Maldives - currency

The currency in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa (Rf).

1. • Cowry shells were the first currency used in the Maldives!

The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is classed as an exotic currency, which means most UK banks and high-street travel-money desks don’t stock it. A few specialist online providers do sell rufiyaa for home delivery, but availability can vary and sell-back options are limited.
Don’t worry if you don’t order any before you go - you can easily exchange British pounds on arrival at the airport or in Malé.

• One rufiyaa is worth just under 5p. If you bring £200, you’ll get about Rf 4,050.

• You’ll mostly use bank notes:Rf 5 (worth just over 20p), Rf 10, Rf 20, Rf 50, Rf 100, and Rf500 (just over £22). There are also Rf 1 and Rf 2 coins.

• One rufiyaa (Rf 1) equals 100 laari. Laari coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 laari.  A 10 laari coin is worth less than half a penny.

• The US dollar is widely accepted throughout the Maldives. So, you could use up any USA currency you might have, or change your sterling into dollars before you leave the UK.

• Credit cards are accepted in hotels but you’ll most likely need cash when you’re out and about.