Maldives Packing List: Here’s a handy list of things to take to the Maldives, tailored specifically for this destination. While there’s nothing scarce or impossible to find there (and you can buy most of these items locally upon arrival), bringing them along will save you both time and money. In fact, the small items on this list could cost you $100–$200 if purchased on the islands. It’s much easier and more convenient to pack them in advance.
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Maldives without these websites
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Maldives Packing List: General Tips and Overview
Below are some general tips and links to detailed articles that will give you a clear understanding of the Maldives. They’ll help explain why certain items, like sunscreen, are better brought with you rather than purchased locally—it’s not just about the price.
- The Maldives on the Map: Located on the equator, the country enjoys warm weather year-round.
- Religion: The Maldives is a Muslim country, which influences clothing norms, food, and the fact that Friday is a public holiday.
- The Maldives boasts an extraordinary underwater world teeming with sharks, manta rays, stingrays, turtles, and thousands of colorful fish. Don’t miss the glowing plankton, an unforgettable sight.
- The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, but US dollars are widely accepted (with a few caveats). Learn more about currency exchange, card payments, and rates.
- Shopping and Store Hours: Articles on Maldivian shopping can help you navigate local markets and understand their schedules.
- The Maldives is sunny and hot, with a high UV index. Wearing the right clothing can make a big difference in protecting your skin, especially if you plan to snorkel or explore local islands.
These are the most important articles for a general understanding of life on the islands. Now let’s take a closer look at the list of things to bring to the Maldives.
Appropriate clothing (for local islands)
When it comes to clothing, consider what you’ll wear on the islands. For local islands, there are stricter rules compared to resort islands, where only luxury hotels exist, and locals don’t reside.
- Cultural Norms: As a Muslim country, women on local islands are expected to cover their knees, shoulders, and elbows, and to wear head coverings. However, exceptions are made for tourists. Wearing short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts, and going without a headscarf is acceptable, although locals might cast disapproving glances, especially on less touristy islands.
- Dress Code: Avoid walking around town in bikinis or entering shops in revealing clothing, as this is considered offensive and could even lead to police intervention. Respect the religion and traditions of the country.
It is important to know:
Every local island has a designated “bikini beach” where tourists can sunbathe and swim in bikinis. Outside of these areas, such attire is prohibited.
Mosquitoes in the Maldives and Repellents
While the Maldives is free of dangerous predators, venomous insects, or snakes, mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially after sunset and under palm trees. Though the risk of contracting malaria is minimal (only a few cases during the monsoon season), mosquito bites can still ruin your experience.
Good to know:
Everyone knows how one mosquito can ruin your whole night.
Repellents: Always bring a good mosquito repellent. A plug-in repellent for your room is especially handy—just plug it in upon arrival to keep your space mosquito-free.
Outdoor Protection: Use sprays and consider lighting mosquito coils while enjoying evenings on terraces or outdoor restaurants. These items are also available in local stores, so you can buy them there if you forget.
Snorkeling Gear: Masks, Snorkels, Fins, and Aqua Shoes
The Maldives offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience, as highlighted in a previous article on the islands’ underwater world. I used to think it was impossible to encounter so much marine diversity in one place, but the Maldives proved me wrong. There are several important points, and the main thing is to choose the right island, but that is covered in the article about snorkeling on the islands.
My wife and I snorkel daily for 1.5 to 2 hours. Despite not being a fan of swimming elsewhere, my wife loves the Maldivian waters so much she doesn’t want to get out.
If snorkeling is important to you, it’s highly recommended to bring your own mask, snorkel, fins, and buoy. Renting equipment locally is fine for a session or two, but it can get expensive for daily use, costing over $100.
Sunscreen: Before, During, and After Sun Exposure
The Maldives is located on the equator, with consistent temperatures year-round. Instead of checking the weather forecast, locals focus on the UV index, which measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. On the equator, the UV index is at its peak.
In many regions, a UV index of 5–7 on a sunny summer day is common. A level of 10 is considered critical, requiring shade or protective measures. On the Maldives, the daily UV index ranges between 12 and 14, meaning you can get severe sunburn, even blisters, within 20 minutes of unprotected exposure.
Why You Need Sunscreen Immediately:
- Bring Multiple Types: You’ll need at least three or four types of sunscreen (before/after sun, for face, for body, etc.). Even though sunscreens are available in local stores, there are some downsides:
- Limited Availability: If you arrive late in the evening or on a Friday (a public holiday), stores might be closed.
- Limited Choices and Quality: The selection isn’t great, and the quality-to-price ratio is disappointing. Prices range from $20 for basic creams.
