Electricity, Time Zone & Miscellaneous
A few practical details that can make a difference:
Electricity
- Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz — like in Germany
- Outlets: Type G (British 3-pin plug) — an adapter is necessary! Most resorts also have USB charging stations and sometimes universal sockets.
- Tip: Bring a universal adapter with USB ports. On local islands, there are occasionally Type C (European) — but don't rely on it.
Time Zone
- MVT (Maldives Time): UTC+5 — 4 hours ahead of Germany (winter time), 3 hours ahead (summer time).
- Note: Some resorts operate on "Island Time" — they set the clock one hour ahead (UTC+6) to create longer sunsets for guests. It's no joke, many actually do this!
Other Practical Tips
- Laundry: Included or for an additional fee in resorts. On local islands, guesthouses offer laundry service ($2–5 per load).
- Wi-Fi: Free in resorts, free (but slower) in guesthouses on local islands.
- Plastic: The Maldives banned single-use plastic bags in 2023. Bring cloth bags!
- Drones: Strictly regulated — permission from the Ministry of Defense required. Most resorts prohibit drones. Without permission, confiscation is possible.
- Photography: Always ask before photographing locals on local islands. Do not photograph mosques and religious sites without permission.
- Emergency Numbers: Police 119, Ambulance 102, Fire Department 118, Tourist Police 159.
