Make it a trip · Maldives, Maldives
What Maldives costs
once you land
Real prices, from the airport ride to a room for the night, each with where we found it. Checked October 2026, around Malé and Maafushi.
Prices as the source quoted them.
Arriving
-
MTCC ferry from the airport to Malé Many reports
15 to 20 minutes, cash in rufiyaa only. A speedboat costs 15 to 30 USD.
Source: AirConnect, Velana airport transport (2026)
MVR 15 Book an airport pickup -
Free visa on arrival, 30 days Fixed
For AU, NZ, GB, US, CA, IE, NL, DE, FR, SG passports.
Needs an onward ticket within 30 days. Fill in the free IMUGA declaration up to 96 hours before arrival. Green tax of 6 USD a night at guesthouses, 12 USD at resorts.
Sources: Maldives Mission, tourist visa (2026), Lou da vym krokem, Maafushi tips 2026 (2026), MMTV, green tax rates (2026-03)
Free
Getting around
-
Local bus or ferry ride Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Malé (2026-06)
US$0.70
Eating and drinking
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Lunch menu at a cheap restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Malé (2026-06)
US$6 -
US$9.70
-
Dinner for two at a restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Malé (2026-06)
US$39 -
Cappuccino Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Malé (2026-06)
US$3.20
At the supermarket
-
Water, 1 litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Malé (2026-06)
US$0.40 -
Coca-Cola at a restaurant, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Malé (2026-06)
US$1.60
Doing
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Resort day pass from a local island, from Many reports
Usually 35 to 180 USD. About 70 USD for Biyadhoo with lunch.
Source: Lou da vym krokem, Maafushi tips 2026 (2026)
US$35 Get tickets -
Half day snorkelling trip from Maafushi Range
Per person, gear included; often with a sandbank stop.
Sources: A Maldives, Maafushi island guide 2026 (2026), Lou da vym krokem, Maafushi tips 2026 (2026)
US$25 to US$50 Get tickets -
Shared speedboat to Maafushi Range
Per person one way, 30 to 45 minutes. The public ferry costs about 3 USD but takes 1.5 hours and skips Fridays.
Sources: A Maldives, Maafushi island guide 2026 (2026), Lou da vym krokem, Maafushi tips 2026 (2026)
US$25 to US$35 Book the tour
Sleeping, per night
-
Budget guesthouse on Maafushi, from Many reports
Usually 30 to 50 USD. Per night before taxes. Expect 17 percent tourism tax, 10 percent service and green tax on top.
Source: Lou da vym krokem, Maafushi tips 2026 (2026)
US$30 Find a guesthouse
Prices change. Fixed fees come from official or widely reported figures; ranges are what travellers and operators report for 2026. Some links are affiliate links: they never change what you pay. How we make money.
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