MALDIVES DESCRIPTION 

Resorts in the Maldives woo tourists with promises of 'the last paradise on earth'. If your idea of paradise is a pristine, tranquil tropical island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons, then the Maldives won't disappoint.

This group of 1190 coral islands is also a major destination for scuba divers, who come for the fabulous reefs and the wealth of marine life; however, this is not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists who want to travel independently and live as the locals do.

When To Go
If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April, which is also the brilliant height of the dry season. However, this is also the main season for tourism - resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season, when many of the all-inclusive package tourists arrive from Europe and America. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain squalls and tropical storms blow in on the southwest monsoon. This is the official low season - prices are lower and there are fewer tourists but some resorts close for annual repairs. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.

Weather Overview
While it's always hot and humid, the southwest monsoon period from May to November see the most rain, storms and the least sun. The other monsoon period is perhaps more friendly: the northeast monsoon or ruvai lasts from December to March, which are quite dry and slightly cooler months. Daytime temperatures hit about 30°C (86°F) all year round and lows average in the low 20°Cs (low 70°Fs). Daytime sea breezes also help take the edge off but nights can be quite muggy.

Geography
The Maldives is a chain of 26 coral atolls southwest of Sri Lanka, extending across the equator in a north-south strip 754km (468mi) long and 118km (73mi) wide. The 1192 low-lying coral islands are so small that dry land makes up less than 4% of the country's total territory. Some islands are uninhabited sandbars with a patch of scrub, while others are several kilometers across and covered in palms and tropical scrub.

Visas Overview
Visas are required for most nationalities, but are free and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Overview
Historians believe the Maldives were once Buddhist, like nearby Sri Lanka, but today Muslim culture dominates. Television broadcasts stop five times a day for the call to prayer, foreigners are banned from bringing symbols of other religions into the country, alcohol is prohibited on non-resort islands and modest dress is essential on island tours. Before you panic, swimwear and tropical cocktails are the norm at the resorts. The closest most visitors get to authentic Divehi culture are the cultural shows laid on by resorts, or occasional village tours, which is a shame as the Maldivians are proud of their interesting island customs.

Most shows feature the traditional dance and music known as bodu beru, meaning 'big drum'. Dancers begin with a slow, nonchalant swaying and swinging of the arms, and become more animated as the tempo increases, finishing in a rhythmic frenzy. There are four to six drummers in an ensemble, and the sound has strong African influences. Contemporary local rock bands often perform at resorts, where they do credible covers of the usual old favourites. When they perform for a local audience they may incorporate elements of bodu beru in their music, with lots of percussion and extended drum solos. Cassettes from local bands are sold in Malé music shops.

Islam is the national religion and all Maldivians are Sunni Muslims. No other religions are permitted, though ancient beliefs survive: for example, islanders fear jinnis - evil spirits which come from the sea, land and sky. These are blamed for everything that cannot be explained by religion or science. Archaeologists have found evidence of Buddhist stupas and ancient sun-worshipping cultures on some of the outlying islands but little trace of these cultures has survived.

Fish and rice are the staple foods of Maldivians with meat and chicken eaten only on special occasions. National dishes include fried fish, fish curry and fish soup. Arecanut (an oval nut chewed with betel leaf, cloves and lime) is the equivalent of an after-dinner mint. Alcohol is only available in tourist resorts, and at the airport hotel. The local brew is raa, a sweet and delicious toddy tapped from the crown of the palm trunk. Apart from coconuts, there are very few fruits and vegetables grown on the islands, so most of the food served at tourist resorts is imported.Note
On December 26 2004 a massive earthquake registering 9.0 on the Richter scale struck off the west coast of Indonesia. The quake created a tsunami – a series of huge waves that spread destruction across many parts of Asia and reached as far as the east coast of Africa. The shallowness of the water surrounding the Maldives restricted the force of the tsunami but several of the islands were destroyed by flooding. Many luxury resorts were forced to close for several months for repair and rebuilding work to be completed. Those wishing to travel to the Maldives should check with a relevant tour operator, tourist board or embassy for the latest advice prior to travel (see General Info). For up-to-date information visit www.visitmaldives.com.

