start with and do not hesitate to add your own if needed.
– Are espressos, Caffe Latte, cappuccinos and other special delights included ?
– Traveling with kids ? Is there anything special for them ?
– Are there some activities, equipment or excursion included ?
-- Is a-la-carte restaurant included instead of main one.
– Is the mini-Bar included ?
– Are cocktails included ?
#Tip 9 - Taxes & Extras
Extras can be very expensive in Maldives and not only in Luxury Resorts. Food and Drinks have to be shipped from abroad to Male (the capital Island) and then from Male to the Resort.
On the top of their prices, each resort has to apply 2 taxes :
– A 10% service charge.
– A 12 % Goods and Services Tax.
( note : This tax is constantly rising and at a very fast pace. )
Meanwhile some resorts include taxes on their public prices ( on menus for example) some other mention it at the bottom of their price lists.
These taxes apply to everything you will use or consume on the island including activities,
rentals, Spa etc….
#Tip 10 - Avoid bad surprises at checkout
I always have advised the following tip to travelers that I met on various locations :
If you are tight on budget, check at least 1 time your bill during the middle of your stay ( or several, it’s up to you ) to avoid surprises at your final check out before departure. It will ease the process and avoid stress at the end of your stay.
#Tip 11 - Bring mosquito repellent
Mosquitoes in the Maldives tend to be active in the day time, so it's sensible to wear repellent during the day as well as at night.
#Tip 12 - Bring Enough Sun Screen Lotion
#Tip 13 - What to Pack
- Beach Bag
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sling bag
- Beach kaftan
- Play suit
- Beach dresses
- Dry bag
- Bluetooth speaker
#Tip 14 - Do Not Bring Alcohol
You are not allowed to bring liquor to the Maldives. If you have bought liquor, beer and related items containing alcohol from a duty free shop while on route to the Maldives, these products must be bonded in the airport's customs department upon arrival. These goods will be returned before departure.
#Tip 15 - Underwater Camera
The Maldives offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. If you plan on trying some water sports — and I strongly recommend that you do — consider splurging on a decent underwater camera. The Maldives offer a trip of a lifetime, and preserving your memories is well worth the cost.
#Tip 16 - Currency
Take lots of USD – Though the Maldives has its own currency (MVR), US dollars are widely accepted, and you often get a better price if you pay in USD.
#Tip 17 - Sim card or Data
Mobile data pretty cheap in the Maldives, it’s also super reliable too! So you can easilly Instagram your slice of paradise and make everyone jealous!
You can grab a local SIM card and pre load it with data just outside the arrival hall at the airport. 14 days with 15GB of mobile data for $32 approx.
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