Getting Around in Maldives – Getting About Without Much Difficulty

If you intend to travel by boat, this kind of transport offers you three options: public ferries, semi-public ferries and charter speedboats. While you are relaxing in your water bungalow in Maldives or other such accommodation at a hotel such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort or any other, you should be able to obtain information about the different kinds of transport available, along with their respective pricing and schedules, from the comfort of your own lodging – just give a quick ring to the helpdesk. Public ferries are the cheapest but unfortunately you cannot rely on them and they operate usually only about three or six times a week. So the alternative to the fairly rare public ferries are the semi-public ferries. There are also fully-private ferries as well. The third option, charter speedboats, is the most expensive one, but you will be able to set your own course and can go anywhere you like, which makes this, unsurprisingly, the most convenient of all the options.

Maldivians speak Dhivehi, a fusion of the languages from the island's neighbouring countries. Although the majority is comfortable with their mother tongue, you can easily communicate in English with government officials and tourist guides. Most important officials are conversant in English, because the language was taught in schools. Some locals would not be well versed in the language, but you can maintain a casual conversation with them.

Those local notes in your hand are Maldivian Rufiya, but most resorts are not allowed to accept payment in the local currency. If you wish to stay in a resort, you do not need to change your currency - just pay by US$ or your credit card. Remember Maldives is known as an expensive tourist destination. The exorbitant rates surface especially when you look for quality service and luxury comfort. You need to pay a higher price, but you will receive a high quality service in return, but be careful when you carry US$. Maldives has no ill-reputation for thieving, but that is not a guarantee so don't let your guard down and take safety measures as always.

You can buy a local sim from any local Dhiraagu shop. The shop is located to the left of the airport arrivals area as you exit. You will most likely need a local SIM card to have access for free wireless internet, and this could be the cheapest option, if you intend to take calls as your own network may burden you with roaming charges.

You will never run out of eateries. The island has restaurants located here and there. They offer fish – especially tuna – and other indigenous foods influenced from its neighbouring countries, Sri Lanka and India. If you are a vegetarian, you may find it difficult to find variety of food to suit your tastes in Maldives, as most eateries serve fish-based foods, and Maldivian cuisine tends to incorporate fish into most of its dishes. However, at tourists resorts, you are sure to find a good range of vegetarian food to your liking.