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Maldives price guide

Prices in the Maldives in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: on the pricey side, even at local prices. Fair prices sit 40% above the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 7 verified and 22 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in the Maldives: MVR 625 or MVR 2,335

About $40 or $150 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 3.7× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: MVR 850, or 36% of the tourist-trap day.

+MVR 1,710 (about $110) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (MVR) Trap (MVR)
Street food meal 53 150
Restaurant meal 275 850
Coffee (espresso) 35 140
Water 1.5 L 13 35
Local beer 125 365
Public transit ticket 2 rides 60 570
Short taxi ride about 1 km 65 225
Total 625 2,335
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is MVR 100⁠–⁠200 (about $7 –⁠ $13).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in the Maldives

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 Local handcraft Fair MVR 100⁠–1,000 Trap MVR 1,500⁠–15,000 Tourist prices are about 15.0× the fair price
  2. 2 Public transit ticket Fair MVR 5⁠–55 Trap MVR 70⁠–500 Tourist prices are about 9.5× the fair price
  3. 3 Water 0.5 L Fair MVR 3⁠–8 Trap MVR 15⁠–50 Tourist prices are about 5.9× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $13

Tourist-trap price

Fair MVR 30⁠–100 Trap MVR 150⁠–300

MVR 200 is 3.1× the middle of the fair range (MVR 30⁠–⁠100).

Tourists often get charged MVR 150⁠–⁠300. From MVR 150 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in the Maldives, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Malé and Maafushi.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 5.9×

Restaurant meal: fair is MVR 150⁠–⁠400. From MVR 500 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.9× the fair price
    Fair MVR 3⁠–8 ≈ $0.19 – $0.52
    Trap MVR 15⁠–50 ≈ $0.97 – $3.20

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 4.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 20⁠–50 ≈ $1.30 – $3.20
    Trap MVR 80⁠–200 ≈ $5 – $13

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price
    Fair MVR 70⁠–180 ≈ $4.50 – $12
    Trap MVR 230⁠–500 ≈ $15 – $32

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair MVR 150⁠–400 ≈ $10 – $26
    Trap MVR 500⁠–1,200 ≈ $32 – $78

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price
    Fair MVR 25⁠–80 ≈ $1.60 – $5.20
    Trap MVR 100⁠–200 ≈ $7 – $13

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair price
    Fair MVR 250⁠–400 ≈ $16 – $26
    Trap MVR 450⁠–700 ≈ $29 – $45

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 700⁠–1,300 ≈ $45 – $84
    Trap MVR 2,000⁠–4,000 ≈ $130 – $260

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price
    Fair MVR 40⁠–70 ≈ $2.60 – $4.50
    Trap MVR 100⁠–250 ≈ $7 – $16
Transport 4 prices, up to 9.5×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is MVR 70⁠–⁠150. Above MVR 150, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 70⁠–150 ≈ $4.50 – $9.70
    Trap MVR 150⁠–300 ≈ $10 – $19

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair price
    Fair MVR 30⁠–100 ≈ $1.90 – $6.50
    Trap MVR 150⁠–300 ≈ $10 – $19

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 9.5× the fair price
    Fair MVR 5⁠–55 ≈ $0.32 – $3.60
    Trap MVR 70⁠–500 ≈ $4.50 – $32

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.1× the fair price
    Fair MVR 50⁠–120 ≈ $3.20 – $7.80
    Trap MVR 200⁠–500 ≈ $13 – $32
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 15.0×

Fridge magnet: fair is MVR 70⁠–⁠150. Above MVR 150 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 70⁠–150 ≈ $4.50 – $9.70
    Trap MVR 150⁠–300 ≈ $10 – $19

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price
    Fair MVR 80⁠–200 ≈ $5 – $13
    Trap MVR 300⁠–600 ≈ $19 – $39

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 15.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 100⁠–1,000 ≈ $7 – $65
    Trap MVR 1,500⁠–15,000 ≈ $97 – $970
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 4.0×

Tourist SIM: fair is MVR 600⁠–⁠800. Above MVR 800 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair MVR 600⁠–800 ≈ $39 – $52
    Trap MVR 800⁠–1,600 ≈ $52 – $105

