Maldives to which state belong. Maldives. Holidays in Maldives

Maldives are an island state in the Indian Ocean. Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean and stretched 70 km from the south of India towards the equator. The equator line crosses the Maldives between the Suvadiva and Addu atol. Maldives are more than 1,200 islands united in the atoll.

Maldives are conceptless country For citizens of the Russian Federation. The visa is placed at the arrival airport and operates 30 days. The term of the passport half a year from the end of the trip.

Maldives - Muslim country. This can not be shone alcohol and walk in the capital with hip legs and shoulders. To swim and sunbathe in swimsuits on the islands, where the local population lives, perhaps only on specially highlighted beaches (Bichini Beach).

Maldives are coral islands. Here the airport is a separate island, the capital is a separate island, villages with locals - Separate Islands, and each hotel is a separate island. Maldives are also small uninhabited islands, which can be reached by boat and be alone.

The capital of the Maldives is the city of Male.

Beach holidays in the Maldives

Flight to Maldives

Air travel to Maldives without transplants It is 9 hours (Moscow-Male). Direct regular flights at night are carried out by Aeroflot from Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to Male Airport (MLE). Departures 5 times a week (except Tuesday and Thursday). From December 23, 2019, the departures from Moscow to the Maldives will be daily.

Flights with transfers (connecting flights) To the Maldives is built on regular flights With the participation of many foreign carriers, for example:

• Qatar Airways landing in Doha (Qatar);
• Emirates Airlines landing in Dubai (UAE);
• Singapore Airlines landing in Singapore, Colombo (Sri Lanka) or in Dubai.

By acquiring flight on a docking flightAt the airport in Moscow, 2 landing talons and luggage will be issued to the hand to the end point of flight. When transplanting to another aircraft, it is not necessary to think about registration and luggage, it will be overloaded to another aircraft employees of the airport. Docking time is usually from 3 hours to 5 hours.

Transfer to Maldives

Transfer to Maldives Male to hotels is carried out either at the high-speed boat, or on the hydrosapol, or on the internal airfare (sometimes + speed boat). The Maldives have a limit on the transportation of baggage in 20 kg. The hydrosapolines are small aircraft with a capacity of 10-15 people who take off from the water and land on the water. They fly only in a bright day of day: from 6:00 am to 16:00 in the afternoon.

Shuttle service to island hotels in Maldives on the hydrosapol

Currency in Maldives

National currency - Maldives Rufia. In all hotels, calculations in dollars or card. Change money in local currency not necessary.

Holidays in Maldives

Holidays in the Maldives year-round. Air temperature +30, water +26. The climate is warm and wet. Rains in Maldives are more likely in the summer months.

Maldives are one of the best exotic directions. tourist business. In the Maldives, paradise conditions for beach holidays: blue lagoons with transparent clear water, snow-white sand on the beaches, exotic vegetation and animal world of the island and, of course, coral reefs with the inhabitants of the Indian Ocean.

Holidays in Maldives - It is predominantly a calm private rest for couples, newlyweds, families with children, discerning customers and diving and windsurfing lovers.

Maldives - Cheap pleasure. However, high-quality service, privacy and nature of tropical paradise are worth.

In Maldives, each island is predominantly one hotel. Most hotels - level 4 and 5 stars and a level LUXE for VIP clients.

Holidays in Maldives

Hotels in Maldives

There are hotels in Maldives, which are located on the major islands, where the local population lives. Such hotels are called Histhaus. This is in most cases an inexpensive vacation option.

Hotels in Maldives 4 * and 5 * occupy one island And represent all the necessary infrastructure for recreation. Hotels in Maldives offer, with rare exceptions rest in Villah and Villach on the water. The villas on the shore are drowning in the island's greenery, where often the view from the windows goes right on the ocean. Some villas on the shore have a private pool. Water bungalows are houses in the lagoon on the piles. From each such water villa there is a staircase descending to water. In addition, you can choose a villa overlooking the sunset or overlooking the dawn.

Maldives hotels are unique and uniqueEveryone has its own distinctive feature. Some of them are directed to rest with children, others on a secluded adult village rest, there are active hotels with discos for youth, there are budgetary options for surfers and, of course, have popular hotels for all categories of tourists.

Kurumba Maldives 5 * - The first hotel, which was built in the Maldives and accepted tourists. He is also popular with holidaymakers.

Kuramathi Island Resort 4 * (Kuramathi Maldives) - The first hotel, where they started feeding the skates. Now it is a tradition and one of the spectacular entertainment in the Maldives.

Baros Maldives 5 * Luxe - This hotel was recognized as the best in the Maldives VIP Villa in this year. Here is the most famous two-storey restaurant on the water.

