The Maldives, famous for its turquoise waters and luxurious resorts, runs on more than just beauty-you’ll need to understand currency in Maldives to avoid overpaying. The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US Dollars are also widely accepted in resorts, restaurants, and tourist shops. However, if you’re exploring local islands or using ferries and small cafes, local currency is a must. ATMs exist in Malé and larger islands but may be sparse elsewhere. This guide breaks down how to handle money in Maldives, including the best exchange options and how to manage cash vs card depending on where you’re staying.
How to pay in Maldives – cash or card?
At resorts in the Maldives, most people don’t carry cash. Instead, they use a wristband or card system to charge expenses to their room, which makes transactions easy and doesn’t require cash. However, you may still need cash for some things, like tips or small purchases outside of resorts. Credit and debit cards and other currencies like USD are accepted at most resorts and tourist spots. However, it’s a good idea to bring some local currency with you in case you need to pay for something on a small island or somewhere that doesn’t accept cards.
You can use cash for:
- Budget hotels
- Hostels
- Tips and gratuities (frequently expected in USD or MVR)
- Entry fees to local island sites (limited but may apply)
- Local buses (in Malé and Hulhumalé)
- Local taxis (cash preferred outside resorts)
- Small eateries / restaurants (on local islands)
- Street food
- Small purchases
- Local expenses at grocery stores, souvenir stalls
- Tailoring services
- Laundry services (on local islands)
- Mobile SIM and phone top-up
You can use card for:
- 4 and 5 star hotels
- Local tour operators (especially via resort or online booking)
- Large tour operators
- Shopping at malls (Malé, limited options)
- App-based taxis (limited use, available in Malé)
- Airport transport (ferries, speedboats, resort transfers – if pre-booked)
- Sit-down restaurants (resorts or mid-range restaurants)
- Upscale restaurants
- Online bookings for upscale hotels, flights, tours
- Spas
- Vehicle renting (limited, only in Malé)
- Emergency medical clinics / pharmacies (in Malé and Hulhumalé)
The Maldives accepts USD widely, even for cash payments, especially in resorts. You may carry both USD and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) when visiting local islands.
What’s the best currency to take to Maldives?
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the currency used there. There are notes worth 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 MVR. This is the preferred currency.
In the Maldives, US Dollars are widely accepted, especially at resorts, hotels, and places that offer services for tourists. Also, Euros are usually accepted in a lot of tourist spots. But for smaller purchases outside of resorts, you might need to use local currency. The pound is not as widely accepted as the US dollar or the Euro.
So, Maldivian Rufiyaa is the best currency to take to Maldives.
Where to get the local currency in Maldives?
In Maldives, you can get the local currency in 3 ways. These are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange
Money transfer and local pick-up
Tip – don’t buy Rufiyaa in your own country. It’s not a common currency around the world, so it will be hard to find at home. If you do find it, the exchange rate will not be good.
Types of cards to swipe in Maldives
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Maldives
When withdrawing money in Maldives, majority of the ATMs will accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus and Maestro cards. Some of them accept Unionpay, Amex, Discover and Rupay cards. Cards such as Diners, and JCB are not usually accepted by many ATMs.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Maldives?
Bringing a small amount of Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) before traveling can be helpful for small expenses like tips or ferries. However, MVR is rarely available outside Maldives, and exchange rates abroad are often poor.
It’s more practical to exchange currency upon arrival at Malé International Airport or withdraw MVR from ATMs. ATMs are available in Malé, Hulhumalé, and some resort islands, and they accept Visa and Mastercard. International withdrawal fees may apply, so check with your bank.
Currency exchange is available at banks and currency exchange counters in Malé and at the airport. USD is widely accepted across the Maldives, especially in resorts, where prices are often quoted in USD.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in almost all resorts, hotels, and many restaurants. However, cash is necessary for local islands, ferries, markets, and tipping. Carrying both USD and a card ensures flexibility and convenience.
Where to withdraw money in Maldives
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Maldives are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Bank of Maldives,
- Commercial Bank of Maldives,
- Habib Bank.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Maldives.
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Maldives. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Maldives.
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Where to exchange currency in Maldives
In Maldives, you can exchange currency at authorised currency exchanges, banks, airports, and hotels, the most popular being authorised currency exchanges. The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is not widely available outside the country, so you’ll usually exchange money on arrival. Most transactions, however, are priced in USD, especially in resorts.
Currency exchange is available at:
- Malé International Airport (Velana International Airport) – offers 24/7 exchange counters (poor rates)
- Local banks in Malé and Hulhumalé
- Licensed exchange bureaus: Limited in number, but available in urban areas like Malé
Resorts often allow payments in USD, and may offer exchange services, but the rates are poor.
- Banks Offering Currency Exchange:
Bank of Maldives
Maldives Islamic Bank
State Bank of India (Maldives)
Banks provide reliable services but may have limited hours (Sunday-Thursday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM).
💡 Tip: Bring clean, recent USD notes. MVR is not accepted outside Maldives and cannot be easily exchanged after departure.
Pro-tips:
Stay away from airport exchanges – Poor rates
Avoid the black market – Be wary of being conned.
Include fresh notes – If your notes are damaged or dirty, you can expect to pay more or less.
Is carrying money in Maldives safe?
When you’re travelling in the Maldives, it is safe to carry cash. Here are some ways to make sure your money stays safe in the Maldives:
Some safety tips for carrying cash while travelling in Maldives are:
- Carry only the cash you need.
- Do not keep all the cash in one pocket or wallet.
- Put some cash in a safety belt or fanny pack.
- Do not flash your cash.
- When paying, do not remove or display your entire cash.
- Keep wallets preferably in front pockets.
- Cross-wear your purses if possible.
- Hold your purses, wallets and bags close and tight on crowded streets and in public trains and buses.
- When withdrawing cash, keep the cash low while you count it so people around don’t see it.
- If you’re dining alone, don’t leave your wallet / bag unattented while you go to the restroom.
- If sitting outdoors in a restaurant, don’t leave your wallets / bags on the table.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Maldives
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
