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Cars 4 Rental Information on Maldives
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General
Area:
298 sq km (115 sq miles).
Population:
276,000 (official estimate 2001).
Population Density:
926 per sq km.
Capital:
Mal. Population: 74,069 (2000).
GEOGRAPHY:
The Maldives Republic is located 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India and consists of about 1190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, while the numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or coral tips, are covered in shrubs. Each island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands together with other coral growth form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands are low-lying, none more than 2m (7ft) above sea level. The majority of the indigenous population does not mix with the tourist visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the resorts and Mal.
Government:
Republic since 1965. Gained independence from the UK in 1965. Head of State and Government: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom since 1978.
Language:
The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used within tourist areas.
Religion:
The indigenous population is almost entirely Sunni Muslim.
Time:
GMT + 5.
Electricity:
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common.
Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 960. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900 network operated by the Maldives Telecommunications Company, DhiMobile (website: www.dhiraagu.com.mv). Handsets can by hired by the day.
Fax
Services are available in Mal and the resorts.
Internet
The Internet can be accessed from most areas of the Maldives. Mal, the capital, has an Internet cafe and almost all resorts facilitate the sending and receiving of e-mails. The islands’ ISP is Dhivehi (see above).
Telegram
Telecommunications in the Maldives are good – telegram services are available to and from anywhere in the world from Dhivehi in Mal and the resorts.
Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes about one week. Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0730-1330 and 1600-1750.
Press
The Maldives News Bulletin is published weekly in English. The other dailies Aafathis Daily News, Haveeru Daily and Miadhu News have English sections. Information about local events is widely available on all the resort islands.
Radio:
BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.
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Money
Currency:
Maldivian Rufiya (Rf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of Rf500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rf2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.
Currency exchange:
Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, travellers cheques or credit cards.
Credit & debit cards:
Most major island resorts, local and souvenir shops will accept American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, MasterCard and Visa. Arrangements vary from island to island, and it is advisable to check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available. There are ATMs at a few places on the Capital Island.
Travellers cheques:
These are generally accepted in Sterling and US Dollars. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Currency restrictions:
There are no restrictions on import or export of either local or foreign currencies.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movement of the Maldivian Rufiya against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | Nov ’03 | Feb ’04 | May ’04 | Aug ’04 | | £1.00= | 21.72 | 23.29 | 22.86 | 23.58 | | $1.00= | 12.80 | 12.80 | 12.80 | 12.80 |
Banking hours:
Sun-Thurs 0800-1330.
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Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | Yes | 1 | | Cholera | Yes | 2 | | Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A | | Malaria | 4 | N/A |
1:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.
2:
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Maldives.
3:
Typhoid may occur.
4:
Malaria is disappearing. The risk of infection is very low.
Food & drink:
The water provided in the resort areas is generally safe to drink. In other areas, water of uncertain origin used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Food in hotels and resorts is usually risk free, although visitors should be cautious elsewhere.
Other risks:
Hepatitis A, B, and E can occur. Tuberculosis and diphtheria vaccines are sometimes advised. Dengue fever occurs.
Rabies may be present although there have been no reported incidences in animals or humans since 1996. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care:
There are two hospitals on Mal, the Indhira Gandhi Memorial hospital and the ADK private hospital. First-aid facilities are available on all resort islands. A decompression chamber is accessible from most resorts in case of diving emergencies. Health insurance is recommended.
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Climate
The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25C (77F). The best time to visit is November to Easter.
Required clothing:
Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Light waterproofs are advised during the rainy season.
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Passport
| | Passport Required | Visa Required | Return Ticket Required | | British | Yes | 1 | Yes | | Australian | Yes | 1 | Yes | | Canadian | Yes | 1 | Yes | | USA | Yes | 1 | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | 1 | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | 1 | Yes |
PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for the duration of stay required by all.
VISAS:
1. Tourist visas for 30 days will be issued on arrival only and are free of charge to all visitors in possession of valid travel documents.
Note:
Foreign visitors who enter the Maldives must be in possession of return or onward tickets and sufficient funds to cover duration of stay.
Types of visa and cost:
Tourist visas can be extended for a minimum of three months for a fee of Rf750 (£45).
Validity:
Three months to one year.
Application to:
Visas are issued on arrival at the immigration desk at Maldives International Airport.
Application Requirements:
(a) Valid passport and travel documents. (b) Fee. (c) Return or onward ticket. (d) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay.
Working days required:
Visa extensions can be requested on arrival at Maldives International Airport, and will be issued immediately provided nationals are holding valid travel documents.
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Cars 4 Rental can provide car hire vehicles in all the popular locations throughout Maldives. Whatever your requirements Cars 4 Rental will be able to provide a car to meet your needs. Our hire cars can be equipped with many optional extras including child seats so that your car rental is ideally suited to your needs.
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