CONRAD MALDIVES RANGELI ISLAND 5 * LUXE - consists of two islands connected by a subtle island. The first underwater restaurant and a wine cellar opened here in the Maldives.

W Maldives Retreat & Spa 5 * Luxe. This hotel has an underground disco, which does not break a calm respectable rest on a small green island.

What to do in the Maldives?

• In the Maldives, you can spend an informal wedding ceremony.
• Do diving. The best time in Maldives for the class of diving from January to April.
• The Maldives is ideal for surfing and windsurfing from April to September.
• Swim underwater with mask, flippers and tube.
• Go fishing.
• Pay on the dhon sailing boat.
• View the evening show "Feeding the rods and whale sharks."
• Fly to parachute tied to the category.
• To watch dolphins and whales.
• Grow your nominal coral reef.
• Visit the fishing villages where residents of the Maldives of the Maldives live and work.
• Spend the day on a desert island.
• Make a cruise on the yacht in the Maldives.
• View at the Maldives from the hydroplane.
• Visit the capital is the city of Male and stock souvenirs.

Maldives - Tropical Paradise, where the beach season lasts 365 days a year, where the serene blue sky is reflected in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It seems that this idyllic corner is created only in order to enjoy the joys of life - problems and political intrigues bypass him. But this is a deceptive impression. The history of the Maldives Islands is saturated with events.

From redes to the British

Unlike nearby India and Sri Lanka, the history of Maldives has been little studied. If you believe research, civilization on the islands has existed more than 3000 years. This theory in the 1980s was confirmed by the Norwegian archaeologist and writer Tour Heyerdal. After excavations on the atolls of Addu and Huvadu, he found out that the Aryan tribes were once inhabited. High white-skinned people with blue eyes and eagle noses called themselves the films and worshiped the sun.

Found fragments of ceramics make it possible to argue that the filines lived on the islands in 2000 BC.

At about the same time, Niland inhalled Holina. However, practically nothing is known about their origin.

The title of the oldest Aborigines, the Maldives claims the community to Giravaru. For centuries, its representatives dwell on the island of the same name, but with the beginning of the construction of the international airport were forced to move on Male.

According to one of the versions, the ancestors of Giravaru from South India, on the other, from Australia.

In 500 BC In Maldives, the second wave of settlement began. On the islands settled people from Sri Lanka, which distributed Buddhism.

Until the XVI century, the population of the islands consisted mainly of Indians, Malayans and Singalov. But in 1507, the archipelago attracted the attention of Portuguese. The French, Dutch and British came for them, who in turn set their protectorate.

Taking Islam

Up to the XII century - more than 1000 years - the Maldives professed Buddhism. But in 1153, the Arabic trader Abu Al-Bakarat landed on the islands, who convinced the local king to accept Islam.

According to legend, every month islanders sacrificed Ginna Rannamari innocent girl. She was led to the temple and left for the night. The next day, unfortunate was found dead. Remarking by the cruelty of the ritual, Abu Al-Bakar decided to put the end of him. At the appointed hour, he himself came to the sanctuary and spent all night for reading the Quran. The sacred suras scared the evil spirit that disappeared in the seabed and no longer disturbed the inhabitants of the island.

From this time, the Maldives began the era of Islam and the Sultanates, for which six dynasties and 90 rulers changed.

Maldives in the twentieth century

At the end of the XIX century, fearing expansion from India, the Maldives signed an agreement with Britain. According to the document, the British provided their military assistance in the event of a foreign invasion, but at the same time they did not interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

British presence continued until 1965.
On July 26, 1965, Maldives received independence.

In 1932, the British supported Mohammed ShamSuddin III, who adopted the first constitution of the country. The new law limited the sole power of Sultan and ensured free elections. And in 1953, the ruler Amin Didi abolished Sultanat, adopted a new constitution and became the first president of the Maldives. He introduced universal primary education and selective law for women. At the end of 1953, as a result of hungry riots, Amin Didi was overthrown.

Mohammed Fari Didi came to replace him, who restored the Sultanat and became the last, 94th Sultan of the Maldives. True, by that time the title turned into a certain honorary title, and the real authorities moved to the Prime Minister.

The Maldives accepted its third Constitution in 1968 during the referendum. Instead of the Maldives, the country became officially called the Maldives. President Ibrahim Nasir lasted 6 years old and in 1978 during a national protest against the rise ran from the country.

Since 1978, for 30 years (6 five-year-old terms in a row), Moomun President Abdul Gayum is solely ruled by Maldives. After 2004 unrest, I promised to expand political freedoms. In 2008, the first presidential elections were held with the participation of several candidates, as a result of which Mohamed Nadad became the new president of Maldives.

