GETTING THERE

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Malé Airport:

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All flights into the Maldives arrive in Malé: Valena International Airport (MLE)

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If you are arriving before Day 1 of tour, here is some useful information to get into the city centre from the airport.

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Taxi:

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Hulhumale Town Centre & Most Hotels: 10 min (cost 100 Rufiyaa)

Male Town Centre & Most Hotels: 10 min (cost 100 Rufiyaa)

All Taxis paid for in Rufiyaa and in cash only.

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Shuttle Bus:

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Airport transfer shuttle buses leave from outside the Airport terminal. Buses depart every 30 minutes beginning on the hour at a cost of 20 Rufiyaa. Buses depart to and from both Malé and Hulhumale Town Centres. Tickets are bought from the driver and must be paid in local currency Rufiyaa (cash only).

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End of tour included transfers:

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Your tour includes transfers back to the Airport at the conclusion of your tour. These transfers take approximate 45 minutes from the island of Maafushi and will depart at 8:00am, 12:30pm or 5:00pm. 

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Your Indy Escapes rep will assist you during the week with booking in these transfers.

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WHERE TO FIND US

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We know not everyone can read a map, so lets just keep this simple :) 

• When you arrive at Malé International Airport, simply find the arrivals hall (where you walked through customs and into the airport).

• Search for Information desk C7 (to the right once you exit customs), where you'll find your Indy Escapes Rep who will be waiting for you there.

• The airport is very small, so it will be very easy to find us. If you can't find us, we'll find you!

• That's it. Too easy!

• In case you are delayed and miss the tour start time, we'll be in touch to help you organise public speedboat transfers but this will at your own cost.

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START / FINISH TIMES

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CHECK IN:

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Meet your Indy Escapes Rep for check-in at Malé International Airport information desk (out front of the arrivals hall) between 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Saturday (Day 1 of tour). If arriving later than midday, please get in touch ASAP.

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We will have a short welcome meeting and say hello to the rest of our group before departing the the port via speedboat for our first stop for the week, the island of Fuldhoo. 

LUNCH: You will be encouraged to grab some lunch before we depart, as lunch is not provided on day 1. Your Indy Escapes rep will show you where the food court is at the airport so you can easily grab some food or snacks before we transfer to our first island. Dinner will be at 7pm at our first hotel.

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If you miss the boat, there are alternative transport options at additional cost, but we must highlight that they are subject to availability. We recommend getting in early, possibly even the night before to adjust to the time zone and ensure that you are at the airport between 12:00pm to 1:00pm to commence the tour.

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CHECK OUT:

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The tour ends the following Saturday morning at 8.00am, after our final breakfast together.

We have included Airport Transfers on the final morning available at 8am, 12:30pm and 5:00pm. Travel time to the airport is approx 45min. If you need to book an alternative time, these can be arranged at an additional cost, payable direct to the scheduled transfer company for $25 USD per person. Our Indy Escapes rep can assist in organising these transfers for you if necessary.

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WHERE TO STAY

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If you are getting in a day or two before the start of your tour with us, check out our info page HERE with recommendations of where to stay. 

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We recommend getting in at least the night before to avoid any possible delays if flying in on Day 1 of tour.

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ENTRY VISA / DECLARATION FORM

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To enter the Maldives, you will need to fill out an Entry Declaration form online before arrival. Once completed, take a screenshot to show the customers officer. Note: There is no cost for this entry visa. 

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Here is the link. https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd 

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Note these few bits of info for the form; 

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- Port of entry: Valana Int Airport Malé 

- Select Resort: K.Maafushi 

- Select Guesthouse: Kaani Grand Seaview

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MONEY STUFF & BUDGETING FOR YOUR TOUR

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Although the Maldives is known as one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world with it's private resorts often frequented by the rich and famous, by doing a tour with us and visiting some of the local islands it can be more affordable and realistic for the everyday traveller.  

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Throughout the week we have many inclusions that will keep your costs down, but as a guide most people bring approx $500-750 USD per person spending money for the week. 