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.4× the fair price
    Fair MVR 65⁠–140 ≈ $4.20 – $9.10
    Trap MVR 250⁠–450 ≈ $16 – $29

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair MVR 10⁠–15 ≈ $0.65 – $0.97
    Trap MVR 20⁠–50 ≈ $1.30 – $3.20

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Verified ·
    No real tourist markup
    Fair MVR 240⁠–250 ≈ $16
    Trap MVR 250⁠–350 ≈ $16 – $23

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 20⁠–50 ≈ $1.30 – $3.20
    Trap MVR 80⁠–200 ≈ $5 – $13

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.9× the fair price
    Fair MVR 30⁠–150 ≈ $1.90 – $9.70
    Trap MVR 200⁠–500 ≈ $13 – $32
Services 4 prices, up to 5.0×

One-hour massage: fair is MVR 600⁠–⁠1,200. From MVR 1,500 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 50⁠–250 ≈ $3 – $16
    Trap MVR 300⁠–600 ≈ $19 – $39

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 20⁠–50 ≈ $1.30 – $3.20
    Trap MVR 100⁠–250 ≈ $7 – $16

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price
    Fair MVR 600⁠–1,200 ≈ $39 – $78
    Trap MVR 1,500⁠–6,000 ≈ $97 – $390

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair MVR 250⁠–500 ≈ $16 – $32
    Trap MVR 600⁠–1,000 ≈ $39 – $65
Attractions 4 prices, up to 3.0×

Top museum or attraction: fair is MVR 100⁠–⁠200. Above MVR 200, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair MVR 100⁠–200 ≈ $7 – $13
    Trap MVR 200⁠–500 ≈ $13 – $32

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair MVR 500⁠–1,500 ≈ $32 – $97
    Trap MVR 2,000⁠–4,000 ≈ $130 – $260

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair MVR 400⁠–1,500 ≈ $26 – $97
    Trap MVR 1,600⁠–2,800 ≈ $105 – $180

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair MVR 465⁠–1,240 ≈ $30 – $80
    Trap MVR 1,500⁠–2,325 ≈ $97 – $150

Converted at 1 USD = 15.44 MVR, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in the Maldives

Currency

Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)

  • 1 USD = 15.44 MVR

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, MVR to USD

$13

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose MVR. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in the Maldives

Most resorts add a 10% service charge, so extra tipping is optional. For exceptional service, 5-10 USD per day for dive instructors or butlers is appreciated.

Bargaining in the Maldives

Prices in resort islands are fixed and non-negotiable. In local island markets and Male, you can ask for a small discount when buying multiple handicrafts or souvenirs.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline MVR 16.01 / liter ≈ $1
  • Diesel MVR 17.54 / liter ≈ $1.10

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in the Maldives

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Scam or crime Local Island homestay and Food-import overcharges

On local Maldivian islands (Maafushi, Dhigurah, Thulusdhoo), unlicensed 'guesthouses' book via WhatsApp at 40 USD/night but add 10–25 USD 'taxes' and 'tourist levies' at checkout. Island mini-markets charge 6–10 USD for a pack of pasta. Book via Booking/Agoda with cancellation, carry USD cash for tips, confirm all fees including 12% GST and 25 USD/night environmental fee in rufiyaa in advance.

Law Alcohol, dress and religion restrictions

Alcohol is served only at licensed resorts, resort hotels and licensed safari liveaboards. Importing it is banned, so duty free bottles bought en route are taken at the airport, held in bond and returned to you on departure. Drinking or being drunk in Male or on any inhabited island can get you arrested and deported. On local islands such as Maafushi, Dhigurah and Guraidhoo keep shoulders and upper legs covered outside the marked bikini beaches, and note that topless sunbathing is banned everywhere, resort islands included. Idols for worship and religious material offensive to Islam are prohibited imports. Pay in rufiyaa on local islands.

Law Vaping devices ban

Import, sale and use of vaping devices and solutions are banned. Travelers bringing them face confiscation, fines or arrest.