Since 2018, the country is headed by President Abdullah Yamin.

The Maldly Republic is located in South Asia, on the islands of the Maldives Archipelago, which is a chain of 20 atolls (about 2000 coral islands) in the Equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, south-west of Sri Lanka Island.

State

State device

The Democratic Republic is included in the Commonwealth. Head of State and Government - President. The legislature is a unicameral parliament (54 deputies).

Language

State language: Dichev

In english tourist centers.

Religion

Most of the population professes Islam Sunni sense.

Currency

International title: MVR

One Rufia is 100 lari. Coverings have banknotes in dignity 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Rufii, as well as coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 lari. Everywhere accepted to pay US dollars and major credit cards. During departure, the remaining Rufi is allowed to change back to dollars.

History Maldives

The beginning of the history of Maldives is unknown, however, we know that people already lived on the islands for 3,000 years ago. About 800 years ago, the Vladyka Maldives - Buddhist Kings - adopted Muslims from the Arab merchants. Maldives were a British colony at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries and gained independence in 1965. In 1968, the Republic of Maldives was proclaimed.

Map Maldives

Popular attractions

Tourism in Maldives

Where to stay

Maldives hotel complexes are quite different, but all of them are united by the hospitality of local residents and the ignarious service. In the Maldives there is a very interesting system of the construction of hotels - one island \u003d one hotel.

Official classification of hotels in Maldives is absent. The local hotels are classified according to a special system for assessing the hotel service: Deluxe, Superior and Standard. Most hotels in the country - four- and five star levels, bungali type. Three-star hotels here are extremely small.

All high-level Maldives hotels, with a huge territory (whole island) and a unique design. Even the most budget hotels provide their guests with good rooms with minibars, air conditioning, safes and other necessary accessories. On the territory of most hotels there is diving - both SPA centers, golf courses, volleyball and tennis courts, 24-hour bars and restaurants. Pools are not in all hotels.

In the country's hotels, resting is available both halfway and a full board in the format of the Swedish table. A separate table is attached to each room in the hotel's restaurant.

Most Maldives are complexes that consist of dozens of one-or two-storey bungalows and cottages, each of which hosts one or more numbers. Such rooms are equipped with a kettle and daily replenish reserves of coffee and tea, air conditioning and a TV. Bed linen replacement is made every other day, and cleaning - twice a day.

Many hotels offer tourists accommodation in "Water Bungalows" - spacious wooden houses on piles, straight on the beach above the water. In stock - Bathroom overlooking the ocean and terrace.

In addition, at the Maldives, accommodation in boutique hotels is possible - this is 10-12 separate villas. On the territory of each - street shower and separate terrace.

Another, not the most traditional accommodation in this country, are yachts, the cost of living on which is very large.

Popular hotels

Tip

Tipping, as a rule, make up 10% of the count amount.

Visa

Work hours of institutions

Banks usually work from 9 to 13 from Saturday to Thursday. Day off - Friday.

Schedule stores are non-permanent. Most, especially on large islands, work from 7-8 hours to 21-23 hours, but in the summer, many shops are open from 13-15 hours to 18-20 hours.

Souvenirs

You can bring sharks of jaws, coconut oil, shells, sarongs, crafts from wood (red-black figurines), coconut monkeys.

Medicine

Vaccination against hepatitis A and V. is recommended. If necessary, the medicine is better to bring with you, since there are practically no pharmacies on the islands, and the medicines sold in hotels are extremely roads. It is recommended to drink bottled water.

The Maldives is located in the Equatorial waters south of India. The state is a chain of the atoll, which consist of 1192 islands of coral origin. The capital of the state is Male - the only city in the whole archipelago.

Maldives were populated more than 2 thousand years ago. Twice the power over the islands tried to install the Portuguese and the Dutch, but the local population did not let it do. In 1887, the British Protectorate was installed over Maldives. Maldives were ruled by Britain for more than half a century and, finally, in 1965 they received independence. In 1968, a referendum was held in the country, as a result of which the state became a republic.

Climate and weather

The climate in the Maldives is equatorial, with the predominance of monsoon winds. Northeast Musson from November to April creates favorable conditions for rest on the islands. In view of the proximity of the equator, the air temperature is approximately the same for a whole year and does not fall below +25 ° C. In April, the South-West Musson brings wet air masses to the islands. During this period, the Maldives observes a slight decrease in temperature, precipitation and storms.

Nature

Flora in Maldives is represented by typical tropical vegetation. Mangrove thickets and fruit trees are found here. The abundance of vegetation depends on the soil. On some small islands covered with sand, there are only shrubs and herbs. Large islands are rich in vegetation. There are also real jungle with tropical plants, mangrove thickets, various types of exotic colors. But there is one plant in Maldives, which grows everywhere, regardless of the type of soil, is a coconut palm tree.

