Maldives currency
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), pegged near 15.4 to the US dollar. But here is the part that matters for your trip: resorts bill everything in US dollars and take cards — so most visitors never touch local cash at all.
Exchange rate is indicative and for general guidance only — check a live converter before travelling. This is not financial advice.
In practice
What to actually carry
You rarely need rufiyaa
Resort islands price and bill everything — meals, excursions, spa — in US dollars, settled to your room and paid by card at checkout. A typical resort guest never handles MVR at all.
Cards are accepted everywhere on resorts
Visa and Mastercard are taken at every resort; American Express at many. A foreign-transaction-fee-free card is the simplest way to pay. Keep some USD cash only for tipping.
Carry small USD for tips
Tipping is in USD and appreciated: roughly $5–10 per day for housekeeping and a little more for a dedicated butler or dive guide. Small, clean notes are easiest.
Rufiyaa matters mainly on local islands
If you visit Malé or stay on an inhabited island (Maafushi, Dhigurah), USD is still widely accepted, but small shops and cafés are easier in MVR. ATMs in Malé and at the airport dispense both.
Taxes are added, not hidden
Resort bills add Goods & Services Tax (TGST) and a per-night green tax. These appear as line items in USD — worth knowing when you read a quote, but standard across every property.
Don't over-exchange
Maldivian rufiyaa is hard to exchange once you leave, so avoid converting large sums. For a resort stay, a modest amount of USD cash plus a card covers everything.
Frequently asked
Money in the Maldives — your questions.
What currency is used in the Maldives?
The official currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), often written as Rf, divided into 100 laari. In practice, the tourism economy runs on the US dollar: resorts quote, bill and accept payment in USD, and cards are taken everywhere. Most visitors never need to hold rufiyaa.
What is the Maldivian rufiyaa worth in US dollars?
The rufiyaa is pegged to the US dollar within an official band and trades near 15.4 MVR to 1 USD. That rate is indicative and can move slightly, so check a live converter before you travel — but for budgeting, think of roughly 15 rufiyaa to the dollar. Because resorts bill in USD, the exact MVR rate rarely affects a resort holiday.
Can you use US dollars in the Maldives?
Yes. The US dollar is effectively the working currency of Maldives tourism. Resorts price and settle everything in USD and accept major cards. On local islands and in Malé, USD is widely accepted too, though small purchases can be easier in rufiyaa. Euros and pounds are not generally accepted for payment — bring USD or a card.
Do I need cash in the Maldives?
Very little. On a resort island you can run almost everything to your room bill and pay by card at the end. The main use for cash is tipping, for which small US dollar notes are ideal. If you plan day trips to local islands or Malé, carry a modest amount of USD or withdraw rufiyaa from an ATM there.
Are there ATMs and can I exchange money?
There are ATMs and bank branches in Malé and at Velana International Airport, dispensing rufiyaa and sometimes USD. Resort islands may have limited cash facilities, so sort any cash you want at the airport on arrival. Avoid exchanging large amounts into rufiyaa, as it is difficult to convert back outside the country.