For a long time, the Republic of Maldives was one of the best-kept secrets in the world; a beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, a paradise for scuba divers, watersports enthusiasts and sunseekers alike. All of these attractions are still very much in evidence but, in recent years, the tourism potential of the country has been developed in the form of a large number of island resorts. Several tour operators have added the Maldives to their programs, and since the introduction of direct flights from Europe, the islands have become an increasingly popular long-haul destination.
The Maldives consist of 26 natural atolls, approximately 1190 islands in all, most of them uninhabited. Most of the resorts are to be found in Malé (Kaafu) Atoll. A few are found in Vaavu, Baa and Lhaviyani. Alifu (Ari) Atoll has been declared the new Tourism Zone of the Maldives and work to upgrade and build new resorts is progressing in this area. All resorts offer night-fishing trips, superb snorkeling and windsurfing, and most have facilities for scuba diving, catamaran sailing, para-sailing, banana-boating, water-skiing and volleyball. Some offer other sporting facilities, including badminton and tennis.
This guide describes some of the major resort islands in the Maldives. Further information can be obtained from tour operators or by contacting the island resort directly.

Kaafu (Malé) Atoll – North
Malé
The capital of the Maldives, Malé, is situated close to the airport on the southern point of the North Malé Atoll. Although accommodation is available, very few foreign visitors stay in the capital; even those doing business normally stay in one of the nearby resort islands and travel to Malé by boat. The capital has several shops which sell examples of local handicrafts and imported goods. Other attractions include the Mulee-aage, a former palace; National Museum, located in the Sultan’s Park with a superb collection of artifacts including Sultanese thrones and palanquins; the fish and vegetable markets; the beautiful 17th-century Hukuru (or Friday Mosque); and the Islamic Center, with its magnificent golden dome. There are over 20 other mosques scattered around Malé.

Baros
Covering a land area of 60,680 sq m (653,160 sq ft) and with a beach length of 1024m (3360ft), this oval-shaped island is located approximately one hour by boat from the airport. One side of the island is full of corals, within 3 to 6m (10 to 20ft) of the shallow beach, perfect for snorkeling and diving lessons, whilst the other side is a superb beach ideal for swimming and water-skiing.

Bandos
East of Baros is the island of Bandos, one of the larger resorts whose accommodation consists of well-furnished beach bungalows with a view of the beach. There is a particularly good diving school; one of the attractions is a dive down to the aptly-named Shark Point.

Hudhuveli
Situated on the east side of the North Malé Atoll, Hudhuveli is, like Bandos and Vaadhu, operated by Deen’s Orchid Agency. It is a modern beach resort with single-unit bungalows with straw roofing and freshwater showers.

Ihuru
This small island is exceedingly beautiful and much photographed. The accommodation consists of simple bungalows.

Kurumba
A tiny island covering an area of half a square mile, Kurumba is 15 minutes by boat from the airport and 10 minutes from Malé. There are conference facilities, swimming pools, gymnasia and jacuzzis, as well as five restaurants. Most watersports can be arranged, including scuba diving; the colorful fish in the lagoon will eat out of your hand.

Nakatchafushi
Situated on the west side of the North Malé Atoll and boasting the country’s largest lagoon, Nakatchafushi is perhaps one of the most photographed of all the islands. Located on the western side of the Malé Atoll, it is 24km (15 miles) from the airport (travel time - approximately 90 minutes). The lagoon is perfect for watersports and a long strip of sand at the western end of the island is a haven for beachcombers. There is also a swimming pool.

Full Moon (Furana)
This resort can be reached in 20 minutes from the airport. The resort’s deep lagoon makes it a favorite base for visiting yachts. It also boasts a gymnasium, a business center and five restaurants.

Giraavaru
The island of Giraavaru lies 11km (7 miles) west of the airport. It can be reached by speed boat (travel time – 15 minutes) or by normal transfer boat (travel time – 45 minutes). The well-appointed rooms face either a tropical garden or have a view of the Indian Ocean.

