A comprehensive article on prices in Maldives for all categories of goods and services that may be of interest to tourists. There is a common belief that the Maldives is very expensive. In reality, this idea mostly comes from tourists who stay in luxurious, exclusive resort islands. On local islands, where the local population lives and most tourists stay, prices are quite reasonable.
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Maldives without these websites
Table of Contents
Prices in Maldives: general information
Here are the key points that will help you better understand the pricing situation in the Maldives:
- The national currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
- However, US dollars are widely accepted almost everywhere, even in grocery stores.
- As of mid-2024, the exchange rate is as follows:
- The best rate is 1 USD = 17 MVR, offered by a few banks in Malé, and can be used on the island of Thoddoo. On other islands, the exchange rate ranges from 15.5 to 16.5 MVR per 1 USD.
- On local islands, resorts, and establishments where dollars are accepted, the exchange rate is about 15–15.5 MVR per 1 USD. For convenience, this article uses the minimum exchange rate of 1 USD = 15 MVR. Since dollars are accepted everywhere, prices in the article will be given in USD.
You can read more about how to pay with cards, which dollar bills are not accepted, and how change is given in a separate article about currency in the Maldives.
Important to know:
All prices in this article are for those traveling to local islands. A stay at a resort island usually includes an all-inclusive package, and there are no stores or other services on such islands, so discussing prices for resorts is unnecessary. However, if needed, I will mention specific prices.
All About GST (Goods and Services Tax) in the Maldives
GST is similar to VAT (Value Added Tax) in Europe or sales tax in other countries. There are two types of GST in the Maldives:
- GST 8% – Public sector, for businesses on local islands that are accessible to both locals and tourists.
- GST 16% – Tourist sector, for resorts and places only accessible to tourists (e.g., hotels on local islands, tours, and diving).
- From July 1, 2025, GST will increase by 1%.
It’s important to understand that
GST applies to everything—from souvenirs in a gift shop to a cup of tea at a cafe, to transfers between islands by seaplane or speedboat. If you book an excursion or a diving session, GST is included in the price.
An interesting point: businesses related to tourism but located on local islands may charge GST at 8%, even if most of their customers are tourists. However, hotels and restaurants at these hotels will charge 16%.
- Useful article: how and where to book accommodation in the Maldives, types of rooms, and the green tax on accommodation. It’s important to know that GST is included in the rental price of accommodation, but the Green Tax is usually shown separately.
It’s important to know that:
The most frustrating situation you might encounter is finding out in a restaurant or diving center that GST wasn’t included in the price after you’ve already booked an excursion or dinner. Always double-check or pay attention to this, as it is usually indicated.
For example, if GST is not included in the price, and you booked a whale shark snorkeling tour for $130 per person, for two people that’s $260. Then, you may unexpectedly be asked to pay an additional 16% GST on top of that amount. Be attentive and always ask about GST in advance. Restaurants often mention this in their menus.
Prices in Maldives for food and fruits
If you’re curious about stores in the Maldives, their operating hours, and the range of products, you can read more in the article about stores in the Maldives. “Stores and markets in the Maldives“. In short, there are no hypermarkets or large supermarkets. Stores on local islands are usually around 20-50 square meters and only sell basic essentials.
| Name | Weight/volume | Price in $ |
| Water | 1,5 l | 0,5 |
| Cookies | 300 g | 1,2 |
| Coke | 1,25 l | 2,3 |
| Eggs | 10 pcs | 1,2 |
| Canned peas | 400 g | 1,2 |
| Juice | 1 l | 1,7 |
| Pringles snack | big tube | 2 |
| Pasta | 400 g | 2,2 |
| Canned tuna | 200 g | 1,2 |
| Bondi | 1 pv | 1 |
| Beer (alc free) | 0,33 l | 2 |
| Ice cream | 1 pc | 2 |
| Instant noodles | 1 pc | 1 |
| Pineapple | 1 pc | 3 |
| Banana | 1 pc | 0,2 |
| Papaya | 1 kg | 4 |
| Passion fruit | 1 kg | 6 |
Note that fruits are often sold individually, and you shouldn’t expect a wide variety of fruits in the Maldives—it’s quite limited. Alcohol is also not sold almost anywhere, but I’ll discuss this further in the article.
Water in the Maldives: price
Here’s a brief explanation to clarify the situation. Many sources online claim that the Maldives has no freshwater sources like rivers, lakes, etc., and that water here is very expensive and only the wealthy can afford it.
The truth is partly correct: yes, the country doesn’t have freshwater rivers, lakes, or groundwater.
Freshwater in the Maldives:
Every island now has its own desalination plant, making freshwater available and very inexpensive. Freshwater is even used to water the streets to suppress dust during the dry season. There’s no need to conserve it—water is available 24/7 in every hotel and house.
You can use tap water to wash fruits and brush your teeth, but it’s better to drink bottled water, which is sold in every store at prices similar to what you’d find at home. In guesthouses and hotels, filtered water is usually provided in bottles with swing-top caps, and it’s safe to drink.
