On a budget and looking for free ATMs in Maldives - Any top banks?
Lots of the smaller islands only have Bank of Maldives ATMs, which always charge 100 rufiyaa per go. I managed to find an Islamic Bank ATM near the ferry terminal and paid nothing-I wish I’d known earlier! Try to just max out your withdrawals (2,000 MVR transaction limit) and carry some cash before heading for the atolls, as card payments are rare and not every ATM is reliable.
If you just want the cheapest options, hit up Islamic Bank (zero fee) or Habib Bank (either 0 or 2 rufiyaa depending on your card) for withdrawals in Malé. Bank of Maldives is everywhere but they charge 100 rufiyaa fee. CBM was okay (30 rufiyaa fee), but only had one ATM near Maafannu. Every major ATM I tried had a 2,000 MVR limit per withdrawal, so take out the max each time to cut down on extra charges.
For anyone hopping from resort to guesthouse in the Maldives, keep in mind MCB ATMs add a 3% fee (about 60 rufiyaa on 2,000 MVR withdrawal limit) for some cards, though sometimes it’s zero. I found Habib Bank and Islamic Bank always had lower or zero fees on my Wise card, both in Malé and Hulhumalé. The 2,000 rufiyaa cash limit per withdrawal is standard. Just carry enough cash because some islands have no machines at all!
Just back from Malé, and honestly, ATM fees weren’t too bad! Bank of Maldives machines worked with my Revolut, and the fee was 100 rufiyaa per withdrawal, limit was 2,000 rufiyaa every time. If you want to avoid fees, try Islamic Bank-they charged me 0 rufiyaa. Most islands only have Bank of Maldives, though, so always budget for the 100 rufiyaa fee if venturing beyond the capital.
Same Bank of Maldives ATM - 100 MVR fee, works well and location felt safe even at night.
Bank of Maldives ATM worked well, charged 100 MVR fee. Accepts both Visa and Mastercard. Safe location too.
Paid a $6 fee to withdraw cash-probably the highest ATM fee Ive ever seen. Bank of Maldives needs to chill!
No queues at Bank of Maldives ATM. Super convenient if youre in a hurry-fast in and out.