Nature Reef currents, jellyfish and medical evacuation

Tidal currents through the reef channels can drag swimmers away from the shoreline, and drowning is the single biggest danger for visitors. Maldivian records counted 112 tourist deaths in marine incidents between January 2020 and October 2023, 68 of them drownings and 42 while diving or snorkelling, with more than 20 drownings again in 2024. The only fully equipped hospitals are in Male and Hulhumale, and many resort islands sit more than an hour from the nearest hyperbaric chamber. Swim only in supervised or marked areas, never snorkel off a boat without the crew standing by, and buy insurance that covers aeromedical evacuation.

Emergency numbers in the Maldives

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 119 Police

Maldives has no single universal emergency number. Dial 119 for police, 102 for ambulance (IGMH), 118 for fire and rescue (MNDF). On resort islands, contact reception first; many resorts have on-site medical staff.

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $50 –⁠ $100 ≈ MVR 770⁠–⁠1,540
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $100 –⁠ $200 ≈ MVR 1,540⁠–⁠3,090
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $500 –⁠ $5,000 ≈ MVR 7,720⁠–⁠77,200
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $50 –⁠ $150 ≈ MVR 770⁠–⁠2,320

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Modesty & alcohol rules

Public displays of affection are not acceptable, even between married couples. Never bring alcohol to local inhabited islands, it's strictly prohibited and only allowed on resort islands. Dress modestly when visiting local islands, covering shoulders and knees.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Lacquerware & coconut oil

Maldivian lacquerware (liyelaa), vases, boxes, and bowls in red, black, and gold, is a centuries-old tradition and the islands' most distinctive craft. Pure coconut oil, handmade from local coconuts, is a fragrant natural product. Woven reed mats (kunaa) from the southern atolls, miniature dhoni boat models, and coir rope crafts are other authentic picks. Look for locally made reef-safe sunscreen as a practical souvenir.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with an average ground level of just 1.5 meters above sea level.
  • The Maldives has around 1,200 islands, but only about 200 are inhabited. Many resort islands are entirely occupied by a single hotel.
  • In 2009, the Maldives held the world's first underwater cabinet meeting to highlight the threat of rising sea levels to the nation.

Cities these prices cover 2 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Malé މާލެ
  • Maafushi މާފުށި

How the Maldives compares

The TruePrice Index for the Maldives, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. India 38 Prices about 73% lower than in the Maldives
  2. Nepal 42 Prices about 70% lower than in the Maldives
  3. Sri Lanka 55 Prices about 61% lower than in the Maldives
  4. Myanmar 55 Prices about 61% lower than in the Maldives
  5. Thailand 70 Prices about 50% lower than in the Maldives
  6. Malaysia 82 Prices about 41% lower than in the Maldives
  7. Maldives 140 This page

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks the Maldives.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in the Maldives

Is the Maldives expensive to visit?

Short answer: on the pricey side, even at local prices. Fair prices sit 40% above the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, the Maldives scores 140, the 16th most expensive of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in the Maldives cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly MVR 625 (about $40) a day at fair prices, or MVR 2,335 (about $150) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (MVR 100⁠–⁠200 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in the Maldives, and how much?

Most resorts add a 10% service charge, so extra tipping is optional. For exceptional service, 5-10 USD per day for dive instructors or butlers is appreciated.

What currency does the Maldives use?

The Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 15.44 MVR. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in MVR.

How much is a meal and a beer in the Maldives?

A restaurant main course is MVR 150⁠–⁠400 (about $10 –⁠ $26) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge MVR 500⁠–⁠1,200. A street food meal runs MVR 25⁠–⁠80. A local beer is MVR 70⁠–⁠180 (about $4.50 –⁠ $12), or MVR 230⁠–⁠500 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to the Maldives?

Budget roughly MVR 625 (about $40) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about MVR 2,335 (about $150) at tourist prices. Add MVR 100⁠–⁠200 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in the Maldives?

If you are not sure who you need, call 119, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 102, fire brigade 118.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 7 verified and 22 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 15.44 MVR,
Fuel prices
Cities
Malé and Maafushi
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at contact@truepriceapp.com and I will check it.

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