Prices in Maldives for transportation between islands
This topic is covered in depth in several articles in this guide. Here are two helpful ones:
| Transportation mode | Distance* | Price, $ | Description |
| Taxi | up to 3 km | 2 | Only in Male |
| Buses | up to 3 km | 1 | Only in Male |
| Ferry | 50 km | 3 | Routes between islands |
| Public speedboat | 50 km | 35 | Price per seat |
| Private boat | 50 km | 200-300 | Price for entire boat for your group |
| Airplane | 200 km | 100 | Propeller planes that fly between airports on the islands |
| Seaplane | 200 km | 200-300 | Price per seat |
| Private seaplane | 200 km | from 1000 | Price for entire plane for your group |
For most tourists, speedboats are the most popular way to travel between islands. They have an extensive route network, relatively convenient schedules, and are the best option in terms of price and speed. Ferries are cheaper but very slow and only operate 2–3 times a week on many routes.
Dining: Prices in Cafés and Restaurants
This section focuses on prices in restaurants on local islands. Most tourists staying on resort islands opt for an all-inclusive package. If you’re planning to buy a package with just breakfast included to save money, it’s worth reconsidering. An all-inclusive plan will likely end up being more cost-effective.
- For details about cuisine, dining options, must-try dishes, and tipping etiquette, check out the article: Maldivian cuisine.
| Dish | Price, $ |
| Salads | 3-5 |
| Soups | 4-6 |
| Main courses with sides (beef, chicken or tuna with rice or noodles) | 7-12 |
| Lobsters (per item) | 50 |
| Grilled prawns, per kg | 20-30 |
| Grilled fish, per kg | 15 |
| Tea or coffee | 1-2 |
| Desserts | 3 |
| Juice, smoothie | 3-5 |
| Average dinner for two on a local island | 30 |
| Average dinner for two on a resort island | 100-200 |
All prices listed are for local islands. The last row refers to resort islands to highlight the price difference. On resorts, prices can be 3 to 10 times higher, catering to wealthier guests.
Souvenirs: About Those $25 Magnets
Main tip:
Try to buy all your souvenirs before reaching the airport. Malé or local islands are better places to shop. Souvenirs at the airport are extremely overpriced—a single magnet can cost $25!
Prices below are for souvenir shops in Malé.
| Souvenir | Price, $ |
| Magnet | 3-5 |
| Magnet at airport duty-free | 10-25 |
| Wooden figurines: mantas or sharks | 10 |
| Maldives-themed clothing: T-shirts, shorts | from 7 |
| Bondi (national sweet), by pc | 1-3 |
| Dried tuna fillet, kg | 6-10 |
| Shells and corals | 50-100 |
| Important: It is strictly forbidden to buy or export any souvenirs made from turtle shells. |
Accommodation prices in Maldives
Here are average prices for hotels and guesthouses for two people during the high season (November–April). In the low season, prices can be 25–30% lower. It’s rare to find something cheaper than these rates, but more expensive options are common.
| Accommodation type | Price $ per night |
| Hotels and guesthouses on local islands | 70-100 |
| 3-star hotels on local islands | from 100 |
| Resorts (3–4 stars) | from 400 |
| Resorts (5 stars) | from 600 |
| Overwater bungalows with a private pool | from 1000 |
- Check out our Top 10 4-star resort hotels in the Maldives for luxurious yet reasonably priced options (though no guarantees!).
Excursions: options and prices.
The Maldives is not known for offering a wide variety of activities or excursions. Consider this: there are no man-made landmarks, mountains, rivers, or lakes. The islands are tiny, so even walking around is limited. All excursions are centered around the ocean, and the list is relatively short.
- For detailed advice and a ranked list of activities, check out: Excursions and activities in the Maldives: ratings, prices, and tips.
The prices below are average market rates for local islands. Prices at resorts are typically higher. Always confirm whether GST is included in the listed price. The prices in the table below include GST, but it’s worth double-checking.
| Name | Price, $ |
| Kayaking, 2 hours | 20 |
| Paddleboarding, 2 hours | 40 |
| Kite surfing, full day | 100 |
| Jet skiing, 1 hour | 100 |
| Snorkeling at a nearby reef | 40 |
| Snorkeling with sharks, manta rays, turtles | 40-60 |
| Diving, 1 dive | 50 |
| Diving, 3-4 dives + PADI certification | from 200 |
| Day tour to a resort island (incl. food & unlimited alcohol) | from 120 |
| Whale sharks snorkeling tour | from 75 |
Cigarette and Alcohol Prices in the Maldives
There isn’t much to say here.
- Cigarettes: Available with a limited selection, priced at $5–7 per pack. You’re allowed to bring in only one carton (including IQOS sticks).
- Vaping products: Starting November 15, 2024, the Maldives has banned the import of all vaping materials. These items are not available locally, either.
- Alcohol: Completely prohibited in the country. You cannot purchase it on local islands, even for a price. Import limit: 0 liters. Any alcohol you bring will be confiscated at customs.
- On resort islands, alcohol prices start at $100 per bottle for the simplest options. For more details on alcohol policies, where to buy it, or how to bring it in, check out the full guide linked in the original article.
For those planning a budget-friendly trip, check out our guide: traveling to the Maldives independently or how to vacation cheaply.
Prices in Maldives for most goods and services are reasonable. If we exclude the ultra-luxury, private resorts—which have their own pricing and operate in a different world—local islands offer a great opportunity for a budget-friendly vacation. You can enjoy your trip without feeling restricted.
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.