SHOPPING
As far as working hours on the islands go, there is no real definitive schedule for most of them. The majority open around 09:00 am & close around 23:00 pm with closures during the day for prayers. The hours can be random, hence why we have not provided specific hours. The last thing we want is to give you times and send you on a wild goose chase. Besides, it's a small island so if it's closed it's no big deal. A few steps and you're back at your property or beach.
​
There is a Bank of Maldives ATM on some islands. Make sure you avail yourself of the ATM's or exchange services to acquire local or USD currency at the airport. Some of the properties, occasionally offer card charging currency exchange services. So don't panic if you run low on hard cash.
Many of the local shops and leisure providers on the island do not accept cards. Be advised, when paying in USD you may find yourself being given change in MVR rather than USD.
All the properties accept both credit and debit cards. Pre-Paid cards are not always accepted so check before you travel. As mentioned above, many of the businesses on the island only accept cash. Even so, you will find you can pay via your card for many leisure activities through your property.
You won't discover any major stores on the island. Currently there are stores providing the basic staples of the larder in addition to clothing and other items such as souvenirs, sims, mobile phones, gadgets, fishing tackle, cigarettes and other products you would expect to discover in a local small convenience store. Remember, pretty much everything other than seafood is imported to the island so availability of some items can be limited and sporadic. Having said this you will find most of what you would need during a holiday.
Remember, this is a Muslim nation, so men & women must always wear a minimum of shorts and a T-Shirt when walking around the island & entering premises. Bikinis can only be worn in public when you are on the approved bikini beaches, in the water or in the property premises in their designated areas.
Important
When leaving the Maldives, it is an offence to depart with tortoise shell and coral, unless genuinely purchased. Customs checks are often very thorough so it is important you have all your receipts for items purchased during your stay, to avoid inadvertently being accused of attempting to leave with prohibited items such as coral or others which may incur export fees and so forth.