Reethi Rah
An untouched and beautiful island on the northwest of the North Malé Atoll. Thatched bungalows and 10 water bungalows built on stilts over the lagoon are influenced by local architectural styles without missing any of the modern comforts.

Makunudhoo
This island is reached by a two-hour voyage from the airport. It is one of the most expensive resorts and one that is renowned for its food. The Maldivian-run island probably provides the best anchorage of any resort and always has yachts for charter. It is protected on all sides by a beautiful lagoon. The accommodation consists of individual thatched bungalows situated in coconut groves leading down to the beach.

Kanifinolhu (Kani)
The island of Kanifinolhu (Kani) is on the eastern edge of the North Malé Atoll. The seas around the island boast some of the best inside reefs in the country, and the protection provided by the external reef makes diving possible even in the roughest conditions. The style of the accommodation is influenced by local and oriental design and some rooms have air conditioning. The island has a desalination plant for fresh water.

Other resorts
The resorts of Farukolhufushi (Club Med) and Thulhaagiri have superb facilities for watersports. Both have a swimming pool and Thulhaagiri has one windsurfing board for every twin-bedded room. Club Med has a qualified team organizing sport and leisure activities during the day and in the evening. Summer Island Village offers 93 air-conditioned rooms in an idyllic tropical setting.
Other highly regarded North Malé resorts are Boduhithi and the neighboring Kudahithi and, closer to the airport, Lhohifushi, which has a beautiful lagoon and a wide range of watersport facilities. Kudahithi, one of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives, has only six units – excellent for small, private groups.

Kaafu (Malé) Atoll – South
Still in the Malé (Kaafu) Atoll, but to the south of the airport, are a further score of resorts. Notable among these are Biyadhoo and Villivaru which are 33km (21 miles) from the airport. Both are owned and managed by the Taj Group from India.

Coco Island
The nearby Coco Island has only eight two-story thatched huts, all of which are beautifully furnished. Private groups can rent the entire resort.

Veligandu Huraa (Palm Tree Island) and Dhigufinolhu
To the east of Coco Island, these ‘twin’ islands are connected by a causeway across the lagoon. The latter is the livelier of the two, with more rooms and more in the way of entertainment: Veligandu Huraa has individual bungalows and a more intimate atmosphere. They are only a gentle stroll away from each other should one feel the need for a change of mood.

Kadooma
South of Coco Island is Kandooma, where flowering shrubs surround chalet-style accommodation. Trips can be arranged to the nearby fishing village.

Bodufinolhu (Fun Island)
Located on the south eastern reef of the South Malé Atoll, this island is ringed with a massive lagoon and connected to two uninhabited islets which can be reached on foot at low tide. All rooms are on the beachfront with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, IDD telephones and hot and cold desalinated water.

Embudu Village
Located 11km (7 miles) from the airport in South Malé Atoll, this resort offers 36 non-air-conditioned bungalows, 72 air-conditioned bungalows and 16 deluxe bungalows built over the lagoon. It boasts a house reef as well as two wrecks, caves and drop offs.

Vaadhu
This diving paradise, on the north tip of the South Malé Atoll and about 45 minutes by taxi boat and 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport, has a fully-equipped diving school. There are 31 cabana-style rooms on this island whose features include freshwater showers, and which reflect the high level of capital investment which has been made in the resort.

Other Atolls
Most of the other resorts are to be found in the North and South Malé Atolls, but there are also several others, most in the northern island groups (see map).

Alifu (Ari) Atoll
Resorts in the Alifu (Ari) Atoll, which is to the west of Malé with 26 resorts, include Kuramathi, a relatively large island which has first-class facilities and offers an excellent beach, superb diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing and night fishing and has three resorts. Aribeach is a 121-room resort offering standard and superior accommodation with hot and cold fresh water, air conditioning and a superb range of scuba diving and watersport facilities. Nika Island is a small, away-from-it-all, upmarket, 25-room resort offering clients some of the most comfortable boats in the Maldives. Fesdu is situated in the heart of the atoll rather than on the periphery. Accommodation consists of 50 thatched round-houses, all of which are close to the beach. Angaga, also in Ari Atoll, is small and impressively constructed in traditional Maldivian style and with air-conditioned rooms and fresh hot and cold water. Among other resorts are Bathala, Ellaidoo, Gangehi, Halaveli, Maayaafushi, Machchafushi and Madoogali. Several others are under construction or have recently opened and there are now 23 resorts in the Ari Atoll.