The fauna of the Maldives is not too diverse. Here are some species of reptiles: snakes that are not dangerous to humans, lizards. Mosquitoes are found only on the wild islands of the archipelago. From the insects in the Maldives also live butterflies and rhinos beetles.

Much more interesting underwater world of the Maldives. At the bottom of the ocean, you can find various types of corals and marine inhabitants, ranging from sea ends and ending with whale sharks.

sights

Maldives are not so many historical or cultural attractions. The most interesting places are in Male. Here you can visit Sultan Park. Up to 1968, the Palace of Sultan was located here. Subsequently, the palace was destroyed, and the gardens surrounding the palace turned into a park.

Of interest is also an Islamic center. This is a big mosque next to the pier. Her interior decorate the symbols of Arabic calligraphy and wood carving. Attending the mosque is better accompanied by one of the locals: after all, this is a religious building in which you need to comply with special rules of behavior.

Another attraction of Maldives - the National Museum, in the exposition of which are the objects of clothing and sultan decorations. Also here are the manuscript of the Quran and the Quality Statues, which were found during archaeological excavations.

Food

The basis of local cuisine is the Indian and Arab traditions. Many dishes consist of such ingredients as rice, seafood and spices. The most common sauce is coconut curry, it is added to almost all dishes. Diverse fish dishes, for the preparation of which there are hundreds of recipes. Fish is added even to pies. The main garnish is rice, which is prepared with coconut milk, vegetables and even some fruits, for example, papaya, bananas, mango, pumpkin. From meat, they are mainly chicken, but extremely rare. Coconut is most often served for dessert. Baking, fruit salads are also widespread. From drinks here are mostly drinking tea, coffee and various juices.

Accommodation

In Maldives, there are practically no high-rise buildings, with the exception of buildings in Male. Hotels and hotels are represented by all sorts of villas, bungalows, chalets, cottages. All of them are single and two-storey, are located separately from each other and have an entrance from the street. In the main building of the hotel complexes, as a rule, there is a reception, bar and restaurant. The houses for tourists themselves are located either in the depths of the island or on the shore, or right on the water. In the latter case, the houses are associated with the land of a wooden bridge, and in some cases it is possible to get to the room only on the boat. No matter what kind of accommodation is not chosen, they are all distinguished by a high level of service.

Entertainment and recreation

Mostly at the Maldives are riding a beach holiday. However, there are many outdoor options. For example, on the islands can be perfectly spending diving and snorkeling lovers. Divers come to the Maldives from all over the world, because in reefs near the islands lives an incredible set of marine inhabitants of unimaginable colors and forms. But not only fish and corals attract dive lovers. In the waters surrounding the atoll, the many sunken ships are resting, which divers also cause interest.

Due to the fact that Maldives are a Muslim state, many holidays here are religious. In addition, in Muslim calendar, almost all holidays are "moving", i.e. From year to year falls out to different dates. The new year is unchanged (January 1), Independence Day (July 26-27), Catholic Christmas (December 25).

Purchases

Most stores are located in Male and they specialize in souvenirs. These are usually products from corals, shells, wood. Straw mats are particularly popular. Local artisans are manufactured and selling beautiful decorations from corals - bracelets, earrings, necklaces. Also in the Maldives you can buy high-quality diving equipment.

Weekends in Maldives are Friday and Saturday, respectively, shops are open from Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 to 21:00 or from 9:00 to 22:00. At the time of prayer, which is performed 5 times a day, shops are closed, but if you are there at this time, leave the trading room is optional.

Transport

International Airport is located in Male. In general, air transport has widespread on the islands, which is associated with a feature of the geography of the archipelago. Air transport is represented by hydrosapol and helicopters. In addition, transportation is carried out on sailing, motorboats and boats. Public transport in Maldives does not exist in principle. Although there is a taxi in Male. Its feature is that if the car stopped longer than a minute, the trip is considered to be finished and must be paid. On the islands there is an opportunity to take a boat or a boat. It will cost an average of $ 140.

Communication

Mobile communications in the Maldives well developed. You can use to call your operator if you connect roaming, but it is cheaper to purchase a local mobile operator's SIM card. The cost of a minute of compound average is $ 0.5. Maldives are divided into several telephone zones, and the cost of calls from one zone to another is higher than within the same zone.

