Banks & Costs
There are bank of maldives
Branchs in hithadhoo, Gan and Hulhumeedhoo but no ATMs. No
place in town accepts credit cards, though most of the hotels exchange currency
and accept traveler's checks. Moneychangers are located on the road in from of
Gan to Hithadhoo.
In Addu atoll they have their our own
currency
called "Dhivehi Ruffia" (Rf).
"Maldivian Ruffiyaa"
No place in town accepts credit cards
Don't worry about changing money before you get here, just bring
your credit card or dollars and get pesos when you get here.
Travelers' checks work great here,
especially since many smaller businesses don't accept credit cards.
The
exchange rate at the airport usually
has a fair, but somewhat lower rate. The best
rates are given by banks and exchange houses in local islands. Most hotels,
shops and restaurants in this part of Maldives also accept dollars, however
usually at a lower rate than the banks in Malé.
The most frequently used foreign
currency is the Ruffia,
Euro and
US dollar and almost all items are
priced in Ruffia.
There is a local bank branch at the arrival terminal at the
airport.
Relative Costs:
Internet and Telephones
Internet is slow and expensive but it is available and does work well enough for
e-mail and limited surfing. There is few Internet cafè in local island, and
offers Internet access. Rf15/hour.
International calls run from Rf10 - Rf70 per minute. Buy an 'Access card' for
Rf20, Rf50, or Rf500 at the local shops
Markets and Shopping
There is few souvenir shop in local islands, and food stalls set road side in
the evening. . For most travelers' needs (soft drinks, water, toiletries,
snacks, souvenirs, etc.), the small drink shops carry most everything.
