Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I search for resorts, hotels or live-aboards?
A: You need to go the destinations page to look for the products that we sell. Three categories of products are available, resorts/hotels, live-aboards and international. Choose the category you want to look and there you will find all the options that's on offer.

Q: Are the rates on your website per person or per room?
A: Rate suggestions are per room per night, unless stated differently.

Q: What is Maldives?
A: Maldives is some small scattered islands in the Indian Ocean , comprising of about 1,200 or more single islands, across the equator, having an average temperature of 30 Degree Celsius. Indeed, Maldives do represent in Common Wealth and in United Nation. It's a Democratic nation, holding a population of about 300,000 people.

Q: Is Maldives an independent nation?
A: Indeed, Maldives do represent in Common Wealth and in United Nation. It's an independent democratic nation, holding a population of about 300,000 people.

Q: What's the time difference?
A: Maldives is five hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Q: When is the best time to visit Maldives?
A: If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April, which is the dry season. This however is the high season, and resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is more likely. This is the low season, and there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Maldives?
A: You do not require a Visa prior to arrival in the Maldives . All tourists from all countries are granted free 30 day visa upon arrival. However, all the visitors need a valid travel document. If a passport expiry date falls within 30 days of arrival, tourists cannot extend their stay beyond the passport expiry date. Working/employment under tourist visa is prohibited.

Q: What vaccinations should I have?
A: Normally, no vaccinations are required by the Maldives authorities. However, if you are from a Central African nation or South American, or if you have traveled through these areas to get here you need to have a valid certificate indicating that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. If not you do not need any specific vaccination certificates to get into the Maldives .

Q: How is the Airport?
A: The Airport looks like an Aircraft Carrier from top. But actually, it's an island long and thin. This Airport could be considered as the safest Airport in the whole world. The reason behind this is that, there is only one run way. Therefore there is no possibility in landing 2 to 3 planes at once. One at a time is the Airport's hidden policy.

Q: What is the Capital?
A: The Capital of the Maldives is "Malé” pronounced "Maa-ley". Malé would also be counted as one of the smallest capitals in the world in terms of its physical size. One third of the country's population lives in Malé. Different from any other island in the country, Malé is a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads. While the government offices are located in one area, the main streets are lined with shops and offices. In the old bazaar area, which still houses the country's hub of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are so narrow that a single vehicle would find it difficult to navigate through, especially with its throngs of busy people.

Q: What is the currency used?
A: In Maldives we have our own currency called "Maldivian Ruffiya" (MRf). One United States Dollar is equivalent to 12.85 MRf (September 2005 - Maldives Monetary Authority buying rate) and this value doesn't vary much.

Q: Where is the best area to stay?
A: All the resorts and hotels in Maldives have an excellent transportation system between airport and resort/hotel. All resorts are located on their own private island, all offer a high standard of service and unless you need to be in a particular spot, it really doesn't matter where you stay.

Q: What types of water activities are available?
A: Most visitors enjoy the lagoons as the natives do, swimming and snorkeling in the warm, turquoise waters, or canoeing, sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and water skiing. The Maldives islands are world renowned for their scuba diving and snorkeling. You can charter a yacht, perhaps with a captain and chef, to sail among the islands.

Q: Will I be expected to pay tips?
A: Tipping is not very common in Maldives . It is not officially encouraged at resorts, hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. However it is up to you if you want to tip or not.

Q: Could I be able to take liquor to the Capital City/Island?
A: Nobody is allowed to bring in liquor to Maldives , unless he or she has a special import license for liquor, beer and related products. If somebody has bought liquor and beer and related items on his/her way to Maldives from a duty free center, then those products should be bonded in custom on their arrival to Maldives . And the goods will be released on their departure.

Furthermore nobody is allowed to bring in liquor, beer or related products to the Capital City/Island. Thus the Capital City Hotel's will not offer liquor, beer and related products.

Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Maldives ?
A: Voltage in Maldives is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location. An adapter is recommended for using appliances you bring with you. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.

Q: Is Maldives safe for the visitor?
A: Yes, Maldives is probably one of the safest places in the world.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Each resort has its own water desalination plant and the water is drinkable. However, it is advisable to use bottled water and is readily available in all islands.

Q: Is there anything you will recommend us to bring?
A: If you desire, you can bring cigarettes (up to two cartons) and film (up to ten rolls). And don't forget an extra bottle of your favorite suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses, water socks (reef walkers) and any common insect repellent.

Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Yes, there will be no problems in communicating with people in many hotels, restaurants and on the public transport.

Q: Can I use my Visa Card, Master Card, and Debit Card to get cash from the bank?
A: Yes you can take cash out from a number of ATM machines around the capital Malé and the airport. Most of the resorts, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and souvenir shops in Malé accept all major credit cards but none of these shops can get you cash from your card.

Q: Why are the islands of Maldives called "The Last Paradise”?
A: Maldives and her islands have long been referred to as a tropical paradise. But their unspoiled islands are not for everyone. If you're looking for a familiar, commercial environment like your own hometown, you won't find it in the Maldives . These extraordinary islands are for people seeking the unique, novel or adventurous honeymoon experience who want to visit a destination whose culture is different from their own.

Q: Why is Maldives a favorite among honeymooners?
A: Maldives is simply the ultimate in romance. Couples can immerse themselves in the incredible beauty of the islands at casual, relaxed paces. With its mesmerizing sunsets and sweet aroma of flowers, Maldives radiates romance. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast brought to your over water bungalow by canoe. Find a secluded islet for a private picnic. Arrange a traditional Maldivian wedding ceremony or renewal of vows. Spend a romantic evening dinner for two at your hotel. Or simply take a leisurely stroll along a secluded white sand beach and enjoy the most spectacular place on earth.

Q: Are there hospitals and medical facilities?
A: Maldives has excellent medical and dental services, pharmacies, a large government hospital and many private clinics in the capital city of Malé , all of the resorts are also equipped with outstanding medical facilities and clinics.

Q: How can I let you know comments or suggestions about your website?
A: We appreciate your feedback. Please do not hesitate to send any comments or suggestions to info@corporatetravelsandtours.com