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When to go

If you love the sun, Maldives is the perfect holiday destination for you. It is extremely sunny from December to April and during these months Maldives is frequented by hundreds of visitors, mostly Europeans. While most continents are experiencing the cold wave, the islands, during this period are enjoying the dry monsoon with little rain and low humidity. February to April is the hottest period and resorts are brimming with tourists from all over the world. Mid-December to early January the visitors increase largely because of Christmas and New Year and prices are inflated at all resorts. Easter and the Italian holiday week in August also call for inflated pricing at most resorts, especially the ones which are Italian-themed. The slow season starts from May to June as storms and rain are more likely during this period. It’s still warm, but skies can be cloudy and the humidity levels are high. The islands receive fewer visitors and thus prices drop during these months, with the exception of August. Divers would be pleased to learn that in the Maldives, diving is good all year round. A basic rule has to be remembered that life on the reef is more diverse and visibility is better on the western side of any atoll from May to November and from the eastern side of any atoll from December to April. Thus divers should choose their resorts accordingly. March to October is the surfing season, which is great news for surfers, as this is when resorts are operating at the cheapest prices.

Overview

When to go

If you love the sun, Maldives is the perfect holiday destination for you. It is extremely sunny from December to April and during these months Maldives is frequented by hundreds of visitors, mostly Europeans. While most continents are experiencing the cold wave, the islands, during this period are enjoying the dry monsoon with little rain and low humidity. February to April is the hottest period and resorts are brimming with tourists from all over the world. Mid-December to early January the visitors increase largely because of Christmas and New Year and prices are inflated at all resorts. Easter and the Italian holiday week in August also call for inflated pricing at most resorts, especially the ones which are Italian-themed. The slow season starts from May to June as storms and rain are more likely during this period. It’s still warm, but skies can be cloudy and the humidity levels are high. The islands receive fewer visitors and thus prices drop during these months, with the exception of August. Divers would be pleased to learn that in the Maldives, diving is good all year round. A basic rule has to be remembered that life on the reef is more diverse and visibility is better on the western side of any atoll from May to November and from the eastern side of any atoll from December to April. Thus divers should choose their resorts accordingly. March to October is the surfing season, which is great news for surfers, as this is when resorts are operating at the cheapest prices.

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Visa Information

No pre-arrival visa is required to enter Maldives. A 30 day free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities, provided the following conditions are met (a) they possess a valid passport (with 6 months minimum validity) and (b) they have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives. Citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are given a 90-day free visa. To stay longer visitors need to apply for a visa or leave the country when the 90 days are up, then return. Visitors are officially supposed to show US$30 for every day’s stay though this is not usually enforced, and showing a credit card will usually placate concerns. However, if asked by immigration officials, one should know the name of the hotel where ones residing and be able to show a return air ticket out of the country. For further information, please contact Honorary Consulate of Maldives in UAE Office No. 13, Medina Road PO Box 5995 Zip code 21432 Jeddah Saudi Arabia (+966-2) 6608411, 6612151) (+966-2) 6611755) [email protected]

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Fast Facts

Location: The Republic of Maldives, is an island country consisting of 26 atolls (or islands of coral and within these atolls are 1,192 islets, out of which only 200 are inhabited. It is geographically located at the south-west of Sri Lanka and it stretches out from India's Lakshadweep islands to Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago. The Maldives is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Capital: Male

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Exchange Rates

Currency Maldivian Rufiya (MVR; symbol MRf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of MRf500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of MRf2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari. Currency Exchange Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs Most major island resorts, local and souvenir shops will accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Arrangements vary from each island. There are ATMs widely available Exchange Rate Indicators

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