Safety

After political parties were resolved in the country, Mitigi and demonstrations often began to be held on the streets. It is unsafe for tourists, although street crimes in the Maldives are extremely rare. To improve security, the law undertakes all hotels to provide guests with a safe for storing documents, money and jewelry. If you found that you have something disappeared, you should report this to the manager, which should write your appeal in writing. After that, the manager will conduct its own investigation and, if necessary, will contact the police.

Going to the Maldives, you need to make vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, yellow fever. In addition, it is necessary to issue medical insurance, because any treatment in the country is paid.

Business climate

If you wish in Maldives, you can open your small business. The most popular destinations are the hotel and restaurant business. You can also organize a diving center or yacht club. However, the Government of the country reluctantly gives business to foreigners, preferring it to do it with its own forces. This is due to the fact that when Maldives were only open as a new tourist destination, attempts to foreigners create a tourist business here, as a rule, failure.

The taxation system in Maldives is considered one of the easiest in the world. There is no VAT and income tax.

The property

Due to the very small area of \u200b\u200bthe state, the price of real estate in the Maldives is very high. In addition, there is a moratorium on the purchase of real estate by foreigners. Instead, the state proposes to take real estate in long-term rent. The minimum term of such a contract is 35 years old, the maximum - 50 years. Mostly renting villas, rent an apartment on the cows is extremely difficult. If you managed to find a suitable apartment, then it will have to put a minimum of $ 300,000. Most of the villas surrendered are elite housing. The cost of such housing begins from $ 350,000.

Since Maldives are a Muslim state, it imposes some obligations on tourists. Do not appear in public places in candid outfits. Bathing topless on the islands is strictly prohibited and entails fine. In public places it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages. The state has a ban on calf and export of corals, only if they were not purchased in the souvenir shop. In restaurants it is customary to leave the tips, the sum of which is 10% of the order value.

Visa

Citizens of the Russian Federation visa is not required. The most closest to Maldives Consulate of the Russian Federation is located on Sri Lanka Island.

Maldives.

Summary of the country

There are extraordinarily beautiful mosques on the islands, and if you stay a little on the islands, you can immediately feel how important the religion is here. On all islands several times a day, residents pray.

When visiting the mosque, you can see what interesting ancient paintings cover their walls. They depict scenes from history and are designed to strengthen the spirit of the inhabitants of the archipelago, control their upbringing and thoughts. Mosques also undergo important official meetings and events.

But religion is quite peaceful adjacent to modernity. For example, the minaret of the famous Islamic center, built in more than twenty years ago, peacefully neighboring the mail building. The Islamic Center refers to the list of the most beautiful Asian mosques. The authorities specifically cared for its uplift, so as to strengthen the nation thus.

Official currency Rufia (Maldives Rupee) \u003d 100 Lari, 1 USD \u003d 12 Rufi. In the circulation there are banknotes in dignity of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rugs and coins in 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. The voltage in the network voltage in the network - 220 B. The climate is Tropical Warm climate, even due to the proximity of the equator, without significant temperature fluctuations during the year. Best weather conditions from November to the end of April (northeast monsoon): the sea is calm, the weather is sunny, hot and dry. Sometimes in June-July there are short-term rains, but they are not so long - 20-25 minutes, and the sun shines again. From May to October - the monsoon season: strong rains, high humidity, storm. Middle day maximum + 30.4 ° C. Middle night minimum + 25.4 ° C. Water temperature + 24-27 ° C year round.

During the change of monsoon (in spring and autumn), intensive tropical storms and thunderstorm rains have become more frequent.

Finance

Where to change almost everywhere accepted for payment of US dollars. Therefore, it is not necessary to exchange dollars on the local currency upon arrival.

The US dollar preferences are preferred especially banks, where only dollars are translated. Exchange items sometimes take other world currency, but this is not a rule.

In the resort zones you can find exchange points almost every corner. Money can be exchanged in large hotels. The exchange rate is almost the same, a bit more favorable in Male than in hotels.

Credit cards Most hotels, shops, refueling, items for rental cars, large shopping centers and restaurants accept payment cards, especially American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Eurocard. In Maldives, only one ATM, from which you can draw from the account of foreign banks. You will find it in Male in front of the HSBC Bank. Purchases Souvenir products can be purchased in special shops at the resorts, which are open to late evening hours, souvenir bears in fishing villages and Male (Candanga Magu Street).

A variety of handicraft hobbies of local residents will give you a rich selection of all sorts of baubles and really beautiful rare things.

Typical souvenirs for memory, as a rule, these are wonderful seashells, jaw sharks (favorite tourist souvenirs), coconut oil, original silkwear, carved from coconut wood sculptures, beautiful wooden tableware, painted souvenir plates, colorful figures of fish, paintings of local artists, Decorations from corals, sarongs, crafts from wood (drunk red-black figurines drunk), coconut monkeys.

