Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You generally need routine vaccinations like MMR, DTP, and varicella. Consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid if your plans involve street food or rural areas. Hepatitis B is suggested if you might need medical care. Rabies is a consideration if you plan on interacting with animals. Malaria isn’t a concern, but dengue fever is present, so use mosquito repellent. Always check current health advisories before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Maldives, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for MaldivesCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in non-resort areas—cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, so keep it cool. Alcohol is a no-go outside resorts. For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised as same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Women should be aware that topless sunbathing is illegal. Respect local customs by removing shoes before entering homes and mosques. Eating with the right hand is customary.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Maldives.
- Garudhiya: A classic Maldivian fish soup, typically made with tuna, served with rice, lime, chili, and onions. It’s a staple in many households and reflects the island nation’s reliance on the ocean.
- Mas Huni: A popular breakfast dish consisting of shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, lemon, and onions. Usually served with flatbread (roshi), it’s a simple yet flavorful start to the day.
- Fihunu Mas: Grilled fish, often marinated with a mix of chili, lime, and spices, embodies the Maldivian love for fresh, tasty seafood. It’s usually enjoyed beachside with a view.
- Hedhikaa: These are traditional snacks or ’short eats,’ including a variety of savory pastries and fried bites like samosas and fish rolls. They’re perfect for an afternoon nibble and are a big part of local social gatherings.
- Bis Keemiya: A pastry filled with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and sautéed onions, similar to a samosa but with a unique Maldivian twist. It’s a popular snack that showcases the local love for combining simple ingredients into tasty bites.
Tap water in the Maldives is generally desalinated and not recommended for drinking by tourists. Locals often drink it, but it can be tough on a traveler’s stomach. Stick to bottled or filtered water to be safe.
The main language in Maldives is
Dhivehi. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Dhivehi skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Maldives includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In the Maldives,
English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas and resorts. The country has a significant number of expatriates and a tourism-driven economy, making English proficiency essential for communication in hospitality, transportation, and services. Most hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees are fluent in English, ensuring that visitors can easily navigate their experiences.
While English is prevalent in urban areas like Malé and major tourist islands, the level of proficiency may vary in more remote or local communities. However, basic English is generally understood, and many Maldivians are eager to communicate with tourists. Signs, menus, and informational materials are often available in English, further facilitating ease of travel.
Overall, travelers can feel confident in their ability to communicate effectively in English throughout the Maldives, enhancing their enjoyment of this beautiful destination.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Maldives is MVR (ރ.).
When backpacking in the Maldives, it’s crucial to manage your money smartly. ATMs are mainly available on the capital island, Malé, and a few larger islands. It’s wise to carry some cash, particularly Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), for smaller islands where card payments might not be accepted. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but keep some local currency for local shops and markets.
For card payments, major resorts and hotels usually accept credit cards, but smaller guesthouses and local eateries might not. Always check in advance. When it comes to exchanging money, do it at the airport for the best rates, or in Malé. Avoid exchanging money on resort islands as they tend to offer poorer rates.
Keep in mind that some ATMs might charge a fee for foreign cards, so check with your bank beforehand. Also, it’s a good idea to have a mix of cash and cards to avoid getting stuck without funds in remote areas.
Tipping in the Maldives isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. Most resorts and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill, so additional tipping isn’t necessary but can be a nice gesture for exceptional service. For staff like housekeeping or porters, a tip of $1-2 per service is common.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.