Guraidhoo, Maldives 🇲🇻
#1727
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Guraidhoo is a small inhabited island in the Kaafu Atoll, known for its vibrant local culture and proximity to stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,800 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MVR (Maldivian Rufiyaa) ≈ 0.065 USD. Local banks like Bank of Maldives provide standard banking services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Non-drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available through Maldivian telecom providers like Dhiraagu and Ooredoo; prepaid SIMs are convenient. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various guesthouses and local homestays are available, catering to tourists and expats. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in many establishments, though cash is preferred in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Many guesthouses offer short-term rentals, with prices starting at around $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guraidhoo View Inn and Kaani Village & Spa are popular budget options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachside area near the local market and guesthouses like Guraidhoo Turtle Lodge. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The northern side of the island, which offers a quieter environment for working. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Eco-friendly co-working spaces are limited; local cafes with strong Wi-Fi serve this purpose. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Rehendhi Cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere and good internet for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups occur irregularly; social media groups can be useful for connecting. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Engage with locals at community events or organized beach clean-ups through groups like Guraidhoo Community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No rideshare apps; taxis can be arranged locally. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes available for rent at various guesthouses; prices around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kuda Guraidhoo Beach is the closest and well-known for its beauty. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Maldivian Airlines provide inter-atoll flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways are major carriers to Velana International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | No highways; island access by boat only. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Fishing boats and ferries connect Guraidhoo with other islands. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Ferry tickets vary by destination; a round trip to nearby islands costs around $5. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services operate regularly; speedboats can be booked for quicker travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Guraidhoo Health Centre offers basic medical services; further treatment requires travel to Malé. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; private instructors offer classes on request. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options are limited; some guesthouses may have small gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services are available at reasonable rates, typically around $5 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No specific apps; local restaurants may provide delivery upon request. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mas Huni, a traditional Maldivian dish, is a must-try for breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-based options available at several guesthouses and cafes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer treats like Fihunu Mas; try at small local cafes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the local market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; local grocery services are available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Only limited to local suppliers; larger supermarkets offer delivery in Malé. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local cafes are the primary social hangout; nightlife is quiet. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; drinks are imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some guesthouses serve imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is popular; try fish sandwiches and sweet roshi. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local cafes feature various seafood and Asian options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The local mosque and the fishing port are key places to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural venues; local arts and crafts can be observed in community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Guraidhoo’s history can be explored through its local architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Guraidhoo Mosque is notable for its unique design. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals such as Eid celebrations are highlights of the cultural calendar. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The entire island exhibits a strong local culture and community vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theaters; local performances may happen during festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The island's market offers fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local cafes occurs sporadically, mainly during events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is minimal; however, community projects occasionally beautify public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Private cooking lessons available focusing on Maldivian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited to local art displayed in cafes and guesthouses. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Maldivian homes and structures can be seen around the island. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Guraidhoo is known for its fishing culture and traditional craftsmanship. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Beautiful sandbanks and uninhabited islands perfect for day trips. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks; marine life can be explored through snorkeling and diving. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling around the island is ideal; a full loop takes about 30 minutes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Catch stunning sunsets from the west-facing beaches. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The island's wetlands and foliage attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated spots on the beach; ensure to follow local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office handles basic parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited to basic repairs; rely on Malé for specialized services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have recreational facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some locals offer language exchange sessions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community center has a small reading area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Regular community gatherings occur; great for networking. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming options; most locals use home consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No formal casinos on Guraidhoo; entertainment is primarily local. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rates typically around 15% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rates around 0%; encourages foreign investment. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Individuals are taxed on a territorial basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% for residents; no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | There are no strict CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property taxes apply to residential properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transactions incur a one-time fee of around 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from residency programs providing 0% tax on offshore income. |