Exotic Maldives and Her Islands have always been considered among the most romantic destinations on earth. So while you're planning that perfect trip, here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the extraordinary islands of Maldives.
 

Q: What is Maldives?
A: Maldives is some small scattered islands in the Indian Ocean, comprising about 2,000 or more single islands, across Equator, having an average temperature of 31 Degree Celsius. Indeed, Maldives do represent in Common Wealth and in United Nation. It's a Democratic nation, holding a population width of about 310,000 people.
 

Q: What's the time difference?
A: Maldives is five hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
 

Q: When is the best time to visit Maldives?
A: If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April, which is the dry season. This is the high season, however, and resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is more likely. This is the low season, and there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.


Q: Do I need a visa to visit Maldives?
A: If you are from a Central African nation or South American, or if you have traveled through these areas to get here you need to have a valid certificate indicating that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. If not you do not need any specific vaccination certificates to get into the Maldives. If, however, you want to be extra careful, do consult your personal physician for his recommendations.


Q: What vaccinations should I have?
A: Normally, no vaccinations are required by the Maldives authorities. However, visitors should check with their carrier when making reservations, as health regulations may change without notice.


Q: How is the Airport?
A: The Airport looks like an Aircraft Carrier from top. But actually, it's an island long and thin. This Airport could be considered as the safest Airport in the whole world. The reason behind this is that, there is only one run way. Therefore there is no possibility in landing 2 to 3 planes at once. One at a time is the Airport's hidden policy.


Q: What is the Capital?
A: The Capital of the Maldives is "Male'" pronounced "Maa-ley". Male’ would also be counted as one of the smallest capitals in the world in terms of its physical size. One third of the country’s population, of about 75,000 people lives in Male’. Different from any other island in the country, Male’ is a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads. While the government offices are located in one area, the main streets are lined with shops and offices. In the old bazaar area, which still houses the country’s hub of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are so narrow that a single vehicle would find it difficult to navigate through, especially with its throngs of busy people.


Q: What is the currency used?
A: In Maldives we have our own currency called "Maldivian Ruffiya" (MRf). One United States Dollar is equivalent to 12.85 MRf (Maldives Monetary Authority buying rate) and this value doesn't vary much.


Q: Where is the best area to stay?
A: All the hotels in Maldives have an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other islands, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located on their own Private Island or small islands where only a few resorts exist along the waterfront areas, all offer a high standard of service and unless you need to be in a particular spot, it really doesn't matter where you stay.


Q: What types of water activities are available?
A: Most visitors enjoy the lagoons as the natives do, swimming and snorkeling in the warn, turquoise waters, or canoeing, sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and water skiing. The Maldive islands are world renowned for their scuba diving and snorkeling. Or you can go on a shark feeding expedition, where you're in the water with hungry reef sharks that are being hand-fed by a guide. You can charter a yacht, perhaps with a captain and chef, to sail among the islands.


Q: Will I be expected to pay tips?
A: Tipping is not very common in Maldives. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxis drivers do not get tipped.


Q: Could I be able to take liquor to the Capital City/Island?
A: Nobody is allowed to bring in liquor to Maldives, unless he or she has a special import license for liquor, beer and related products. If somebody has bought liquor and beer and related items on his/her way to Maldives from a duty free center, then products should be bonded in custom on their arrival to Maldives. And the goods will be released on their departure.
 
Further nobody is allowed to bring in liquor, beer or related products to the Capital City/Island. Thus the Capital City Hotel's will not offer liquor, beer and related products.


Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Maldives?
A: Voltage in Maldives is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location. An adapter is recommended for using appliances you bring with you. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.


Q: Is Maldives safe for the visitor?
A: Yes, Maldives is probably one of the safest places in the world and the only danger to be concerned about is a coconut falling on your head...do not stand under these trees if the wind is blowing harder than a gentle breeze. Even then though, the resorts trim their palm trees regularly and this shouldn't be a problem worth worrying about.
 

Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: The water is drinkable, and most hotels also offer bottled water.
 

Q: Is there anything you will recommend us to bring?
A: If you desire, you can bring cigarettes (up to two cartons) and film (up to ten rolls). And don't forget an extra bottle of your favorite suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses, water socks (reef walkers) and any common insect repellent.
 

Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Yes, there will be no problems in communicating with people in many hotels, restaurants and on the public transport.


Q: Can I use my Visa Card, Master Card, and Debit Card to get cash from the bank?
A: Most of the local and souvenir shops in Male’ accept all major credit cards but none of these shops can get you cash from your card. There are two or three merchants who get can get you limited cash and this is only possible during weekdays as these merchants will be issuing you a cash check which you will have to en-cash it from the bank. The ATM's at the moment are only for locals and will not accept your credit or debit card.


Q: Are their ATM's on the Capital City/Island or anywhere else?
A: The ATM's are located at a few places on the capital island only and at the moment provide service only for locals and will not accept your credit or debit card.


Q: Why are the Maldive Islands called "The Last Paradise”?
A: Maldives and Her Islands have long been referred to as a tropical paradise. But their unspoiled islands are not for everyone. If you're looking for a familiar, commercial environment like your own hometown, you won’t find it in the Maldives. These extraordinary islands are for people seeking the unique, novel or adventurous honeymoon experience who want to visit a destination whose culture is different from their own.
 

Q: Why is Maldives a favorite among honeymooners?
A: Maldives is simply the ultimate in romance. Couples can immerse themselves in the incredible beauty of the islands and the casual, relaxed pace. With its mesmerizing sunsets and sweet aroma of flowers, Maldives radiates romance. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast brought to your overeater bungalow by canoe. Find a secluded islet for a private picnic. Arrange a traditional Maldivian wedding ceremony or renewal of vows. Spend a romantic evening dinner for two at your hotel. Or simply take a leisurely stroll along a secluded white sand beach and enjoy the most spectacular place on earth.


Q: Are there hospitals and medical facilities?
A: Maldives has excellent medical and dental services, pharmacies, a large government hospital and many private clinics in the capital city of Male’, all of the resorts are also equipped with outstanding medical facilities and clinics.