GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
The national airline Maledivian (Q2) (Internet: Website: http://www.island.com.mv/) operates flights to India and Sri Lanka.
Qatar Airways (QR) (Internet: Website: http://www.qatarairways.com/) flies from Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Zurich via Doha to Malé.
Austrian Airlines (OS) flies non-stop from Vienna to Malé.
With Swiss International (LX) there is a direct connection between Zurich and Malé.
Other flights are offered by Malaysia Airlines (MH) and Singapore Airlines (SQ). Charter flights offers from Switzerland Edelweiss Air (8R) at.
Air France (AF) will be flying from Paris to Malé from November 2017.
Departure fee
No fee is charged directly at the airport.
Arrival by ship
Many ships call at the Maldives as part of cruises, including the Costa cruise line (Internet: www.costakreuzfahrten.ch).
ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
Maldivian (Q2) operates the domestic flights. There are connections from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo and Gan as well as to Hanimaadhoo in the north (this island is rarely visited by tourists). In addition, air taxi services and air transport to and from the Ari Atoll and other remote islands. Some companies operate helicopter flights from the airport to the vacation islands. Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways fly from the airport to most resorts. Some companies offer sightseeing flights.
On the way by car / bus
Getting around the islands is easy as most islands can be crossed in half an hour on foot. In Malé are taxis available.
Out and about by ship
Round trips to the other islands are possible, for example with the luxury catamaran Four Seasons Island Explorer. You can also charter boats. High-speed catamarans connect the airport to the Ari Atoll and some remote islands.
MONEY
Currency
1 Maldivian Rufiyaa = 100 Laari. Currency abbreviation: MRf, MVR (ISO code). Banknotes are available in values of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 MRf. Coins in denominations of 2 and 1 MRf as well as 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Laari. In the tourism sector, it is common to pay in US dollars.
Credit cards
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, JCB and Diners Club and all other well-known credit cards are accepted in shops and hotels. Withdrawals from ATMs are easily possible with credit cards. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
EC cards with the Maestro logo are accepted worldwide. EC cards are usually accepted at ATMs.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Sun-Thu 7.30 a.m. / 8 a.m.-2.30 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the local currency is not permitted. Unlimited import and export of foreign currency.
Currency Exchange
All common currencies can be exchanged in banks, hotels and larger shops. Purchases and bills are paid in hard currency, preferably US dollars, at most resorts and hotels. Euros are also accepted as a means of payment, but at a less favorable rate. Bringing cash, if possible in small denominations, is particularly recommended on the smaller islands.
LANGUAGE
Overview
Maldivian Dhivehi (Sinhala special form), Elu and English are common languages in Maldives, a country located in Asia according to itypeauto. German, Italian and French are spoken sporadically.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into the Maldives duty-free (from 16 years):
200 cigarettes or 25 cigars and 250 g of tobacco;
Items for personal use such as clothing, jewelry, clocks, stationery, hygiene articles, electrical appliances, books and magazines.
Gifts up to a value of Rf 6,000.
Prohibited imports
Alcohol, drugs, weapons, explosives, harpoons, spears or underwater rifles for underwater hunting, pornographic magazines, religious images for worship, anti-Islamic writings, pork and certain animal products.
Note: Drug possession is punishable by long imprisonment. The import of prescription drugs for personal use is only permitted with the consent of the Ministry of Health of the Maldives, which must be obtained prior to entry. The doctor’s prescription must state that the patient needs the drug for medical reasons for a specified period of time (with the name of the patient, the name of the drug and the daily dose).
The import of non-prescription drugs (e.g. for headaches or upset stomach) is usually possible without any problems. If in doubt, travelers should contact the tour operator or the Maldivian authorities.
Prohibited exports
Mussels (under species protection), black corals, various fish, turtle shells and products made from tortoiseshell.
