Money and duty free for Maldives
Currency and Money
Currency information
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR; symbol MRF or Rf.) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of MRF500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of MRF2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.
Credit cards
Most major island resorts, local and souvenir shops will accept American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa. Arrangements vary from island to island. There are ATMs widely available in Malé.
ATM
There are ATMs widely available in Malé and bigger inhabited islands.
Travellers cheques
Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted anymore.
Banking hours
Sun-Thurs 0830-1400.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash or credit cards.
Maldives duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into the Maldives over 16 years old without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• Goods to the value of MRf6,000.
It’s important to note that while you can drink alcohol in all resorts, it’s illegal to import any alcoholic drinks. A doctor's prescription is required for all medication.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports include religious materials offensive to Islam, idols for worship, pornography, narcotics, live pigs, dogs and dangerous animals.
Restricted imports include alcohol, arms and ammunition, chemicals, pork, live animals and plants, and communications equipment.
Banned Exports
Numerous fish and marine products are banned from export, including coral, black coral necklaces, turtle shell, mother of pearl, conch shell and lobster meat.