On one of the islands produce charming painted boxes and decorations. They are made of wood called Fun.

On another island, you will find another original souvenir - woven mats that are very easy and pretty, they are made, like hand-made caskets from the cane.

Tourists are very often buying wooden miniatures of Dhoni ships or sailboats. Usually, Sri Lansky or Indian teas, smoking tubes, fans or services are brought from the Maldives. You can also purchase a CD with local traditional or modern music.

Things made from different stones, you will like to taste. This is not surprising, since the thread tradition is very old here, carefully passes with young generations.

In Male, it is advantageous to buy high-quality equipment and equipment for scuba diving of foreign production.

The removal from the country of black corals, products from the turtle shell is prohibited.

Tipping tips on the Maldives are not officially accepted. But if the service was worth it, then unofficially, no one forbids thank the service personnel with a small amount: the hotel's employee is $ 10, the waiter is 5%.

Some resorts add payment of services to the account (usually 10%), in which case there is no need for tips.
Taxi services Classic car taxi is available only in the Male capital, on the atolls of Gan and Addu. The trip is paid at the rate of 15RF plus 5RF for baggage during the day and 20rf after 24:00. Any stop, even a minute, automatically finishes the trip, which must be immediately paid. If you want to continue the trip, you have to pay all over again.

There are several taxi services (work around the clock), all machines are equipped with air conditioning. Taxi can be stopped on the street or call on the phone (in this case, the trip will cost 10RF).

Public transport of public transport as such does not exist. Because most islands are so small that the transport there is simply not needed. There is no spectacle familiar to us - a large cluster of cars, the most common types of land transport are bicycles and motorcycles.

Basically, here you use the services of water transport - local taxi can be called a wooden boat with a flat roof - Dhoni. This is a traditional multipurpose vessel, currently improved by diesel engines. On this modest boat, you can swim to the island you need. As a rule, tourists as a sign of greetings, immediately wear a wreath of pink or white flowers on the neck, offer refreshing, fragile napkins and coconut milk. Big boats are called "Vedas" and they are used for large travels to remote atales.

You can safely bargain with private carriers. No schedule exists, the court sail as passengers fill.

Rent a car in Male and on other large islands you can rent a car.

Road traffic is practically not regulated, markup and road signs or not, or they have long been destroyed, traffic lights are also absent. The speed of movement is small, but drivers are never inferior to pedestrians, so there should be extremely cautiously on the few Maldives.

customs control

To pass customs control at the airport, all things must be presented for inspection, including manual sting. It must be remembered that:

Prohibited import:

Any narcotic substances, including psychotropic
- pornographic materials recorded to view video cassettes with films, etc. It is allowed to join only sealed cassettes
- Anti-Islamic literature
- Military attributes
- any pork products
- Alcohol
- animals
- powder / explosive substances / firearms / stitching, cutting items and - - weapons for underwater hunting.

As for the "objects of religious cult", then this may mean everything that is able to harm the official religion of Maldives - Islam. A small decorative cross on the neck is unlikely to be considered dangerous, but the big cross with a crucible figure of a crucified Christ can be forbidden to import. The same applies to the images of the Buddha: a small desktop statuette may not cause the objections of customs officers, unlike a big and noticeable. Surely the Bible flashes, although they are not searched specifically for this item. In any case, it is better to respect the feelings of Muslims.

In the case of the presence of the above items in your baggage, when customs control pass, you will have them and fill them in a special department at the Male airport in exchange for a receipt with a description of the exhibitable. When departing from the country, you can get seized back, presenting this receipt.

Allowed to import to the country:
- personal consumption goods within reasonable (no more than one subject per person);
- products 200 cigarettes;
- 125 ml perfumery.

It is forbidden to export from the country:

Black corals and products from it (except for souvenirs made by officially certified government producers);
- Items and things found at the bottom of the sea.

Allowed to export from the country:

Gifts and souvenirs (sinks; jaw sharks; postcards, posters, shorts, T-shirts with local symbolism, etc.);
- household items: thin-board cane mats; Wooden boxes; baskets, braided from palm leaves;
- Coconut oil;
- Jewelry.

Transport

Maldives - the islands network, both residential and uninhabited, fully surrounded by water stroke. There are no regular transport messages on the islands.

Transport in Maldives is a boat. The sole invention of a person who can move tourists, and local residents to a certain island. Tourists upon arrival at the Maldives can rent boats, for independent movement, but before you rent a boat, do not forget to negotiate the price in advance, in order not to get into the conflict situation. Islands are scattered very close from each other, so the trip will not be tedious.

