Resort Package Overcharges
Hidden Fees on All-Inclusive Deals
Tour operators or resort staff in the Maldives advertise all-inclusive packages but add hidden charges for activities like snorkeling or spa sessions, such as an extra 500 MVR per person for equipment that was supposedly included, often on transfer islands like Hulhulé before reaching resorts.
- Review the fine print of packages from official Maldivian Tourism Board-listed operators and confirm inclusions in writing
- Pay with credit cards for easier disputes on hidden fees
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs in English or Dhivehi before booking, and compare with standard rates like 2000 MVR for basic snorkeling
Fake Excursion Vendors
Unlicensed vendors on public ferries or in Malé markets pose as official guides for atoll excursions, selling trips to places like Banana Reef but canceling or providing subpar services, charging upfront fees of around 1000 MVR that are non-refundable.
- Only book through licensed operators with Maldives Tourism Board certification, identifiable by official badges
- Verify excursion details via the resort's app or website before paying
- Avoid cash payments; use mobile payment apps popular in Maldives for traceable transactions
Souvenir Authenticity Scams
Counterfeit Local Crafts
Vendors in markets like those in Malé sell items labeled as authentic Maldivian handicrafts, such as fake cowrie shell jewelry or laabeyka mats, which are mass-produced imports, charging inflated prices like 300 MVR for items worth 50 MVR.
- Purchase from certified cooperative shops or resorts that source from local artisans in the atolls
- Ask for authenticity certificates and check for traditional Dhivehi markings before buying
- Haggle politely but set a budget based on average market rates, and inspect items for quality indicators like handwoven patterns