Cash, cards and tipping work differently on resort islands and local islands. This guide explains what to carry, where cards are accepted, how ATMs are spread, and what tipping is expected, so you can plan without surprises.
01
Currency and cash
The Maldivian rufiyaa is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted at resorts and for tourist transactions such as excursions and spa treatments. On local islands, prices are usually in rufiyaa, though some guesthouses quote in dollars. Carrying a mix of small rufiyaa notes and dollars covers most situations.
Rufiyaa cannot generally be taken out of the country, but the rules on this can change. Check the current limit with your bank or the official source before you travel. It is sensible to spend or exchange leftover rufiyaa before departure rather than rely on taking it home.
Small notes are useful on local islands for cafés, ferries and tips. Shops and cafés may struggle to change large rufiyaa notes, so ask for smaller denominations when you exchange money.
- Rufiyaa: for local islands, cafés, ferries and small purchases.
- US dollars: for resorts, excursions and discretionary tips.
- Small notes: keep a supply for tips and small transactions.
02
Cards and ATMs
Cards are accepted at resorts and larger businesses in Malé and Hulhumalé. On local islands and at small cafés, payment may be cash only, so carry enough rufiyaa for daily needs. Guesthouses often accept cards but may add a fee, so ask before you rely on one.
ATMs exist in Malé and Hulhumalé but are scarce elsewhere. On local islands, there may be no ATM at all. Plan to withdraw cash before leaving the airport area or the capital. Your bank may charge for overseas withdrawals, and the local operator may add its own fee.
Inform your bank of your travel dates before you leave, so your card is not blocked for suspected fraud. Check what foreign transaction fees apply to purchases and withdrawals. A card with no foreign fees can save money over a trip.
03
Tipping and service charges
At resorts, a service charge is often included in the bill. This is not a tip, and staff do not necessarily receive it directly. Discretionary tips in dollars are appreciated for good service, especially from housekeeping, waiters and dive guides. There is no fixed rule; give what feels right.
On local islands, tipping is less expected. Guesthouses and cafés may not include a service charge, and small tips in rufiyaa are welcome but not required. For porters and ferry staff, a small note is a polite gesture rather than an obligation.
If you want to tip, cash is simplest. Carry small dollar bills and rufiyaa notes. Tipping by card is possible at some resorts but less common elsewhere.
04
Using cards abroad
Before you travel, tell your bank you will be using your card in the Maldives. Otherwise, a transaction may be declined as a precaution. Check the daily withdrawal limit and any fees for using ATMs abroad.
Some cards charge a foreign transaction fee on every purchase. A card designed for travel may avoid this. If you plan to use cards at a resort, confirm which cards are accepted; some places prefer certain networks.
Keep a backup card separate from your main one, and store the emergency contact numbers for your bank somewhere other than your phone. If a card is lost, report it promptly.
05
Budgeting for your trip
Resorts usually operate on a cashless system, with charges added to your room bill and settled at check-out. This makes it easy to spend without carrying cash, but keep track of extras such as excursions, spa treatments and drinks.
On local islands, budget for guesthouse bills, meals, transport and activities. Many guesthouses accept cards, but smaller cafés and shops may not. Public ferries often require cash, so keep small notes ready.
A daily cash allowance for local islands covers most needs. Withdraw rufiyaa in Malé or Hulhumalé before heading to remoter atolls, where ATMs are scarce.
- Resorts: cashless billing, with extras settled at check-out.
- Local islands: cash for cafés, ferries and small shops.
- Activities: confirm payment method when booking excursions.
06
Keeping money safe
The Maldives is generally safe for travellers, but take normal precautions. Use hotel safes for passports and spare cash, and avoid carrying large sums on local islands. Keep a small amount of cash separate from the rest.
When paying by card, check the amount before signing or entering a PIN. Keep receipts. If you use an ATM, use one attached to a bank and cover the keypad.
Report any lost or stolen cards to your bank immediately. Police assistance is available in Malé and on inhabited islands.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Can I use US dollars on local islands in the Maldives?+
Some guesthouses and shops may accept dollars, but the rufiyaa is standard on local islands. Prices are usually in rufiyaa, and small businesses may not have change for large dollar notes. It is best to carry rufiyaa for daily expenses and keep dollars for resorts and tips.
Are ATMs easy to find outside Malé and Hulhumalé?+
ATMs are scarce outside the capital area. Some larger inhabited islands may have one, but many do not. Withdraw cash before travelling to remoter atolls. Your guesthouse can advise on the nearest ATM, but do not rely on finding one on every island.
Is tipping expected at resorts in the Maldives?+
A service charge is often included in resort bills, but it is not a direct tip. Discretionary tips in dollars are appreciated for good service, especially from housekeeping and waiters. There is no fixed amount; give what you feel is appropriate. Tipping is not compulsory.
Should I tip on local islands in the Maldives?+
Tipping is less expected on local islands. Guesthouses and cafés may not include a service charge, and small tips in rufiyaa are welcome but not required. For porters and ferry staff, a small note is a polite gesture. Ask your guesthouse if you are unsure.
Can I take rufiyaa out of the Maldives?+
Rufiyaa cannot generally be taken out of the country, but the rules can change. Check the current limit with your bank or the official source before you travel. It is sensible to spend or exchange leftover rufiyaa before departure rather than rely on taking it home.
Do I need to tell my bank I am travelling to the Maldives?+
Yes, it is wise to inform your bank of your travel dates. Otherwise, your card may be blocked for suspected fraud when used abroad. Also check foreign transaction fees and daily withdrawal limits. Keep a backup card and your bank's contact details separate from your main card.
Are credit cards accepted at resorts in the Maldives?+
Resorts usually accept major credit cards and often operate a cashless system, with charges added to your room bill. Some may prefer certain networks, so confirm on arrival. Smaller businesses on local islands may be cash only, so carry rufiyaa as a backup.
What is the best way to pay for excursions in the Maldives?+
Payment methods vary. Resorts usually add excursion charges to your room bill, settled by card at check-out. On local islands, excursions may be paid in cash to the guide or guesthouse. Confirm the payment method when booking, and carry enough cash if cards are not accepted.
How much cash should I carry for a trip to the Maldives?+
Carry enough rufiyaa for daily needs on local islands, such as meals, ferries and small purchases. Withdraw in Malé or Hulhumalé before heading to remoter atolls. For resorts, a small amount of dollars for tips is useful. The exact amount depends on your spending habits and itinerary.
