The Maldives
is a haven for tourists that want a taste of a real tropical
paradise. The Republic of Maldives, or simply the Maldives,
is known for being one of the best tropical holiday
destinations in the world. Composed of 1190 coral islands,
it is boasts of white beaches, beautiful lagoons, dazzling
underwater coral gardens, and pretty palm trees that sway
with the breeze. It is proud to call itself “the last
paradise on earth”, which is an appellation most tourists
that have visited will agree to. For more information, click
on
http://www.maldivesnet.com.
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General Information on the Maldives |
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The Maldives are located southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator. Visitors here can enjoy the sun, sand and sea, on the many islands with massive lagoons of different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise. Divers will love the dazzling underwater coral gardens. There are 1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls of which 202 are inhabited, and 87 are exclusive resort islands. All of this makes the Maldives a perfect tropical holiday destination. Click on the links below for additional information.
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Climate
SUN! That is what you will get the most of. It is almost
generally warm and humid with the sun shining all year through. The average
temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
What to Wear
As in almost all island countries, the dress is generally
casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male’, the
capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear
modest clothing without baring too much. You will also want to take some
"dress-up casual" for evening dinners and such. You will find just about anything and
everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or
to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you
need in the Getting
Away Travel Store!
The Culture
A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first
settlers. The early settlers to what is now the Maldives came from various
parts of the world. This has made the Maldives and interesting melting pot
of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here
and settled down. This has lead to a distinctive culture of customs, food and
music. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African
influences, with hand beating of drums and songs in a language that is not
known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. There
is also a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and
especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However many of the
South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance the Sub
Continent’s tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets
of life here. Women stand side by side with men and play a major role in
society. Part of this reason is that many of the men spend the whole day out
at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and
the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.
Language
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives.
English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make
themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a
variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German,
French, Italian and Japanese.
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Currency
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. One Rufiyaa
is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5,
10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00,
MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The US Dollar is the most
commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be
made in most hard currency in cash, travelers’ cheques or credit cards.
Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners
Club, JCB and Euro Card.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
Health Matters
Most visitors will not have a problem with any local health
concerns. However, it is always best to check before you leave home. Maldives,
being free from certain diseases that are of public health concern as well
as of international importance, therefore are constantly implementing
continuous vigilance at Ports of entry at sea and air to ensure that
appropriate surveillance activities are carried out effectively in safe
guarding against any threat of introducing diseases into the country.
Intensified surveillance for incoming passengers and continuous inspection
of food items, and animals that were imported into the country is being
carried out at all ports of the country.
In
preparation for the certification of the Malaria Free Maldives, all incoming
passengers from malaria-infected countries are screened.
For Certification of Sanitary Port an organized Medical Service, adequate staff
and equipment provides in and out passengers care and attend Medical emergencies
at port. Disinfections is compulsory for Cargo aircraft and passenger aircrafts
coming from Yellow Fever and Malaria endemic areas.
Health care facilities are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’ is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and follows high medical standards. Some resorts have in-house doctors. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.
Shopping
and Business Hours
From Sunday to Thursday 7.30 - 14.30 in the government sector
and generally from 9.00 to 5.00 in the private sector, although most offices
in the private sector open for a half day on Saturday. Weekend falls on
Friday and Saturday. In the tourist areas, most stores and restaurants are
open daily. Local time is GMT + 5 hours.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets - Find out the differences between Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, and Consular Information Sheets. You should check this page before planning your trip.
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
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