Hulhumalé, Maldives 🇲🇻
#1962
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island near the capital, Malé. It is known for its modern infrastructure and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 70,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15.4 MVR (Maldivian Rufiyaa). ATMs available, but it's advisable to carry some cash. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offer prepaid SIM cards with data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Bank of Maldives and HSBC. Mobile payments are growing. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments like The Beehive or H78 Maldives. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted at many places, but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb offer various listings including beachfront properties. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses like Mookai Hotel are available starting around $30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the beach or the main tourist areas close to restaurants and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Residences around the Hulhumalé Central Park offer a good mix of tranquility and accessibility. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Hulhumalé offers a cozy coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Eithad is a popular spot with good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular events organized by local expat communities, check social media for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats in Maldives organize meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | InstaRyde is a reliable app for ride-hailing in Hulhumalé. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops rent bicycles and scooters for around $5-$10 a day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hulhumalé Beach, easily accessible and great for swimming and sunbathing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Maldivian conducts domestic flights to various islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and SriLankan Airlines connect to Malé. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The island is connected to Malé via a causeway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hulhumalé does not have a train system; all transport is via road or ferry. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses run frequently but are limited to Malé and nearby islands. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services to nearby islands like Thulusdhoo and Maafushi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | ADK Hospital is well-equipped and provides a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Maldives offers classes on the beach for relaxation and fitness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and local gyms are available for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer dry cleaning and washing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PickMe is a popular food and grocery delivery app in the Maldives. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mas Huni (tuna salad) is a must-try local dish, often enjoyed for breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Active restaurants like The Sea House offer vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Hulhumalé's Café 21 is famous for its desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and small grocery stores offer fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Baisam is a local online marketplace for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Biyadhoo is a grocery delivery service in Hulhumalé. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Hulhumalé has a few beach bars where you can relax at night. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery for local craft beer is not available; import beers only at some bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and drinks can be enjoyed at upscale restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit local stalls for fresh seafood and street snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Indian cuisine are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hulhumalé Central Park and the beautiful beachfront walk. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum in Malé is worth a day trip. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Old Friday Mosque in Malé for its historical value. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hulhumalé mosque is a prominent local religious structure. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Maldivian National Day is celebrated annually with parades and events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local neighborhoods to experience authentic Maldivian life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No prominent theaters in Hulhumalé, but watch for events in Malé. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hulhumalé has local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands often perform at cafés and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Watch for murals and art around the island celebrating local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes showcasing Maldivian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries, but local artists showcase work in public spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore traditional Maldivian architecture in Malé. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional fishing boats and crafts reflect the cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Enjoy nearby sandbanks and uninhabited islands for a getaway. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is a notable natural area accessible via boat. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach are perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset views from Hulhumalé Beach are stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore the nearby islands for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas on Hulhumalé Beach allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services handle delivery needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic repairs for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check community centers for table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some schools offer English and Dhivehi language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries in Malé are accessible for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers often host events and social gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafés offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local entertainment mostly revolves around social activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15% |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No stringent CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No personal tax on foreign income, making it appealing for nomads. |