Where is Addu Atoll?
Addu Atoll is the southern most atoll in Maldives located 541 km south of Malé.
What is the time difference of Addu?
Addu is five hours ahead (GMT +05:00) of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
How can I get to Addu Atoll?
Daily flights from Velana International Airport in Male’ to Gan International Airport in Addu. Also some international airlines have started flights to Gan International Airport.
What is the weather like in Addu?
The climate of Maldives is essentially determined by the two seasons. Throughout the year the climate remains warm and sunny. However, being on the equator, the islands experience mild rain.
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
No, all tourists from all countries are granted a free 30-day visa upon arrival. However, all visitors need to have a valid passport. If a passport expiry date falls within 30 days of arrival, tourists cannot extend their stay beyond the passport’s expiry date.
What is prohibited to import into the country?
The following items are strictly prohibited by law to Import into the country: pornographic materials in any form, spear gun, harpoons, alcohol, drugs (the penalty for importing of such drugs is severe, usually life imprisonment). More info under: www.customs.gov.mv
Can I bring alcohol and liquor into the Maldives?
You are not allowed to bring liquor to the Maldives. If you have bought liquor, beer and related items containing alcohol from a duty free shop while on route to the Maldives, these products must be bonded in the airport’s customs department upon arrival. These goods will be returned before departure. Note that alcohol is available on the resorts and Dive Safari boats.
What religion is practiced in Addu?
Maldives is an Islamic nation; no other religion is practiced in Maldives.
Clothing
Giving the tropical climate and limited variation in the temperature, only lightweight clothing should be brought to the Maldives. We recommend that your dress modestly and refrain from wearing bikini’s and revealing clothing while in the inhabited islands out of respect for local customs and laws. While on resort islands, you are free to wear whatever you please.
Is there mobile phone coverage in Addu?
Yes, Addu has mobile phone coverage throughout the atoll. 2 mobile phone service providers are available. Local SIM cards are readily available and very affordable. Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is decent throughout the islands.
Is there internet service in Addu?
The Internet can be accessed from most areas in Addu. There are no Cybercafés but Wi-Fi is available in some cafés. All resorts have Internet connections via terminals or Wi-Fi. 3G internet service via the mobile phone is available by using the local SIM cards.
Is Cable TV available in Addu?
Yes, all resorts, hotel and even homes have cable TV available. All the popular international channels are mostly available.
Is there Postal service in Addu?
Yes there are 2 post offices located in Gan and Hithadhoo.
Money
The currency of the Maldives is the rufiya, which is divided into 100 larees. Notes come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 05 rufiyaa. Coins are in denominations of two and one rufiya, and 50, 25 and 10 larees. The value of the Rufiya is pegged to that of the US dollar. 1 USD is MVR 15.42. Most hotel and travel expenses will be billed in dollars. If you’re staying in a resort, all extras will be billed to your room, and you pay the day before departure. VISA, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in Resorts, Restaurants and shops here in Addu.
Bank & ATMS
There are 3 banks in Addu atoll, Bank of Maldives, State bank of India and Maldives Islamic Bank. ATMs are available and you can usually withdraw cash from your credit cards.
Taxi & Bus fare
The fare for taxis within an island is MVR25 for one trip. The rate differs if traveling between islands. The fare from Gan International Airport to Hithadhoo is MVR150. The bus fare is MVR15 to any bus stop throughout the islands.
What is the local language of Addu?
‘Addu Bas’ is spoken by the people of Addu, which is a dialect of Dhivehi bas, the official language of Maldives.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, English is widely spoken by the majority of the residents in Addu.
Are there Souvenir shops in Addu?
Yes there are a few souvenir shops located in Gan where visitors can buy various items as mementos of their trip.
Personal Health
Please be cautions to avoid sunburn and dehydration. On arrival and when traveling in the Maldives, having bottled mineral water on hand is important.
Infectious diseases are under control, dengue fever is rare. Medicines are available in the Maldives. There are two hospitals in Hithadhoo. The hospitals can treat non-trauma injuries, but any severe injures requiring specialist attention would need to be referred abroad. There are also dental facilities available.
Is the water safe for drinking?
Tap water is not safe to drink, many locals drink rain water, but it is advisable to drink bottled water which is commonly available.
Are there many mosquitoes in Addu?
Pests are strictly controlled in the resorts, but there are mosquitoes in the local islands, usually most active just before sundown. Although it may be a bit annoying at times it’s not too problematic here and there is no danger of diseases like Malaria etc. It would be a good idea for visitors to bring along mosquito repellent cream or sprays.
Are there any dangerous animals?
No, since this is a small tropical island destination there are no dangerous animals around. Few insects and bugs might cause a sting but nothing that is life threatening.
Is sun protection needed?
The Maldives is a beautiful place, sunny and wonderful but you have to take care not to get sun burnt. Bring a nice stock of Sun protection creams/spray.
Is Snorkeling and swimming safe?
Snorkeling and swimming is absolutely safe provided that you follow the precautions. There may sometimes be strong currents, so you have to be careful before going into the water. Most resorts have lifeguards. Never go out swimming or snorkeling alone.
Are there any Sharks?
The waters in Addu are filled with a diverse marine life. Many sharks roam free in the seas of Maldives since sharks are now protected. The most common sharks are reef sharks, white tips and black tips. There is nothing to fear since they are harmless. There is no report of Shark attack on humans recorded in Maldives.
Electrical Voltage
Voltage in Maldives is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location. An adapter is recommended for using appliances you bring with you. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.
Safety & Security
Addu is a relatively crime-free city. There is virtually no crime in the resorts. However in the local islands, petty crime does exist, though minimal, and pays to be careful and use common sense. Females may find them stared at, may be out of curiosity rather than to offend, unless you are not in the appropriate dress code.
Office working hours
Government:
Sunday-Thursday- 08:00 AM -03:00 PM
Private:
Saturday – Thursday – 9AM – 5PM
Friday and Saturday are official weekend.
Shop Opening Hours
9AM -12PM
2PM – 6PM ( will close for 15 minutes for prayer )
8PM – 11PM
Usually on Friday shops will only open in the afternoon.
Cafés and Restaurant opening Hours
8AM – 1AM Usually on Friday opening time in 2PM.
Holidays and Festivals
January 1 New Year’s Day
January* Islamic New Year
March* Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
April* The Day the Maldives Embraced Islam
April 27 National Day
July 26-27 Independence Day
September* Ramadan begins
October* Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends)
November 3 Victory Day
November 11 Republic Day
December* Hajj Day
December* Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
*Dates of these Muslim festivals vary from year to year as they depend on various phases of the moon.