US/Canada to Maldives 40–80% OFF
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No, absolutely not. As of late 2024, the Maldives implemented a strict ban on the importation, use, and possession of all vaping devices and e-cigarettes. Customs officers strictly enforce this at Velana International Airport, and attempting to bring them in will result in confiscation and potential fines. This regulation applies to tourists and locals alike, regardless of whether the devices are for personal use. Leave all vaping gear at home to avoid delays or legal trouble upon arrival.

Seaplanes are much stricter than international airlines, typically capping checked luggage at 20kg (44 lbs) and hand luggage at 5kg (11 lbs) per person. This often catches North American travelers off guard, as international flights usually allow 23-32kg. Trans Maldivian Airways charges steep excess baggage fees of around $5-10 per kg. If you have heavy bags, you may need to leave items in lockers at the airport or prepay for extra weight, though luggage may still be sent on a later flight if the plane is at weight capacity.

No, US and Canadian citizens receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, provided you meet specific conditions. You must have a confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay, a return flight ticket, and the QR code from your completed IMUGA health declaration. Immigration officers may also ask for proof of funds, though the hotel confirmation usually suffices. Passports must be valid for at least one month beyond your intended stay, though six months validity is safer to avoid airline boarding issues.

US Dollars are the unofficial currency of tourism in the Maldives and are accepted at all resorts, guesthouses, and dive centers. In fact, resort prices are exclusively quoted in USD. You rarely need Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) unless you are eating at small local cafes in Male or buying snacks on inhabited islands. There is no ATM on most resort islands, so bring enough cash for tips ($500-1000 in mixed small bills is wise). Just remember the “pristine bill” rule—no old, torn, or marked notes.

Yes, the Maldives uses the British-style Type G plug (three rectangular pins) with a standard voltage of 230V. North American devices use Type A/B plugs and run on 110V. While most modern resorts have “universal” outlets or provide adapters, it is safer to bring your own Type G adapter. critically, check your hair straighteners or shavers—if they aren’t “dual voltage” (110-240V), you will fry them immediately. Phone and laptop chargers are almost always dual voltage and safe to use with just a plug adapter.

Only on designated “Bikini Beaches.” The Maldives is a conservative Muslim country, and on inhabited “local” islands (like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, or Hulhumale), modest dress is required in public areas—shoulders and knees should be covered. However, these islands have fenced-off tourist beaches where swimwear is permitted. Private resort islands are exempt from these rules; you can wear whatever you like there. Being respectful of local customs when walking through town or near mosques is essential to being a good guest.

While a 10% service charge is added to everything, it is shared among all staff. Extra cash tipping is customary for direct service. A good guideline is $5-10 per day for your room attendant (leave it on the pillow), $10-20 for your personal butler (“Thakuru”) per day, and $5-10 per meal for waiters if service was excellent. Luggage porters usually receive $5 per bag. Since you can’t get cash at the resort easily, bring a stack of $1, $5, and $10 bills from home for this purpose.

We use AI tools to monitor flight paths from North America to Male (via hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Istanbul) 24/7, looking for pricing anomalies. These are often temporary drops caused by unannounced airline sales or algorithm adjustments—for example, a New York to Male fare dropping from $1,400 to $780. Our human team verifies every deal to ensure the layovers are reasonable (under 4 hours) and the airlines are premium carriers like Qatar or Emirates. Members of our free newsletter get alerted to these drops instantly so they can book directly with the airline before the price bounces back.