Money in Maldives
Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- MVRMaldivian rufiyaa
- Symbol
- Rf
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Maldives
Resorts usually price in US dollars. Local islands use rufiyaa.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Local currency is mainly needed at local guesthouses and when shopping in Male. Small US dollar bills are useful for tips.
- ATMs
- ATMs are easily found in Male according to Bamboo Travel, and World Travel Guide adds that they are common on larger inhabited islands. Bring cash for smaller islands.
- Foreign currency
- Resorts generally take US dollars and cards rather than rufiyaa, and US dollars are also widely accepted outside resorts including in Male.
- Exchanging money
- Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, resort islands and hotels. Bamboo Travel says to avoid exchanging at the airport unless pre-ordered.
- Watch out for
- Rufiyaa is hard to exchange outside the Maldives, so do not plan to change leftover rufiyaa abroad. Arrangements vary from island to island, so confirm payment methods in advance.
Tipping in Maldives
Resorts usually add a service charge, and staff often welcome extra tips in US dollars.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Bamboo Travel, Original Travel, World Travel Guide, Experience Travel Group, Amaldives, Lonely Planet.
Convert to and from MVR
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15.46 MVR | 17.32 MVR | 20.74 MVR |
| 10 | 155 MVR | 173 MVR | 207 MVR |
| 50 | 773 MVR | 866 MVR | 1,037 MVR |
| 100 | 1,546 MVR | 1,732 MVR | 2,074 MVR |
| 500 | 7,730 MVR | 8,659 MVR | 10,372 MVR |
What each amount is worth in MVR. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Maldives use?
Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR).
Do you need to tip in Maldives?
Appreciated. Resorts usually add a service charge, and staff often welcome extra tips in US dollars.
Can you pay by card in Maldives?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Local currency is mainly needed at local guesthouses and when shopping in Male. Small US dollar bills are useful for tips.
Are there ATMs in Maldives?
ATMs are easily found in Male according to Bamboo Travel, and World Travel Guide adds that they are common on larger inhabited islands. Bring cash for smaller islands.