Baa Atoll
The Baa Atoll is about 130km (80 miles) northwest of the capital, one of the few places where traditional arts and crafts are still practiced, and now home to five resorts. The atoll’s coral reefs are in pristine condition and are famous for the large number of mantas and reef sharks visiting during the southwest monsoon (May to July). The resorts of Reethi Beach and Coco Palm are both 5-star, each with over 100 rooms divided into three categories of luxurious villas. There are five restaurants, a fully equipped gym and even squash and tennis courts. Unlike other islands, Baa has its own in-house doctor. Transfer is a 30-minute journey by sea plane or helicopter from the airport. The Soneva Fushi resort, situated on Kunfunadhoo Island, has 62 villas, all scattered along the beach front on both sides of the island. It is situated 121km (75 miles) north of Malé airport (travel time – 25 to 30 minutes by Hummingbird Island Airways). Soneva Fushi has two main restaurants, both offering interior and exterior dining with local and international cuisine. The atoll’s other resort is Royal Island, which has facilities for a wide range of watersports, a health spa and a professional dive school.

Elsewhere
To the north of the North Kaafu Atoll is Lhaviani Atoll with the fairly simple 250-bungalow Kuredhdhoo resort, essentially a spot for the besotted diver. Immediately south of the South Kaafu Atoll is the Vaavu Atoll, with some of the best diving in the entire archipelago. A well established, long-popular resort, especially among visiting Italians, is the 70-bungalow Alimatha.
Most tourism is in the northern atolls, but Seenu, the southernmost atoll of the archipelago (situated south of the equator), is known to many as the site of a former RAF staging post in Gan. It provides tourist accommodation at the Ocean Reef Club. There is a regular, heavily booked domestic flight between Malé and Gan.Watersports
Exceptional and easily accessible underwater life makes the Maldives one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling destinations. All of the resorts have professional dive schools with fully qualified multilingual instructors offering a range of courses, from beginners to full PADI certification. Basic diving equipment is provided in all resorts and some also rent out underwater cameras. Dive schools organize daily dive boat trips to sites around the islands throughout the year. Night dives and special trips for more experienced divers are also available. Most of the resorts also offer reef sightseeing trips on glass-bottomed boats. Below is a selection of the best dive sites in the Maldives:
Maldives Victory Wreck: The wreck of the Maldives Victory (which sank in 1981) lies on the western side of Hulule island at a depth of 35m (115ft). Due to strong currents, this dive is for experienced divers only.
Mushimasmingili Thila (Shark Thila): Located in the northern section of the Ari Atoll, close to the islands of Fesdu, Halaveli, Ellaidhu and Maayafushi. Renowned for its abundance in fish, notably grey reef shark, giant snappers and tropical reef fish.
Guraidhoo Corner: Near the islands of Losfushi, Guraidhoo and Kandooma, this reef lies on the east side of the South Malé Atoll. Powerful vertical currents make this suitable for experienced divers only. The reef is particularly known for its large fish, including grey reef sharks, eagle rays, sailfish and large snappers.
Kuda Rah Thila (Broken Rock): Located in the southernmost corner of the Ari Atoll, close to the islands of Dhangethi and Dhigurah. Good for less experienced divers as the currents are fairly weak.
Banana Reef: Located on the eastern side of the North Malé Atoll, near the islands of Fullmoon Island, Farukolh, Fushi and Kurumba. Strong currents make for an exceptionally abundant marine life, with reef sharks, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips all present. The large lagoons surrounding most of the islands are ideal for windsurfing, a sport extensively catered for in all resorts (with windsurfing schools available in most of them). Surfing has recently become popular and there are numerous resorts on the atoll edges that have good waves, notably those located in the north of the South Malé atolls. Many resorts offer regular boat trips to surf breaks. The best time for surfing is during the northeast monsoon (November to April). A list of the best surfing spots is available from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (see General Info section). Most resorts also have water-skiing facilities and catamarans for hire. Most of the larger resorts also offer facilities and courses for parasailing. In order to allow visitors to see more than one of the Maldives’ many islands, several types of sailing cruises are available (including diving safaris or relaxing cruises through the atolls). Some boats offer luxury accommodation and all modern amenities, while others offer more basic facilities. Further details can be obtained from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (see General Info section).