Almost all tourists visiting the islands arrive here on aircraft. Male International Airport is located on the island of Hulule, at a distance of 1 km (10 minutes by the National Boat "Dhoni") from the capital of the Maldives - Male.

Due to the characteristics of the geography of the archipelago, most of the transportation is carried out by hydrosaps, helicopters and boats. The seaplane is only possible in a bright time on schedule (from 07:00 to 16:00). It should be remembered that the hydroaviation flies far from all the atolls. Celluland Twin Otter Hydrauliland (Dehavilland Twin Otter), notable for its durable design and high maneuverability, as well known as DHC-6, which can smoothly decline and transport up to 20 passengers. The plane is sitting on the water, and the boat delivers you to the pier (jet).

There are 2 air carriers in the country - "Maldivian Air Taxi" and "Hummingbird Island Airways". Prices are high enough, somewhat cheaper to book the plane through the hotel or travel agency. In addition, companies offer review flights and day trips with picnics to uninhabited islands for 250 cu. (approximately). With you, you can take up to 20 kg of luggage plus 5 kg of hand baggage.

Any Maldives island can cross in 1.5 - 2 hours. However, tourism in the Maldives is regulated, and independent displacements on the islands are not encouraged, as this can have a negative impact on traditional island communities.

If you decide to rest on the full program, and are not constrained in cash, then you have a pretty expensive helicopter, but you will not only quickly come up to the right place, but also admire Maldives from above.

You can take a trip and remote islands, but it is impossible to inspect everything at once. Travel permit between the atolms is required to visit the islands located behind the tourist area; Permits are issued by the Ministry of Athletes of Atollas only to those people who invite residents of these islands and atolls.

Telecommunications

For local and international communication, it is recommended to buy dhiraagu telephone cards (Cost 30, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Rufi). You can buy cards in a special store "Dhiiraagu Teleshop" in Male, as well as the sellers of cards on any of the major islands.

There are no telephones in a number of islands, and the connection is carried out from negotiation points (usually work from Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 14.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 18.00), serviced by telephone. The cost of the conversation depends on the distance and slightly higher than from the phone-machine. From 24.00 to 06.00 the cost of the bell is cheaper by 20%.

The Maldives also has a mobile communication of the GSM-900 standard. Mobile phones of most standards in Maldives do not work, but in the office of the local operator "Dhiraagu" you can take a phone for rent. More detailed advice can be obtained in the office of their mobile operator.

Calls to Russia for call to Russia: +7 - city code - subscriber number. Calls from Russia to call to the Maldives should be dialing: 8 - 10 - 960 - the subscriber number. Cities codes of the Maldives Area Code - 960. Useful phones Useful phones

Reference phones:
Reference telephone network - 110.
International telephone operator - 190.
The telecom operator between the atolls is 188.
Meteboy - 317-171.
Male's reference airport - 332-211.
Bureau of Tourism Development Maldives - 323-228.
Customs management - 322-001, 310-045.

Emergency services:
Police (rescue service) - 119.
National Security Service - 313-281.
Fire service - 118.
Ambulance - 102.

National cuisine

The kitchen is based on two fundamental: Arab and Indian. Local cuisine typically includes rice, fish kary, cooked with the addition of coconut milk. Spicy dishes give lime, chili and small onions. Without spices, no dish is unthinkable. An important place in cooking is occupied by sauces, their preparation is akin to the sacredness of the cook in the Maldives.

Rice is used in preparation in all variations - boiled in coconut milk, with various vegetables, pepper, all the same fish or marine arthropods, as well as with bananas, papaya, mango, pumpkin, sweet potatoes or bread fruits.

Local Roshi bread is very popular, which is usually eaten with Mashuni - a fish cocktail, flavored coconut, onions, chili and lime.

The main and favorite dish for the islands is a tuna with rice - maybe absolutely not the same, because it can be sold this time to completely different sauce.

The dishes in which the main ingredient of the fish is very diverse, from simple boiled fish, boiler and soups, fish cocktails and fish pies.

Popular Hikimas - dried and smoked fish. Also good cake with fish, coconut and Luca Bajia, a gentle fish cake of Kuli Borkiha (Kulhi Borkihaa). Also traditional fish soup and rice Garuda, tuna cakes with Coconut Gulu, baked fish with pasta Chile Fihuna Mas (Fihunu Mas), Kimia Roasted Fish Rutal (Keemia), Fish Pate Richukuri, Fried Fish with Pepper and Garlic Telluli Mae and Dr.

You can finish dinner with suji-and delicious local drink. Locals are boiled by the beer of Raa - sweet and tasty palm juice, which is extracted from the top of the palm tree. In the heat, very good juices, local sweet milk Cyrus Sarbat, sweet palm juice of Raa, a drink of judge (suji) and a low-alcoholic beverage of Gaa from the reinforced palm milk. Alcoholic beverages can be bought only in hotels, and it is desirable to drink them only indoors, otherwise you risk getting trouble.

