Quick tips for travelling to the Maldives

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Quick tips for travelling to the Maldives

The Maldives is an absolutely stunning destination for kitesurfing. Well renowned for its exquisite resorts and amazing diving and snorkelling opportunities, this island destination is often glanced over in the search for the ultimate kitesurfing holiday. And wrongly so! Many of the islands over protected lagoons where the wind blows consistently and some, such as Cocoon Maldives and Anantara Dhigu, Veli And Naladhu, even have their own kitesurfing centres located right on site. You can even be adventures and explore this beautiful island archipelago on a Maldives Kitesurf Cruise – visiting a new spot each day!

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Here are a few quick tips for your next kitesurfing holiday in the Maldives:
  1. The most luxurious of resorts and the best ones for kitesurfing are located on their own uninhabited islands. These resorts offer typical Maldivian style accommodation with beach bungalows or dreamy overwater accommodations.
  2. Your point of entry into the country will be at Velana International Airport in the capital city of Male. From here you can take a speedboat or water plane transfer to your hotel.
  3. Foreigners are only allowed to consume alcohol in the Maldives in resorts or on liveaboards. You are not allowed to drink on inhabited islands, even in hotels or guesthouses.
  4. When visiting inhabited islands tourists are expected to dress modestly, keeping the shoulders to the knees covered.
  5. The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the official currency of the Maldives, however, US Dollars are legally accepted anywhere while Euros and Pounds, along with credit cards, are also accepted in most major resorts.
  6. Tourists are prohibited from bringing alcohol, plants and pork products into the country alongside the usual list of banned products.
  7. The Maldives has a diverse culture which is also reflected in their cuisine. Many resorts have a variety of different restaurants to choose from with some offering exclusive fine dining venues or Michelin star establishments. You may even get to dine underwater! (do note that some of these restaurants may incur an additional charge at your resort)
  8. Traditional handicrafts you can buy as mementoes or gifts include woven reed mats, coconut crafts, clothing made of lace, and silver jewellery.
  9. Some resorts have resident paramedics while two private hospitals are located on Male.
  10. Be sure to travel light if you can and check allowance for any kitesurfing equipment on your seaplane or speedboat transfers. 
  11. A government tax of 12% is levied on accommodation, restaurant and bar bills while a green tax of $6 per person per day is also payable. 
  12. A service charge of 10% is usually added to bills however if you would like to tip the server extra, an additional 5% can be added but is not expected. The standard for housekeeping tips is $5 per day per guest and $5 for luggage carriers on arrival and departure.
  13. Tourists are granted a 30-day visa on arrival but be sure to check any visa requirements with your country before departing.
  14. Bottled mineral water is normally provided for drinking purposes.