Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Maldives: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Best option in the Maldives is to use ATMs for most of your money. Budget MVR 900-1,200 daily depending on meals and excursions. Airport counters should only be used for a small amount to pay for your first ferry. Bank of Maldives ATMs are reliable and spread across Malé and local islands. Withdraw enough in bulk to avoid paying repeated fees. ATMs nearly always beat airport counters in rate.
The exchange counter at Malé Airport was disappointing. I changed $100 and later realized I’d lost enough to pay for three ferry rides. For a trip where I budgeted about MVR 1,200 daily, it felt like a waste. ATMs from Bank of Maldives gave me a far stronger deal. The airport counter is fine if you desperately need cash, but otherwise, it’s an overpriced trap.
I exchanged $20 at Malé Airport for my ferry to Maafushi. The rate was bad. Later, I withdrew from a Bank of Maldives ATM, and I got far more rufiyaa. Meals cost me MVR 150-200, and ferries about 50-100, so I was spending around MVR 1,000 daily. The ATM withdrawals saved me money compared to the airport desk. Next time, I’ll avoid airport counters entirely.
In the Maldives, ATMs usually provide a better rate than airport exchange counters. Malé Airport desks are convenient but mark up heavily, while ATMs from Bank of Maldives give closer-to-market rates in rufiyaa. If you’re budgeting MVR 800-1,200 daily for meals, ferries, and guesthouse stays on local islands, withdrawing from ATMs is more cost-effective. Airport counters are okay for a small amount to cover your first boat ride.