Maldives
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 530 thousand people live in the Maldives, on 298 km². The capital is Malé.
- Capital
- Malé
- Population
- 529,676
- Area
- 298 km²
- Official language
- Maldivian
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in the Maldives?
Sockets take plug type C/D/G/J/K/L, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in the Maldives?
Call 119 for the police, 102 for an ambulance and 118 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in the Maldives?
A service charge is often included.
Which side of the road do they drive on in the Maldives?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in the Maldives?
Prices are in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
What language do they speak in the Maldives?
Official language: Maldivian.
How do I call a number in the Maldives from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +960.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