- Immediate Need: After landing, most tourists head straight to the beach, risking sunburn on the very first day. Hunting for sunscreen upon arrival can be inconvenient.
Power Adapters for Electrical Outlets
Maldivian outlets use the British plug standard, meaning European-style plugs won’t fit. While adapters are available locally, it’s better to bring your own to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Why Bring Your Own:
- After a long journey, you’ll want to charge your devices, plug in a mosquito repellent, or head to the beach—hunting for an adapter wastes precious time.
If You Forget an Adapter:
- Many hotels now feature universal outlets, especially in newer properties.
- Adapters are often available upon request, typically one per room.
For those traveling light with just a phone, this isn’t a major issue. However, if you’re bringing multiple devices, having your own adapter and power strip will make your stay more convenient.
US Dollars
Travel to the Maldives with US dollars for the smoothest experience. While other currencies like euros or Swiss francs can be exchanged at local banks, dollars are far more practical.
US dollars are accepted nearly everywhere—hotels, restaurants, tours, souvenirs, and even transfers. However, there are two crucial tips to keep in mind:
- New Bills Only: Bring banknotes printed after 2009. Older notes may be refused or accepted reluctantly, often at a poor exchange rate.
- Small Denominations: Always carry small bills. Many vendors lack change, and if you only have large notes, they might give change in Maldivian Rufiyaa at an unfavorable rate.
First Aid Kit and Motion Sickness Pills
This one is straightforward: bring a well-stocked first aid kit with all the medications you might need. Pharmacies are scarce on the islands, and some islands don’t have them at all. It’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. If you wear contact lenses, bring extra solution and spare lenses, as these are impossible to find locally.
Important:
Every visitor to the Maldives is required to have travel insurance. For guidance on where and what kind of insurance to purchase, check the link in the original article.
This tip may not seem obvious until you’re there. Almost all tourists land at Malé Airport, the main hub, and then travel to one of over 1,000 islands. Most opt for speedboats, which take between 1 to 3 hours to reach your island, depending on the distance. For ferries, travel time is 3x longer. The open ocean can get rough, with significant waves—enough to cause seasickness. Speedboats even provide vomit bags for passengers.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, pack motion sickness pills. They can save you from an unpleasant ride.
Action Camera or Waterproof Phone Case
The underwater world of the Maldives is exceptional. If you want to capture these moments for Instagram or personal memories, plan your gear ahead of time. From manta rays to turtles and even reef sharks, marine life can be seen right off the beach.
Flashlight
On the islands, street lighting is minimal, and paths to the beach or the beaches themselves are often unlit. While your phone’s flashlight can suffice, a dedicated, brighter flashlight is far more practical for nighttime walks.
Why Visit Beaches at Night? Some magical experiences await after dark, such as the rare phenomenon of glowing plankton. This natural wonder, visible in the Maldives with proper planning, is worth the effort. A flashlight is one of the essential items to bring.
- For more details, check the article – Maldives at night.
Folding knife
A folding knife is a handy tool to bring. Most hotel rooms only provide a kettle and glasses, so even cutting fruit can be a challenge without a knife. This simple item will prove useful time and again.
Inflatable Lounger or Hammock
On local islands, free beach loungers are often unavailable or in limited supply. Bringing your own inflatable lounger can save the day. This is especially useful on popular islands like Maafushi, Thoddoo, or Ukulhas. Hammocks are another option, but you’ll need palm trees to hang them—and sometimes the beaches only have shrubs.
- Why an Inflatable Lounger?
- Easy to pack, taking up minimal space and weighing less than a kilogram.
- Inflates in seconds with just a wave of your hand.
- Perfect for securing your spot on the beach.
If you’re deciding between a hammock and a inflatable lounger, the latter is more practical for the Maldives.
In Conclusion: Hopefully, this list has helped you plan what to bring to the Maldives. Everything mentioned here takes up minimal space in your luggage (except perhaps snorkeling gear), but these items will save you time and money. No one wants to waste their vacation running around looking for sunscreen or other essentials.
The best trips are those free from unpleasant surprises—plan ahead and enjoy your Maldivian paradise to the fullest!
If you enjoyed the article and the content in this guide, you can buy me a coffee ^_^
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to the Maldives
- Flight tickets and the best deals
- Tour packages (from budget to luxury): Expedia
- Hotels and guesthouses on any island:
- 12go is the largest Asian transfer service. It gathers all Maldivian carriers, even the small ones that operate between local islands.
- Tours and excursions: Viator – a limited selection of excursions, but convenient and reliable.
- Comprehensive insurance: EKTA
- eSIM at the same price as in telecom office in Male.