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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Henveiru (City Center)
hotelsCentral district with government buildings, Jumhooree Maidan (Republic Square), shops, cafes. Most developed area. Presidential Palace, Grand Friday Mosque nearby. Where tourists explore Malé's urban culture.
Fish Market Area
hotelsWaterfront fish market - heart of Maldivian life. Fresh tuna brought daily. Local market next door with fruits, vegetables. Authentic experience away from resort tourism. Best visited early morning.
Hulhumalé
hotelsReclaimed island near airport - newer, more spacious than Malé. Beach access, hotels, restaurants. Growing tourist area. Connected by bridge to airport. More relaxed alternative to cramped Malé. Budget-friendly guesthouses.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Malé
Most tourists transit to resorts, but Malé offers unique experience - densely packed urban island, fish market, mosques, local culture. Half day enough. Stay in Hulhumalé for beach + city combo at budget prices. Worth exploring if you want to see real Maldivian life beyond resorts.
No! Alcohol is prohibited in Malé and all inhabited islands. Only available at resort islands. Don't bring alcohol - it will be confiscated at airport. Maldives is Islamic country with strict alcohol laws. Resorts are exceptions as they're on private islands.
Depends on resort location: speedboat (nearby atolls, 20min-2hrs, $100-300), seaplane (distant atolls, scenic, $300-600), domestic flight + speedboat (far atolls). Resort arranges transfer - included or extra cost. Book in advance. Seaplanes don't fly at night.
Dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered. Bikinis only on resort islands or designated bikini beaches. Malé is conservative Muslim city. Local women wear hijab. Tourists should respect local culture. Resorts have no dress code - wear whatever you want there.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Malé
Stay in Hulhumalé instead of Malé - beach access, cheaper hotels, 10 min from airport. Budget alternative to expensive resorts. Can do day trips to resort islands. Growing restaurant and cafe scene.
Visit fish market early morning (6-8am) - see fresh tuna auction, local life. Malé fish market is authentic Maldivian experience. Local market nearby for tropical fruits. Photography welcome.
USD accepted everywhere - no need to exchange to Rufiyaa. Bring small bills ($1, $5, $10). Cards work in hotels and shops. ATMs dispense both MVR and USD. Resorts price everything in USD.
Seaplanes to resorts don't fly after dark - if arriving late, need overnight in Malé/Hulhumalé. Book late afternoon flights to avoid this. Speedboat transfers available 24/7 but to nearby resorts only.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
27°
27°83%16 м/с
Today
28°27°
28°27°Tomorrow28°27°
28°27°Thu28°27°
28°27°Fri28°27°
28°27°Sat28°27°
28°27°Sun27°27°
27°27°Mon28°27°
28°27°30°
26°Jan
31°
26°Feb
31°
27°Mar
32°
27°Apr
31°
27°May
31°
26°Jun
30°
26°Jul
30°
26°Aug
30°
26°Sep
30°
26°Oct
30°
26°Nov
30°
26°Dec
Water temperature
28°
28°
29°
30°
30°
29°
28°
28°
28°
29°
29°
28°
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.ferry
—location.transport.taxi
—location.transport.bus
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
3 - 8 $
Mid-range
15 - 35 $
Fine dining
50 - 120 $
Street Food
Local dish
2 - 5 $
Drinks
Coffee
2 - 5 $
Local beer
0 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
0.5 - 1.5 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
25 - 50 $ / night
Guesthouse
50 - 100 $ / night
Hotel 3★
120 - 250 $ / night
Hotel 5★
300 - 800 $ / night
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercardAmerican Express
location.payment.contactless_available
location.payment.atms
limited
location.payment.mobile_payments
Apple PayGoogle Pay
location.payment.cash
USD widely accepted! Resorts prefer cards/USD. Rufiyaa for local islands, ferries, cafes. Debit card limits increased Nov 2025 - $1000 POS, $3000 flights! UnionPay cards from Jan 2026!
location.payment.currency_exchange
Rufiyaa (MVR) official but USD KING! BIG 2025 CHANGES: BML debit cards international POS limit raised to $1000 (was $500) from Nov 11. Airline tickets/hotel bookings limit $3000! Medical payments abroad enabled. UnionPay cards (180+ countries) launching Jan 2026! Resorts quote USD, prefer cards. Local islands (Maafushi, Hulhumale) need MVR cash for ferries, local cafes. ATMs in Male/Hulhumale. Paradise islands!
location.payment.tipping
10%
10% service charge often included in resorts. If not, 10% appreciated. $1-2 for porters, housekeeping.
Safety
High safety level
Tourist area with low crime rate
Malé is very safe for tourists. Low crime rate. Main concerns are traffic (many scooters) and strong sun. Conservative Muslim country - dress modestly outside resorts. No alcohol in Malé (only in resorts). Friendly locals.
What to see
Attractions and points of interest
