Maafushi, Maldives 🇲🇻
#1217
3.941157, 73.489928
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Maafushi is a local island in the Maldives, known for its vibrant culture and proximity to stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 2,400 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 10-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MVR (Maldivian Rufiyaa) ≈ 0.065 USD; ATMs are available, and Visa/Mastercard accepted in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offer prepaid SIM cards with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and N26 widely used; local banks have limited expat-friendly services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, beachside hotels, and hostels; prices range from $30 to $150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; many businesses still prefer cash, particularly smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers numerous options; prices generally range from $40 to $200 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Pension Red Rose and Aguasports offer budget-friendly prices starting at $30 a night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces; some cafes offer work-friendly environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaani Beach Hotel's cafe is popular among digital nomads for its beachfront views and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Few organized events; local Facebook groups can connect expats and remote workers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community beach BBQs and social events organized by guesthouses. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride-hailing apps, taxis are available but may require negotiation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented for about $5 per day at various guesthouses. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bikini Beach is the most popular and accessible beach for tourists. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Maldivian operates inter-island flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines serve the Maldives. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited to ferries; no major highways due to the island's geography. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Not applicable; transportation is mainly via ferries and speedboats. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Ferry tickets from Malé to Maafushi cost approximately $2. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Speedboats to nearby islands can be booked daily. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Maafushi Health Center provides basic healthcare, for emergencies, travel to Malé. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Spa and wellness services available at several resorts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some guesthouses have small fitness areas. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laudromat services are available for about $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is not prevalent; local restaurants may provide takeaway. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mas Huni, a traditional breakfast dish made from tuna, coconut, and onion. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Rasdhoo Restaurant offers a few vegan-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Maafushi Bakery has a variety of pastries and snacks. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local fish market and shops in Maafushi for affordable produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; local markets are preferred for fresh goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; local shops stock essentials. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local beach bars offer casual nightlife; music events are seasonal. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local beer options; resorts usually serve imported brands. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; alcohol is typically served in resorts or licensed establishments. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors are common, serving samosas and fried snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Lighthouse serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Maafushi's Bikini Beach and the local fish market. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural venues; focus is on outdoor activities. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local mosques are significant but not heavily promoted. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Maafushi Mosque is a key place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | National Day celebrations and local festivals occur sporadically. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local island life and community gatherings play a vital role. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theater; local performances occur at festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Maafushi Market offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are typically held at local bars on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited outdoor art; focus on natural beauty instead. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local guesthouses may offer cooking classes upon request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Not applicable; art is not a major focus. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Maldivian houses showcase local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural practices are reflected in the community's daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Biyadhoo Island is a nearby nature escape for snorkeling and relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks; focus on marine life conservation. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The island is small, making cycling and walking easy and pleasant. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The sunset view from Bikini Beach is spectacular. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is limited, but some migratory birds can be spotted. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited delivery services available; international shipping is rare. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops can handle tech repairs; most require traveling to Malé. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have facilities; check with guesthouses. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; informal language learning through community interactions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No public libraries; study spots are primarily in guesthouses. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Resorts and guesthouses often serve as informal community centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; most entertainment is outdoor based. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in the Maldives; no casinos exist on the islands. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Not applicable; Maafushi is a local island with no suburbs. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Not applicable; no suburban areas |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Not applicable; no suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation; income earned outside the Maldives is not taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15% |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property taxes. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% upon property purchase. |