Island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
Maafushi
Cheapest way to see the Maldives: a small local island with guesthouses, a bikini beach, snorkelling, shark and sandbank excursions. No alcohol, little nightlife, and busy at weekends.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,590–4,210Comfortable, one person · Rf40,000–65,000Details
- Value for money14/100Better value than 13% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: May, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink the tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–52Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPublic ferry from MaléVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at guesthouses and bigger cafés; cash for ferries, small cafés and tips.Details
Apps that work in Maafushi
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber, WhatsApp
- Taxis: No cars or taxis worth mentioning on the island. Guesthouses arrange boat transfers and excursions.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Maldives.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at guesthouses and bigger cafés; cash for ferries, small cafés and tips. The island has an ATM, but it can run out.
- Currency: Rufiyaa (MVR). US$1 ≈ Rf15.44 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in Malé, Hulhumalé, the airport and larger islands; many local islands have none.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is added to most bills, plus tax. Many resort guests also tip staff a few dollars a day.
- Paying by phone: Cards and phone wallets work at resorts and most Malé businesses; local QR payments need a Maldivian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa on arrival requires a confirmed, prepaid booking at a registered resort or guesthouse, a return ticket and enough funds.
- Submit the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before arrival; every traveller, including children, needs one.
- Israeli passport holders have been refused entry since 15 April 2025.
Emergency numbers
Police 119 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 118
Plugs
Type C, D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Dhiraagu and Ooredoo counters in the Velana airport arrivals hall sell tourist SIMs; bring your passport. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Maldives
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.