The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is a good source of health information for travelers.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Sightseeing may require, at minimum, the ability to walk at a moderate pace for a mile or two and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit buses and boats, and navigate uneven or cobble-stoned streets. Some sightseeing stops do not have elevators or wheelchair access. Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your med­ical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. When on vacation, it is always wise to watch what you eat and drink and avoid drinking tap water while traveling. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water. You can purchase additional bottled water throughout your trip.

Maldives’ currency unit is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (Rf), subdivided into 100 laari. It is available in the following denominations: Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 Rf; Coins: 1, 2 Rf and 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 laari. Most resorts and local islands will accept US Dollars as payment, so check with your resort before converting money into local currency because it is usually unnecessary. Banks and ATMs are typically not found at resorts or smaller local islands. Small shops on the islands are unlikely to accept credit card payments for goods, so make sure you have enough cash. Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, and Visa are widely accepted. The exchange rate constantly fluctuates. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 15 MVR. For the most updated exchange rate, please check http://www.xe.com.

The standard electrical voltage in The Maldives is 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Bringing an adaptor is a good idea if you plan to use electronics (i.e., cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.) during your trip.

As an island nation, you can be sure that fish and other seafood are specialties in the Maldives. Maldivian food usually consists of fruit, primarily coconut and curries. Seafood such as tuna, grouper, octopus, mahi-mahi, mackerel, and swordfish are widely available. Most food and ingredients are imported except for some crops and tropical fruits. Restaurants on resort islands typically serve international and local dishes.

Garudhiya, a traditional meal in the Maldives, consists of rice and fish broth and is served with a side of lime, chili, and onions. Another popular dish is mas huni, a shredded smoked fish with grated coconut and onions most commonly served for breakfast. If you are thirsty, traditional drinks such as sai, a sweet tea and a Maldivian favorite, or raa, a drink tapped from palm trees and sometimes left to ferment, making it slightly alcoholic, will be sure to quench your palate.

The official language in the Maldives is Maldivian Dhivehi. Many languages have influenced the development of this language over time, but the most important is Arabic. Other influences are Portuguese, French, Persian, and English. Almost every Maldivian speaks English since it is the language used to teach in schools and is the unofficial second primary language in the Maldives.