Dessert dish, most likely there will be coconut in any form. Arc nut (oval walnut with betel leaves, clove and lime) eat after lunch. If you wish to taste local sweets, try Bondi (Bondi) - white coconut sticks - very tasty! Coconut milk, various puddings, vegetable and fruit salads and pastries are widely used.

A popular drink in the Maldives is tea, it is served with milk. Another drink, which is more often the rest can be seen - this is coffee, cooked by Arabic.

In addition to coconuts and bananas on the islands there are few vegetables and fruits, so most of the products offered at the tourist resorts, the Maldives import.

Work institutions

Schedule stores are non-permanent. Most, especially on large islands, work from 07.00-08.00 to 21.00-23.00, but in the summer, many shops are open from 13.00-15.00 to 18.00-20.00.

In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive Street. They are open from 8.00 to 13.30, from Sunday to Thursday (as in many other Muslim countries, on the Maldives weekend are Friday and Saturday).

Holidays and non-working days

Holidays in Maldives come from the Islamic lunar calendar. This means that every year holidays on different days. The festive atmosphere you will feel mostly in the capital, since on this day most shops will be closed. In other cities or regions, almost do not feel the greatness of the holiday.

Usually on holidays are collected by families, all together prepare food for the festive table, decorate and organize fun. Playing traditional music, people dance, all audible wooden tools and modern jazz and pop music.

Holidays:

January 1 - New Year.
January 8-10 - Eid Al Fitr (the end of Ramadan's post).
March 15-18 - Eid Al Kebir (day of sacrifices).
April 6 - Islamic New Year.
June 4-5 - National Holiday.
June 15 - Mulud (the Day of the Sparge of the Prophet).
July 26-27 - Independence Day.
November 11-12 - Republic Day.
September 1 - day fucking.
October 28 - Day of Muchennikov.
November 3 - Victory Day.

Customs and orders

Despite the fact that Maldives as an Islamic state is relatively liberally, guests of the country must carefully comply with the laws.

By rightfully, believed to be one of the oldest states in the world, Maldives today can tell you a lot and surprise many. Here you need to constantly remember that the main religion is Islam. And therefore, you need to adhere to the established etiquette.

The usual form of greetings of the Maldives is the order of hands, officially greet "Salam Aleikum", the word "kihenen" greet each other in an informal setting. Carefree and simple existence in harmony with nature is such a Maldivian lifestyle.

In the Maldives, musical traditions arising in the old days. It concerns music, crafts, dancing. Maldives are unique and unique in music. You will learn that there are three styles for the performance of songs, each of which is individual and has its name.

You will undoubtedly hear about the bodes take. It is a song and a dance that is performed during the holidays. Once upon a time he was delivered from the African continent. Dances are also executed according to traditions, there are several different popular national dances that you recommend to see. For example, Body take, costume dance, fifteen people dance, besides, there is a singer and three drummers play.

Dancing there is both female and purely men - so prescribes the tradition. Dance, performed by only men, Dhandi Gehong, lasts about an hour, and is fulfilled without reference to any event. But the female dance - Baiamalaafas Nhun, reflecting a long time that has long disappeared, but the existing tradition is to bring the sultan gifts. This dance is considered one of the most important and interesting dances in the Maldives.

Artistic Maldives complement the natural beauty of exotic coral islands. Fishing for them is leisure and profession at the same time. Especially affecting local hospitality. This feature is transmitted to the Maldives from generation to generation. Maldives - a place where the tourist is always a long-awaited guest.

Precautions

Precautions:

Buy water in plastic bottles.
- Maldives are the Muslim Country, therefore the laws, therefore, corresponding to, therefore, those who like to drink, the road here or just closed or it should refrain from this non-prey.
- Corals to collect and, moreover, export from the country - a criminal offense
- It is forbidden to break, tear live and dead corals in the ocean and near the shore, damage the sinks and raise them to the surface, catch the fish near the islands, throw any garbage on the islands, for this you need to use trash bins to avoid problems
- It is impossible to visit the capital of Male and the islands where local residents live, and are in beachwear.
- It is also forbidden to wear things that do not cover the body from the shoulder to the knee.
If you are going to the beach, it will suit usual beachwear. But if you suddenly want to visit the fishing villages and the capital of Male, then you must respect local laws and wear modest clothes.
- During diving and bathing, you should pay attention to the sharp edges of the coral reefs, as well as not to touch the marine inhabitants, they may be poisonous

For breakdown, penalties are charged!