This will cover any additional excursions you want to do, additional meals and drinks (alcohol), and tips for the local hotel staff. 

IMPORTANT: Please note that excursions are required to be paid for in cash in USD. There is an ATM at the airport in Malé if you prefer not to carry cash over with you from home, but this only dispenses local Maldivian Currency and the exchange rates at the airport are not favourable to tourists. The exchange rate is whether to the USD at 15.64 Maldivian Rufiyaa to $1 USD, but most places, hotels and suppliers will charge you payment of 17 or 18 Maldivian Rufiyaa $1 USD, so we highly recommend exchanging USD before coming to the Maldives, as you cannot obtain USD after you have arrived.

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Although Cash is King here in the Maldives, there are some places that willingly accept card. If possible, download your digital card to your phone wallet as most banks will charge less fees when paying this way rather than using your physical card. 

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Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory and it’s entirely up to you if you decide to.  The tour gudies and locals we work with in the Maldives do an amazing job and you will see them always take incredible footage for everyone, go above and beyond to ensure you have the best week of your life on our tours. You will have the opportunity to show your gratitude to them at the end of the tour.

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The amount you tip is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline we suggest is USD$5 USD per day per person for the guides. It’s definitely not expected but is very much appreciated.

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CURRENCY

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Maldivian Rufiyaa is the local currency but US Dollars are widely used and accepted. There is a currency exchange at the airport where you can buy Maldivian Rufiyaa, however we recommend exchanging for USD before you get to the Maldives and use that as your main currency choice. You are also able to pay for all of your excursions in USD (Not in Maldivian Rufiyaa)

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NOTE: The locals will not accept any USD notes with slight tears/rips in them, so ensure you get clean notes.

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Hold onto your receipt from the currency exchange booths so that at the end of your stay, you can change any left over Maldivian Rufiyaa back to your currency of origin at the airport, as it is a non-convertible currency outside of the Maldives. 

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Remember to check XE.com for the most up to date rates you should be expecting to get. You can download the app to your phone for easy conversions when you are there.

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WHAT TO PACK

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Need some help deciding what stays and what goes? We've put together our handy little packing list HERE to get you started. 

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One major thing to note is that the Maldives is a predominately Muslim country so it is important that we respect their culture in our clothing. On the local islands we visit, there are allocated tourist beaches in which you can be free to wear bikini's (strictly no nudity). Outside of those allocated areas, you must cover up a respectful amount (shoulders & knees). 

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However, with our visits to the private islands during the week, you are free to wear your usual swimwear on all beaches with no restrictions.

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PHONE

 

We understand that some of you need to be connected while you are away. Ensure that your phone is unlocked before you leave so you can purchase a Maldivian SIM card at the airport ($30 for 17gb worth of data for the week). If you don't need 24/7 connection, you can rely on the free wifi at the hotels throughout the week. 

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ALCOHOL

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As the Maldives is predominately a Muslim country, it is also a 'dry' country, meaning that alcohol is prohibited on the local islands. Much like the dress code, the law on this does not apply on the private islands and you are free to drink alcohol there. 

Although it is illegal to drink alcohol on the local islands, the locals have been quite creative in getting around the law and are permitted to drink while out at sea, so we are able to do the same while out on our day trips. Your Indy Escapes rep will help inform you when it is OK to do so. 

IMPORTANT: Do not pack alcohol or purchase any on transit as your bags will be scanned upon arrival into the Maldives.

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ELECTRICITY

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Electricity supply is 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC. The standard socket is the UK-style three-pin, although there are some variations in which European, US and Australian plugs also work. An international adaptor can be useful. Our hotels have a limited supply of adaptors you can utilise.

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Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with thrills, relaxation, and memories that will last a lifetime. If there's anything you need or if you have any last-minute requests, we're just an email or call away. Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for an epic escape—we can't wait to see you soon!

See you soon for the adventure of a lifetime,

The Indy Escapes Team

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