Today let’s see some habits and rules of the Maldives, you should definitely know before your trip not just for cultural purposes but also to keep your ass safe! 🙂
Some laws are good to know to avoid troubles or at least to avoid being disappointed.
Alcohol topic
The Maldivian nation is Muslim, and this affects various sectors. One that might interest you is that alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the country. You won’t find them for sale (neither in bars nor in shops or supermarkets) and above all, you must not be caught bringing alcohol into the country when you land at the airport.
Regarding consumption on site, there are however some loopholes for those who really cannot give it up. If you are staying on a resort island (the private islands) you can also find alcohol; or if you are staying on the island of Maafushi there is a boat moored offshore, reachable by a small boat that constantly goes back and forth, where people can dance and alcoholics drinks are available. Do not bring anything back on the island and obviously don’t act foolish, as the country’s only prison is also on the island of Maafushi 😉
Read also: Where it’s best to stay in the Maldives
No vaping
This is a recent introduction. Electronic cigarettes or vaping products are prohibited (you will see some locals still using them discreetly) but the thing to know is that it is also forbidden to bring them into the country: leave them at home to avoid confiscation at the airport.
Swimwear and clothing!
One of the most important rules of the Maldives to know. Everywhere, even on the beach, even if you are swimming, it is not allowed to be shirtless (for men) or in a bikini for women. You must always be covered, including the shoulders. Consequently, you need to bring some extra t-shirts or a rash guard like this one, which can also be useful as sun protection.
You may like: Things to bring on a trip to the Maldives
The only exception is in the Bikini beaches, where it is allowed to stay “Western style” as we are used to. Most major islands have some bikini beach, usually well identified also on google maps. However, they are not the most beautiful beaches, usually the most touristy and crowded.
Absolutely forget topless.
The same rule also applies on the avenues and commercial activities, even stricter if you enter mosques where men should also be covered down below the knee.
Sun protection
The Maldives are at the equator level, the sun can really harm you. High protection creams are essential even for the most resistant, not to be underestimated even with variable weather because the light reflected off the clouds increases exposure even more. Put it on your ears too!
If you run out of cream, don’t worry, you will find it in all the shops on the islands, even with protection factors I had never seen before (60-100). If you spend a lot of time in the water snorkeling, I still recommend a rash guard which serves both as sun protection and against risks of scratches or bumps in the water.
You may like: Activities to do (or not do) in the Maldives
Taking off shoes
Another habit of the Maldives, as in other Muslim and Asian countries, is to take off shoes (or slippers/flip-flops) to enter some premises or shops. If this doesn’t look particularly hygienic for you, wear slippers instead of flip-flops so you can keep a short sock on, at least when the day don’t threaten rain. If instead there are spells of rain, consider the possibility of getting your feet wet even outside the sea 😀
Avoid expensive footwear
It’s not unusual that upon leaving footwear at the entrance of premises someone might have taken (inadvertently or not) yours. Therefore, bring inexpensive slippers or some with easily distinguishable colors.
If you wear shoes (which might perhaps only happen the first few days, since you will end up using slippers 24/7 like the locals) when you leave them outside, put them in a spot where they won’t get wet if it starts raining… and rest assured it will happen at least once! 😆
Friday holiday
Friday is like Sunday for us. You might find some businesses closed and also fewer ferries than usual. Check in advance, especially if your flights are on a Friday. If you haven’t already, take a look at the guide on ferries and how to get to the islands of the Maldives.
Nightlife
Don’t go to the Maldives searching for Ibiza’s parties, the nightlife is practically non-existent. The most you can find is some restaurants and bars with live music or karaoke, or in Maafushi that boat where people dance offshore mentioned earlier.
Climate and weather forecasts
The climate in the Maldives can change in an minute, don’t rely too much on weather forecasts. Or rather, they should not be interpreted the way we are used to in Europe.
Let me explain: if the forecasts show smiling sun for a whole month, you will surely be luckier than when they show a month of rain and lightning (my case).
However, if the forecasts show bad weather for 7 full days (again my case), maybe right in the middle of dry season (still my case) don’t get paranoid. It’s not guaranteed that it will rain exactly where you are, and it’s not guaranteed that it will rain all day. There might be a downpour for a couple of hours, hopefully in the evening, and good weather the rest of the time. However, for 1-2 days it might pour all day long.
You may like: Where to stay in the Maldives
When it rains it comes down heavily, so take shelter and don’t curse too much, perhaps taking a cue from the locals who move to a bar or under some canopy, or take the opportunity for a nap at the hotel also because when it rains there isn’t much else to do.
The positive thing is that after the rain, you pick up where you left off. This because with sun, rain, wind or any other weather, the temperature is always stable and there’s no risk of feeling cold after the storm. If you feel inspired, maybe take a swim in the sea in the rain, the sea is warm too, it could be a nice memory. Besides, the inhabitants do it too!
Banknotes without tears
If you use dollars in cash to pay in the Maldives, verify that the banknotes are all perfect and without tears. The reason and details about the currencies used in the Maldives is explained in the guide on money in the Maldives.
Mosquitoes
Actually, there are few mosquitoes in the Maldives, but they exist. The problem is not their number but the fact that they can transmit Dengue. So put on repellent, especially in the evening on ankles and exposed areas.
In resorts and on the more touristy islands you will find few, perhaps only if you stop with your legs near some grass or plants, but if you venture into wilder islands or those with small forests like Dhigurah, the risk gets higher.
Bottled water
Drink only bottled water and verify that the bottles they give you have a sealed cap! Also when drinking in bars and restaurants, if you want to be safe, ask for them without ice in the glass.
Do not touch fish and marine life
In the water or during snorkeling do not touch marine creatures. It’s not just ethics, some species are also venomous while for others there is an explicit prohibition and you risk troubles if the tour guide sees you. Always follow the instructions. If you want to better understand what type of tours you can do, read my guide to excursions in the Maldives.
Also pay attention if you go for a walk on the beach in the evening because in many areas there is literally a carpet of hermit crabs moving around and you risk crushing them. In certain areas they also move during the day.
Upon returning to the airport…
When you return to the airport to go home, a detail that might be useful to know is that you have to queue for the classic security checks twice, as there is also a check at the entrance of the airport itself, even before reaching the check-in area. In this first phase the check is easier, it is mainly done to scan luggage (you don’t need to immediately throw away bottles or take out things from your pockets, but you will have to do it later at the second classic check).
The remaining habits of Muslim countries
I surely forgot something in this article, so remember that the rules of other Muslim countries also apply here, such as Ramadan, no pork meat to be imported at the airport, (but I hope you won’t do that) and so on. 🙂
Was this article useful to you? Share it with friends or leave a comment! 🙂