Note
Visitors should note that the Maldives adhere to a strict reef and marine conservation policy and that severe penalties may be imposed for disrespecting the environment (see also ‘Prohibited Items’ in the Duty Free section).

Fishing
For the people of the Maldives, fishing has been a lifeline and, with over 99 per cent of the Maldives’ total area consisting of water, the country has some of the world’s best fishing grounds. Many resorts offer fishing trips on modern speedboats equipped for big game fishing. Night fishing for groupers, snappers, squirrelfish or barracuda is particularly popular. Fishing trips will usually end with a barbecue at the resort with the day’s catch being cooked and eaten.

Note
As a conservation measure, sport fishing is confined to the tag and release method. The use of harpoon guns and hunting of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins and large fish such as the whale shark is strictly prohibited. The fishing and collection of the following is also prohibited: turtle, Napolean wrasse, berried and small lobster, conch, giant clam and black coral.

Excursions
Different types of excursions are available. Island-hopping tours usually last for a full or half day and frequently combine a visit to a fishing village with a trip to an uninhabited island (where often a beach barbecue will be served). Traditional boats (dhoni) or speedboats can be hired privately. There are options for spending a day and night alone on an uninhabited island. Aerial excursions usually combine aerial sightseeing with diving. Photo flights are also possible. Further details can be obtained from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (see General Info section).

Other
Some resorts have facilities for sports such as tennis, football, volleyball and badminton.

Location
A group of islands in the Indian Ocean, 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India.

Area
298 sq km (115 sq miles).

Population
338,000 (UN, 2005).

Population Density
1134 per sq km.

Capital
Malé.
Population: 70,000 (2005).

Government
Republic since 1965. Gained independence from the UK in 1965.

Recent history: Islam is a central feature of the country’s life and is now supervised by a Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, working under direct presidential control. With no formal political parties, the Maldives’ politics are personality based; no credible threat to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has emerged in the 25 years during which he has held power, not least because dissent is firmly repressed by Gayoom’s security forces. The only overt sign of discontent in recent years came in September 2003 when the death of several prisoners sparked riots in the capital. Nonetheless, after the riots were quelled, Gayoom – underpinned by his reputation for good economic management – went on to secure a record sixth term of office at the presidential poll in November 2003.
Under the revised constitution which came into effect in 1998, the legislature, or Majlis, has 48 members. Of these, 40 are directly elected for a five-year term in multi-seat constituencies, and the remaining eight are Presidential appointees. The president holds executive power assisted by an appointed ministerial cabinet. Outside the capital, however, considerable power is exercised by the atoll chiefs (Atholhu Verins), who are appointed by the president.

Language
The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used within tourist areas.

Religion
The indigenous population is almost entirely Sunni Muslim.

Time
GMT + 5.

Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common.

Head of State
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom since 1978, re-elected 2003.

Telephone
Country code: 960.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Handsets can by hired by the day.

Internet
The Internet can be accessed from most areas of the Maldives. Malé, the capital, has an Internet cafe and almost all resorts facilitate the sending and receiving of e-mails.

Media
Criticism of the state is limited, and the government occasionally closes media outlets for this reason. Self-regulation by the media has meant that there has been only isolated official action against journalists.

Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes about one week.

Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0730-1330 and 1600-1750.

