Himmafushi, Maldives 🇲🇻
#1781
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Himmafushi is a small island located in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant local culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MVR ≈ 0.065 USD, ATMs available on the island, but credit cards are accepted at some locations. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, with prepaid packs starting around 30 MVR. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted in some shops and restaurants. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, local homes, and small hotels like Kaani Village & Spa. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cards are accepted in many places but cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Kaani Village & Spa offers rooms from 60 USD per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Himmafushi's beachfront area provides easy access to water sports and local dining. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Focusing on guesthouses near the beach allows for a balance of work and leisure. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking space, but many guesthouses offer working areas with Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaani Village & Spa has a comfortable area to work while enjoying coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal meetups can be arranged with other nomads at local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups exist for connecting with local and visiting expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, no ride-sharing apps currently exist. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented on the island for around 100 MVR per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Himmafushi Beach is known for its beautiful sand and clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Manta Air offers connections to other islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Maldives operates international flights to the area. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited; boat transfers are required to reach the island from the airport. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; access is predominantly by boat. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Basic ferry services operate daily between Male and Himmafushi. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Speedboat transfers to Malé take approximately 30 minutes. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Local health clinic is available, but for major concerns, services in Malé are recommended. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Several wellness retreats offer yoga sessions, such as Atmosphere Kanifushi. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; some guesthouses may have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at most guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local dining options available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mas Huni - a traditional breakfast dish made with fish and coconut. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local restaurants often cater to vegetarians with fresh ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional Maldivian sweets, try 'Huni Kakuni'. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets on the island, selling fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Consider using international shipping options for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local stores offer basic supplies. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | There are a few bars along the beachfront offering casual atmospheres. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brews are available; most bars serve international beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options, mostly available in larger resorts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy local snacks from vendors near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and seafood are commonly found at local restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the local mosque and enjoy cultural experiences at community gatherings. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local cultural exhibits can be found in Malé. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Engage with local history through guided island tours. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mosque in Himmafushi is the central spot for local worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Maldives National Day is celebrated annually with local festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the entire island for a true local experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | None, but informal cultural performances may occur at community events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly market offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local performances may occur; enjoy island music settings at social events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some local artistry can be found throughout the island. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes may be available through guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited local showcases; art can be found in local homes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Maldivian houses can be found scattered around the island. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural heritage is strong, with a focus on fishing and craft. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore uninhabited islands nearby through day trips. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks, but marine ecosystems are abundant. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The island is small, making for easy walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Beautiful sunset spots can be found along the western beach. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Opportunity for birdwatching in nearby natural spots at low tide. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local options for basic parcel delivery available through guesthouses. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Very limited; best to seek repairs in Malé. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local guesthouses may offer game facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; local schools may have English programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Guesthouses can provide quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community gatherings may occur at community centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | None available; best to engage in outdoor activities instead. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nonexistent; local entertainment is mainly water sports and beach activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $216,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residency; income from Maldives is subject to tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 33%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, provisions exist but are not heavily enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; minimal fees apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A transfer tax of 3% is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads may benefit from a lack of personal income tax for non-residents. |