The Maldives

If you're thinking about going to the Maldives.... 

The good news is that getting a visa is the easiest thing ever. A visa on arrival will be granted to you almost automatically - you just need a valid passport and a ticket out of the Maldives. However, it is a Muslim country and therefore drugs and alcohol are not allowed to be brought into the country. Security on this matter is not so tight, so it's your choice whether you choose to follow or ignore this rule. 

In terms of health and safety, the Maldives are generally extremely safe in terms of crime and insect-borne diseases. If you are staying at a resort - as you most likely will be, you are basically in a sanitized environment. Be a little more cautious with tap water in Male. The only medication you really have to bring is some motion-sickness medicine.

The not so good news is that you must be prepared to spend a lot of money, and to spend a lot of time on the island you chose. Travel between islands is expensive and can take a long time - so you will almost certainly be spending all your time on or near the resort you chose. This means shopping is limited (usually to water sports goods) and prices are monopoly prices. Although the local currency is the Ruffiah (MRV), most resorts don't accept them and prefer US$ and €. So if that is your local currency, save yourself the trouble of changing money and finding an ATM that will take your card. 

Power is 220-240V and accept plug types C, D, or G.

Check out 10 Things to Consider before booking your trip to the Maldives, coming soon!