Travelling to the Maldives? 

Get the best Maldivian rufiyaa exchange rates online 

Gear up for your Maldivian adventure with Manor FX. We offer the best GBP to Maldivian rufiyaa exchange rates, giving you more Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) for an unforgettable trip.

Choose safe delivery to your home or place of work. Or pick-up at our bureau near Heathrow. 

Our easy online system makes it a breeze to order Maldivian rufiyaa currency. 

Change pounds to Maldivian rufiyaa today with Manor FX.

Maldivian travel money

Dreaming of lounging on the Maldives’ pristine beaches or diving in crystal-clear waters? Let’s sort you out with key Maldives travel tips about currency for the Maldives and card payments there.

What money do I need in the Maldives?

The local currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. The Currency code is MVR, and the Maldivian Rufiyaa symbol is Rf or ރ.   

Where can I buy rufiyaa in the United Kingdom? 

Maldivian rufiyaa isn’t as commonly sold as other currencies, so it’s a good idea to sort it before you go. 

You can easily buy Maldivian rufiyaa online with us for great rates, avoiding the airport’s high charges.

Enjoy hassle-free currency exchange with Manor FX. Our process is straightforward, and our rates are hard to beat, giving you more to spend on your Maldivian adventure. 

If you’re passing by Heathrow, pop into our bureau for the same great Maldivian currency rate. 

Where can I buy MVR?

Because of its more niche demand, you won’t find MVR at every bank or post office. 

Dedicated foreign exchange companies, like us here at Manor FX, are your best bet. 

We offer the best Maldivian rufiyaa exchange rates and secure delivery options.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Maldives?

Absolutely, it’s wise to have some Maldivian rufiyaa ready for those initial expenses like transport, meals, and small buys when you land.

What is the best currency to take to the Maldives?

The Maldivian rufiyaa is the best currency to take to the Maldives. It’s the official tender you’ll need for most transactions there.

While you might get away with USD in some places, it’s not a sure thing, and you could end up losing out on exchange rates. Stick to the Maldivian rufiyaa for a smooth trip.

Do I need to carry USD to the Maldives?

It’s not absolutely necessary, but carrying some US dollars (USD) to the Maldives is a good idea, as it’s widely accepted in tourist areas. 

However, local transactions use Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), so you may also need some local currency.

Are pounds accepted in Maldives?

British pounds are not widely accepted in the Maldives. It’s best to use USD or exchange GBP for Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) before you go.

Can I use a credit card in the Maldives?

Yes, you can use credit cards in the Maldives, especially to pay bills at resorts, hotels, and in tourist areas. 

However, it’s best to carry some money for small local shops or remote islands.

The Maldives is getting into contactless payments. Spot the contactless symbol, and you can tap your card for purchases up to 2,000 Maldivian rufiyaas. For more, you’ll need your PIN.  

If you plan to use your card to pay in the Maldives, be aware of currency conversion fees and bank charges.  

Your bank’s Maldivian rufiyaa to GBP rate might not be the best, as banks often add their markup.

Before using your card in the Maldives, it’s wise to give your bank a heads-up. This stops them from flagging your overseas transactions as suspicious and blocking your card.

Should I use cash or card in the Maldives?

Cash is king in the Maldives, especially for smaller purchases and places outside the main areas. We recommend having a good amount of Maldivian rufiyaa on hand.

Don’t forget to change any leftover Maldivian rufiyaa back to pounds with us when you get back home. 

How much cash should I take to the Maldives?

It depends on your travel style, but here’s a rough guide: 

Budget travellers can survive on £25–£50 (500–1,000 Maldivian rufiyaa) per day, which covers guesthouses, local meals, and basic activities. 

Mid-range comfort and some excursions cost around £100–£150 (2,000–3,000 Maldivian rufiyaa) daily. 

Luxury escapes can exceed £250 (5,000+ Maldivian rufiyaa) per day.  

Prices rise in peak season, so book ahead and check out our guide to travelling with cash.

Avoiding ATM fees in the Maldives

Stick to ATMs from big banks for fewer fees, and consider taking out larger sums less often to reduce charges. 

Check if your bank has any local partners to use their ATMs for free. Or, order Maldivian rufiyaa from us before you go to skip the ATM fees altogether.

Is the Maldives cheap or expensive?

The Maldives can be a mix. Basic eats and local transport are quite affordable, but resorts and activities can mount up. 

Is the Maldives budget-friendly for tourists?

Yes, the Maldives can cater to all budgets. Local meals and transport are pretty cheap, and many natural attractions are free or low-cost. 

Tipping in the Maldives

Tipping is a nice way to show appreciation for good service. Restaurants usually expect about 10%, and a little extra is always welcome for taxis and hotel staff.

What currency do you tip in Maldives?

Tipping in the Maldives is usually done in USD, especially at resorts. On local islands, you can also tip in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

Republic of Maldives currency

Bank notes in the Maldives

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR, Rf), issued and regulated by the Maldives Monetary Authority, the country’s central bank. 

Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Maldivian rufiyaa, each with a distinct denomination value, colour, and design. 

These Maldivian rufiyaa notes feature rich cultural imagery such as a woman making ekels, neckline threading, a boy reciting, cowry shells, a conch shell, traditional hand carved vase, or scenes of boats and skipjack tuna—highlighting the country’s heritage and island life.

Printed on polymer, the notes are durable and legal tender. The reverse typically depicts nature, wildlife, or daily life in the Maldives, reinforcing the nation’s environmental identity.

Be mindful of the condition of Maldives money, and watch out for fake notes. 

Coins in the Maldives 

In the Maldives, coins in circulation come in several small denominations, such as 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 laari, and there’s also a 1 and 2 Maldivian rufiyaa coin.  

Each coin has a different size and design, showing things like boats, palm trees, and traditional Maldivian symbols. 

The coins are used for everyday small purchases, and it’s fun to see the different pictures on them when you’re buying something. Again, be aware of their authenticity.

Maldivian currency import and export regulations

You can bring in and take out up to 20,000 Maldivian rufiyaas per person, but foreign currency is unlimited as long as you declare amounts over a certain threshold. 

Note that Indian and Pakistani currencies are a no-go.

Learn about how much cash you can travel with here.

Ordering Maldivian rufiyaa online

Swap your British pounds to Maldivian rufiyaa with us for a smooth transaction and quick delivery right to your door. 

Or pop into our travel money shop near Heathrow to buy Maldivian rufiyaa in the UK at the same great Maldivian rufiyaa exchange rate.

Exchanging Maldivian currency to GBP

Got Maldivian rufiyaa left over from when you visited the Maldives? 

Exchange your Maldives currency to GBP with us for a great rate, ensuring you’re not out of pocket. Convert Maldivian rufiyaa to pounds now.

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