Press
• Local dailies which publish in the Dhivehi language have some English-language pages and concentrate on local and regional topics.
• The Maldives News Bulletin is published weekly in English.
• The other dailies Aafathis Daily News (website: www.aafathisnews.com.mv), Haveeru Daily (website: www.haveeru.com.mv) and Miadhu News (website: www.miadhu.com) have English sections.
• Information about local events is widely available on all the resort islands.

Social Conventions
Dress is informal, but locals who are Muslim will be offended by nudity or scanty clothing in public places, and the Government rigidly enforces these standards. Bikinis and other scanty beachwear are not acceptable in Malé or on any other inhabited island; they should be restricted to resort islands only. When entering a mosque, the legs and the body, but not the neck and the face, should be covered. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. The indigenous population not involved in the tourist trade lives in isolated island communities maintaining almost total privacy. A large number of locals smoke, but smoking and eating during Ramadan is discouraged.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The national airline is Island Aviation Services (Q2) (website: www.island.com.mv).

Departure Tax
None.

Main Airports
Hulule International (MLE) (Malé) on Hulule Island is 2km (1.2 miles) from Malé (journey time by boat – 15 minutes). To/from the airport: Boats travel from the airport to Malé. Boats from the various island resorts meet each arriving plane to take visitors to their accommodation. There is no scheduled transfer from Hulule Island to the other islands. Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways operate special transfer trips to most resorts. If an advance booking has been made, representatives of the resorts will receive tourists at the airport and will take care of all onward transport arrangements. Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, bank, duty-free shops, snack bar, post office and restaurant.

Getting There by Water
Many cruise ships stop over at the Maldives islands as part of their itinerary.

Overview
The following goods may be imported into the Maldives without incurring customs duty:
A reasonable amount of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco; a reasonable number of gifts.

Pornographic literature; idols of worship; dogs, pigs or pork products; explosives and weapons; alcoholic beverages. Drugs are strictly prohibited; the penalty for importing drugs for personal or other use is life imprisonment. Animals require a veterinary certificate.
The following may not be exported in any form: tortoise and turtle shells and products made of turtle shell (the Government has banned the killing of turtles), and black coral in whole form.
Note: An official license is required to import alcohol.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Internal air services are operated by Island Aviation Services, linking Malé with Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo and Gan. There are also services to Hanimaadhoo in the north, although these islands will not be on most visitors’ itineraries.
A number of companies operate twin-otter and float plane services around the Maldives. The transfer from the airport to the resort islands may be an optional extra on the tour. These services are also available for trips around the islands.

Getting Around by Water
Visitors generally remain on their resort island for the duration of their stay, although island-hopping trips by ferries are widely available. Local charter boats are also easily available for hire. High-speed boats meet arrivals at the airport, supplied by the resort they are booked with, and boats are available for hire at the ferry counter near the jetty area. The speedboats connect the airport with Ari Atoll and some outlying islands. The indigenous inhabitants, however, live a parochial life and tend to visit only Malé, and even then irregularly.

Getting Around by Road
Travel on individual islands does not present any problem since few of them take longer than half an hour to cross on foot. In Malé, it is possible to take taxis.Local purchases include sea shells (only when bought in official shops; they may not be removed from the beach or from the sea), lacquered wooden boxes and reed mats. Jewelry to purchase includes gold, silver, coral, mother-of-pearl and turtle-shell items. However, there are strict prohibitions against the export of coral and turtle-shell.

Shopping hours
Sat-Thurs 0830-2300, Fri 1330-2300. Shops officially shut for 15 minutes five times a day in deference to Muslim prayer times; however, this rule is not always strictly adhered to in the tourist areas away from the capital.

Currency Information:

Currency
Maldivian Rufiya (MVR) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of MVR500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of MVR2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.

Currency Exchange
Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, traveller’s cheques or credit cards.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Most major island resorts, local and souvenir shops will accept American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, MasterCard and Visa. Arrangements vary from island to island. There are ATMs at a few places on the Capital Island.

Traveller's Cheques
These are generally accepted in Sterling and US Dollars. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours
Sun-Thurs 0800-1330.Passport/Visa