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Making phone calls from hotels and resorts isn't cheap at the best of times and from the Maldives, the prices are frightening.If for some reason, you want to ring home, the cheapest way is to take your mobile phone (that's a cellphone to you yanks).The last resort I stayed at were charging US$6 per minute with a minimum of 3 minutes billed - whatever your mobile provider are charging, it will be less than that.
This is such an important thing to remember. Once on the you are at their mercy when it comes to buying drinks and food. My advice is to get All Inclusive or Full Board where possible - at least you know what you are going to pay for things.You can't just walk to the nearest shop if you don't want to pay the prices the resort are charging.Prices are high in the resorts due to high transport costs and as with anywhere touristy, the normal "fleece the foreigner" prices apply.
After proceeding through the exit of the airport you will be met by a resort representitive or will have to find your resort rep at his desk. They will tell you that they are waiting for other guests (if you get out ahead of others) and lead you to a seat in 'rip-off' cafe! If you sit down the water (small) will cost you 5 USD! Sit on a bench and wait for your group! Although there are actually few benches around!!!
Meeru has its own museum in the reception area. Entry is free and well worth a viewing. Outside by the pool area is the skeleton on a Hump Back Whale. Check out the size of it and the width of its jaw.
Dhiffushi Island is just a 10 minute journey by Dhoni. Well worth a couple of hours to see how locals live. It's only a small island, you can cross to the other side in a minute. It's an island you can see all the day and just have to visit. Have a look around the souvenir shops. There's 3 to choose from, all selling the same things. It's up to you to decide a price!
Night fishing. It's a must do activity, if only once. The fish don't exactly jump onto the hooks, but most people pull something out of the water.Mine was too small to keep, so was returned to live another day.
Since everything is expensive in the island, bring your own bottled water. Here they sell USD 3/bottle and u need more than a bottle a day. But u can't bring ur own alcohol. Just when u pass the custom at the airport, they will ask u to open ur luggage and take ur alcohol away. U can fill a form to 'let' them keep ur bottle at the airport - u can pick it up when u fly back. Means, no own alcohol in the island. Price of a glass of alcohol in the resort = 6 - 15 USD.
My last day of the trip stay in Male (capital of Maldives) and my diving agent is nice to arrange a tourist guide to bring us for sight seeing. (Actually, Male is small and you can walk by your own). But the souviner shop he bring us is not honest and price double and more compare to the other. The sales in the shop will cut the price half if you don't want to buy the item that you pick. However, it still expensive compare to other shop. Also some of itme is not locally make and import from Thailland, e.g. 4 pair wood chopstick. They sell at USD40 but it only cost USD 9 in Thaildnd. Even I buy it in HK, it only cost USD15.
Outside Male airport you may be wisked off to the bar outside and offered water - its not free! Like everything in the Maldives it can be expensive. Take a bottle from the plane to see you through to your resort island
Tipping is expected from the porter who carries your bags from the boat to your room to your waiter and house-boy who cleans your room, On average everyone gave $1.00 per case or $5.00 in total. if no singles avaliable.Waiter was between $20-$30 dependant on service, House-boy again $20 and you can pay this usually at the end of the holiday its up to you! Some think its better to tip up front as youll be looked after that little bit better..? again this is a guide, you can pay a lot more but this was what "seemed" to be expected. Oh! and if you get a favourite drinks waiter like we found at the bar a tip goes down well too. This was for a two week stay, very , very cheap Id say.
Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives Ihuru Maldives
1 Review and 245 Opinions A stunning island with excellent service. The island has only 45 villas so is very intimate and...
Baros Maldives Male Island
1 Review and 475 Opinions Awesome,awesome,awesome! Just go and enjoy heaven on earth.
Kanuhura Lhaviyani Atholhu
301 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Maldives attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Maldives sightseeing.
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Q: Hi all I land in Male airport and my domestic flight is 5 hours later. I have already been to the Maldives and my memory of the...
A: I would stay at airport having some [expensive] drink at airport's bar unless you have the bus to "domestic" terminal, which I believe is water-taxi terminal, waiting for...
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