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Maldives-resort-island photo by Shahee Ilyas –

Top 10 Do’s & Don’ts  When Visiting the Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is an expanse of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean that stretches from Addu City to Ihavandhippolhu.

The archipelago of the Maldives, along with the Lakshadweep and Chagos Archipelagos, is what is referred to as a terrestrial ecoregion and is located on the undersea mountain range known as Chagos-Laccadive Ridge in the Indian Ocean.

The main activity in this group of islands is fishing. It mostly adds to the nation’s economic revenue. Couples on honeymoon seeking privacy and thrill-seekers planning scuba diving and snorkelling excursions both like visiting the island nation of the Maldives.

Visitors looking for a little relaxation can unwind at one of the island spas, and every tourist likes spending at least one day touring Male, the capital of the Maldives. The hotels in this area are equally amazing, ranging from overwater bungalows to underwater hotels to breathtaking resorts.

The Maldives attracts throngs of tourists from all over the world throughout the year because of its breathtaking scenery, which can only be truly appreciated if seen by an individual. Though the resort islands are a world of their own and have more lenient rules than the inhabited islands, the nation itself is very conservative.

Here are the top 10 do’s & don’ts when visiting the Maldives.

1. Dress modestly on inhabited islands in the Maldives

Please keep in mind that the residents in the conservative Maldives are highly cautious about what you wear while visiting the Maldives. Men should not wear shorts, and women should cover their arms and legs.

On non-resort islands, wearing a bikini or lying in the sun is completely forbidden. When you get to your resort, though, you can unwind in your bikini without worrying. For a hassle-free trip, you must follow this Maldives tip.

2. Remove shoes before entering worship places and homes in the Maldives

PLZZ REMOVE YOUR SHOES. Sign at the entrance to stupa. photo by John Hill –

It is forbidden to wear shoes inside any mosque, therefore make sure you enter barefoot. As a courtesy, visitors do not put their shoes on when entering any home area.

Before entering a home, it is advisable that you observe what the locals are doing and follow them or ask for their assistance if you are unsure of what to do.

3.  Carry lots of sunscreen on your Maldives tour

photo by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific on

Naturally, Maldives receive plenty of sunshine because it has a beach and because it is located on the equator, it receives direct sunlight at an angle of 90 degrees, which increases the danger of sun damage on your skin. Visitors are advised to bring sunscreen to soothe the skin in situations like these

4. Look out for reef locations in proximity to your resort

Photo by Francesco Ungaro on

You might be able to swim to the reefs from your resort, but other resort islands are surrounded by lagoons, so you might need to take a boat to get there. If being close to the reef is vital to you, be sure your location is precisely what you want when making your reservation.

5. Select your souvenirs wisely while in the Maldives

Although you can buy crafts and products in the Maldives made of coral or turtle shells, it is forbidden to export them, so even if you buy them there, you will be requested to leave them behind or not bring them back to your country. Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs in the Maldives. 

6. Do not display public affection in public

Since the Maldives is a somewhat conservative nation, people there may not be used to seeing public displays of affection and may give them uncomfortable looks and frowns. A kiss on the cheek is also forbidden. If you are caught, it is against the law.

If you are a couple travelling together, your options are pretty limited to holding hands. This is unquestionably something you should be aware of before travelling to the Maldives with your partner.

7.  Do not import alcohol because it is prohibited in the Maldives

Photo by Paolo Bendandi on

The Maldives, a Muslim nation, has strict laws on drinking alcohol. Even pork is hard to come by. It would be best to just avoid consuming beer or pig products in public because you run the risk of upsetting someone.

Numerous rude stares are directed at foreign visitors. These behaviours can be seen as an effort to pervert their religion. Therefore, it is best to be cautious than sorry to avoid any serious consequences.

However, if you have a reservation at one of the nation’s resort islands, these regulations do not apply to you.

8. Do not drink tap water while in the Maldives

Photo by Silvan Schuppisser on

This is the most crucial fact about the Maldives that you should be aware of. In the Maldives, water goes through a distinct process to get rid of all the bad bacteria and
germs. Reverse osmosis desalination is the name of this procedure.

This method is quite effective at getting rid of all the germs and bacteria from the recycled water, but it also removes all the natural minerals that are beneficial to the human body, making the water less nutrient-rich than it should be. The packaged mineral water that is offered in their stores is a superior option.

9. Do not smuggle banned items into the Maldives

Items that might be offensive, a threat to or an affront to its social conventions, religion, or way of life is prohibited from entering the conservative Muslim nation.

Any religious literature other than the Quran (such as the Bible, Gita, etc.), alcohol even if it is not subject to tax in stores, pork or any other products related to pork, as well as cigarette products without a warning, are examples of these texts.

It is preferable to leave these products at home before departing for your flight or to avoid buying them at all to avoid suffering any unpleasant consequences.

10. Do not wear revealing attires in public while in the Maldives

Women are urged not to dress revealingly in public given that this is a Muslim nation. This is scorned and regarded as a violation of their social customs.

Even if you disagree with these traditions, it is better to give in than risk unpleasant repercussions and ruin what was supposed to be a pleasurable trip.

Again, vacation islands do not have these restrictions, so you are free to show off your nicest bathing suits and unwind in the sun.