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🇲🇻 Maldives: plugs, time difference, currency & tipping

The practical stuff UK travellers need to know before going to the Maldives, including Malé.

Plug adapter from the UK?ProbablyType C, D, G, J, K, L
Voltage230VSame as UK (230V)
Local time now–+5h / +4h vs UK
CurrencyMVRMaldivian rufiyaa (US dollars widely used at resorts)
Drive on theLeftSame as UK
TippingRound up – 10%Restaurants

🔌 Plugs & adapters

Possibly. UK-style type G sockets are common, but you'll also find other types, so pack a universal travel adapter to be safe.

The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

  • Type C: Two round pins (the "Europlug")
  • Type D: Three large round pins in a triangle
  • Type G: Three rectangular pins (the UK plug)
  • Type J: Three round pins (Swiss)
  • Type K: Three round pins (Danish)
  • Type L: Three round pins in a row (Italian)

Check another destination →

🕒 Time difference

The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 4 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Convert a time to the Maldives →

💶 Money & tipping

The Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa (US dollars widely used at resorts) (MVR).

Resorts add a 10% service charge. Extra tips for staff are optional.

Work out a tip →

🚗 Driving

Traffic drives on the left, the same as in the UK. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →

🗣️ Language & phone

Main language: Dhivehi (English widely spoken). Dialling code: +960.

Quick answers for the Maldives

Plug adapterTime differenceTippingCurrencyDriving sideCan I use my hair straighteners?Can I use my hairdryer?Can I use my phone charger?Can I use my laptop charger?Can I use my electric toothbrush?Can I use my electric shaver?

Places in the Maldives

Malé

Common questions

Do I need a plug adapter for the Maldives?

Possibly. UK-style type G sockets are common, but you'll also find other types, so pack a universal travel adapter to be safe. The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

What plug type does the Maldives use?

The Maldives uses type C, D, G, J, K, L: type C – Two round pins (the "Europlug"); type D – Three large round pins in a triangle; type G – Three rectangular pins (the UK plug); type J – Three round pins (Swiss); type K – Three round pins (Danish); type L – Three round pins in a row (Italian). The voltage is 230V at 50Hz.

What is the time difference between the UK and the Maldives?

The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 4 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Which side of the road do they drive on in the Maldives?

On the left, the same as the UK.

What currency is used in the Maldives?

The Maldivian rufiyaa (US dollars widely used at resorts) (MVR).

Do you tip in the Maldives?

Resorts add a 10% service charge. Extra tips for staff are optional.

What is the dialling code for the Maldives?

+960. From a UK phone, dial +960 and drop the first 0 of the local number.

For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.