Language
Overview
Maldivian Dhivehi (Singhalese special form), Elu and English are lingua francas. German, Italian or French is occasionally spoken.
Public Holidays
01/01/2022 New Year
04/03/2022 Beginning of Ramadan
05/01/2022 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
07/08/2022 Hajj day
07/09/2022 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
07/26/2022 Independence Day
07/30/2022 islamic new year festival
10/09/2022 Milad un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)
10/26/2022 The day the Maldives became Islamic
03.11.2022 day of the victory
11/11/2022 day of the Republic
Source: Top-mba-universities.com
The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into the Maldives (from 16 years): 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars and 250 g tobacco; Items for personal use such as clothing, jewellery, watches, stationery, toiletries, electrical appliances, books and magazines up to a value of Rf 6,000.
Prohibited Imports
Alcohol, drugs, psychotropic substances, weapons, explosives, harpoons, spears or underwater guns for underwater hunting, pornographic material, religious images for worship, anti-Islamic writings, live pigs and certain animal products. Note: Possession of drugs is punishable by long prison sentences. The import of prescription drugs for personal use is only possible with a valid prescription from a doctor. The doctor’s prescription must state that the patient needs the drug for medical reasons for a specified duration (with the patient’s name, the name of the drug and the daily dosage). The import of over-the-counter medicines (eg against headaches or stomach upsets) is usually possible without any problems. If in doubt, travelers should contact the tour operator or the Maldivian authorities. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Exports
Mussels (protected species), black coral, various fish, turtle shells and products made from tortoiseshell, drugs, psychotropic substances. Further information is available from Maldives Customs.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Republic of Maldives
Rue de Varembé 7, 4th floor
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 552 37 77.
http://maldivesmission.ch
http://maldivesmission.ch
Mon-Fri 09.30-17.00.
Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Maldives
Weimarer Straße 104
Wien
Austria
+43 (0)1 36 96 64 40.
Mon-Thu 08.00-17.00, Fri 08.00-12.30.
Embassy of the Republic of Maldives
Honorary Consulates in Frankfurt/M. and Munich.
Friedrichstrasse 55A
Berlin
Germany
+49 (0)30 200 738 60
https://www.maldivesembassy.de/
https://www.maldivesembassy.de/
Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00.
Business
Business etiquette
The islands have to import almost everything and are therefore of interest to businessmen. Most business is transacted in the morning. Business hours: Sun-Thurs 7.30am-2.30pm.
Business contacts
State Trading Organization (Chamber of Commerce) STO Head Office Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Maafannu, Malé 20345, Maldives Tel. +960 (0)334 43 33. Website: sto.mv
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code for the Maldives is 00960.
Mobile phone
GSM 900, 3G and 4G. Network operators are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. Roaming contracts exist. Mobile phones can be rented on site by the day. Network operator prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport.
Internet
There are internet cafes in the capital Malé. Tourist accommodations usually provide their guests with free WiFi. Internet provider is among others Dhiraagu.
Post office
Post to Europe takes about a week. Post office opening hours: Sat-Thurs 07.30-13.30 and 16.00-17.30.