Located in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is a stretch of 26 atolls stretching from the city of Addu to Ihavandhippolhu. It is located on the submarine mountain range called Chagos-Laccadive Ridge in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives archipelago, together with the Lakshadweep and Chagos archipelagoes, forms what is known as a terrestrial ecoregion. Fishing is a prominent activity in this chain of islands. It mostly contributes to the economic revenue of the nation. There are a few senior Things not to do in the Maldives Which you should keep in mind while on vacation there.
10 things not to do in the Maldives
To ensure that you do not get into trouble while visiting this place, we have compiled a list of 10 things you should not do in the Maldives that you should take care of:
- Avoid showing affection on the streets
- It is forbidden to import alcohol into the Maldives
- Wearing bikinis is restricted to resorts and boats
- Avoid drinking tap water
- Do not attempt to smuggle prohibited items
- Don’t forget to put on sunscreen
- Don’t wear beach shoes
- Don’t expect your seaplane flight to be on time
- Don’t throw in the sea
- Selling/purchasing black coral or tortoise shells is prohibited
1. Avoid showing affection on the streets
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The Maldives is a very conservative country, and public displays of affection can attract a lot of unpleasant looks and frowns from locals who may not be used to such behaviour. A peck on the cheek is also prohibited. So much so that if you get caught it is against the law. The furthest you can go if you’re a couple visiting the country is tangle and that’s it. This is definitely one of them Things you should know before going to the Maldives with your partner.
Must read: Baros Island Guide: Visit The Resort Island In The Maldives In 2022
2. It is forbidden to import alcohol into the Maldives
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Being a Muslim country, the Maldives frowns on alcohol consumption. Even pork is not sold easily. It would be best to stay away from alcohol or pork in public as you might end up offending someone. Foreign tourists are the recipients of many dirty looks. These actions can be interpreted as an attempt to corrupt their religion. So, to avoid any dire consequences, it’s better to be safe than sorry. But these rules do not apply if you have booked a room on any of the resort islands in the country.
3. Bikinis are only worn on resorts and on boats
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As mentioned before, being a Muslim country, women are advised to avoid wearing bikinis or revealing clothing in public. This is reprehensible and considered a violation and disrespect to their social customs. Even if you don’t agree with these habits, it’s better to soften than to face any unpleasant consequences and thus end up ruining what was supposed to be a fun trip. Again, resort islands do not have any such rules and you can flaunt your best bathing suits and lounging in the sun.
Suggested reading: Huvahendhoo Island: An Encounter With The Exuberant Maldives Island Resort!
4. Avoid drinking tap water
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Among the different Things about the Maldives Which you should know, this is the most important. Water undergoes a different process in the Maldives to rid itself of harmful bacteria and germs. This process is known as reverse osmosis desalination. This process is very successful in eliminating all germs and bacteria from the recycled water, and it strips the water of all the natural minerals that provide many benefits to the human body and ends up not being as nutritious as it should be. It is a better option to choose the bottled mineral water sold in their stores.
5. Do not attempt to smuggle prohibited items
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In a conservative Muslim country, there are several items that are banned from entering the country: things that could be considered offensive, threatening, or insulting to their social customs, religion, and way of life. Some of these include any religious texts other than the Quran (including the Bible, Gita, etc.), alcohol even if there is no applicable duty on it in stores, pork or other pork-related products as well as tobacco products that are free of warning. In order not to be on the receiving end of any unpleasant repercussions, it is best to leave these products at home before leaving for your trip or not to purchase them in the first place at all.
Are you planning your vacation in the Maldives but confused about what to do? Maldives Travel Stories help you find your best trip ever!
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6. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen
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The Maldives is known for its calm turquoise waters. But before you dive into the depths of the ocean, make sure you slather on a good quality sunscreen lotion or avoid getting a horrible tan that could cause more painful burns and you might have to spend some of your vacation days in your hotel room, closing the curtains and letting it cool. And we all know that isn’t as much fun as exploring the country outdoors.
7. Don’t wear beach shoes
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If you find yourself confused about what to do and What not to do in the MaldivesJust follow the logic. For example, this is a very reasonable point! The Maldives has some of the most beautiful and pristine sandy beaches. When walking along the beaches, it is best to leave your shoes in the hotel rooms and wear slippers instead because you will most likely end up with grains of sand in your shoes which will be very annoying while walking.
Suggested reading: Thailand vs. Maldives: It’s time for a showdown between the two heavens
8. Don’t expect your seaplane flight to be on time
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Seaplane flights at airports are never on time as they end up being delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. So, after a tiring and long journey from your home country to the international airport in the capital, Male, rest assured that your seaplane flight will surely be delayed. This is the result of erratic landings and pick-ups affecting the fixed schedule these aircraft are supposed to follow.
Suggested reading: Reethi Beach: A Quick Guide To The Maldives’ Tranquil Waterfront
9. Don’t put rubbish in the sea
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Marine life and vegetation are an important part of the ecosystem and in a world of rapid climate change, marine habitats have been severely affected. It goes without saying but please don’t throw water, litter and rubbish in the rubbish bins. Avoid throwing plastic bags in the water as it is really harmful to marine life and plants and causes great damage to them and ultimately destroys the wonderful beauty of the world under the seas.
10. It is prohibited to buy/sell black coral or turtle shells
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Last but not least on the list What to do in the Maldives and what not to doThis must be remembered at all costs. Black corals and turtle shells are an endangered species in the Maldives and are therefore protected by the Maldivian government. Hence, being caught in the case of buying or selling black coral and turtle shells can lead to severe consequences and harsh penalties will be imposed. In fact, hunting or killing sea turtles and selling turtle products has been prohibited in the Maldives since 1995.
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The Republic of Maldives is a Muslim majority country, where the religion was introduced in the 12th century. The Maldives is home to diverse landscapes and an extremely rich culture. Its pristine beaches attract many people from all over the world. For a highly rewarding travel experience, book a flight to the Maldives today. Make sure you keep this list of things not to do in the Maldives with you.
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