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Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Maafushi is a local island in the Maldives, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant local culture.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approx. 2,500
πŸ’» Internet Speed 20-25 Mbps (average)
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking Maldivian Rufiyaa (1 MVR β‰ˆ 0.065 USD)
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable, bottled water recommended.
πŸ”Œ Power 240V, 50Hz, πŸ”Œ Type G sockets.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Ooredoo and Dhiraagu provide good coverage.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats Local banks accept international cards, ATMs available.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Guesthouses, hostels, and affordable hotels are available, with Airbnb options as well.
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly Limited, cash is preferred; some places accept cards.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short term rentals.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Kaani Village & Spa is popular among budget travelers.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Stay near the beach area for easy access to activities.
πŸ™οΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Cozy guesthouses like Kaani Village provide work-friendly environments.

Working and Networking

🏒 Best Coworking Space There are no dedicated coworking spaces; local cafes are ideal for working.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work Maalhos Cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Local community events rarely happen; online expat groups are recommended.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats Join the Maldives expat community group on Facebook for meetups.

Transportation

πŸš• Best Taxi/Ride App No ride-hailing apps, local taxis available.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycles are available for rent; explore the island at your pace.
πŸ–οΈ Best Beach Nearby Maafushi Beach is just a short walk from most accommodations.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Maldivian Airlines for regional transfers.
✈️ Top International Airline Turkish Airlines and Emirates provide flights from major hubs.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access No highways on the island; travel by boat is necessary.
πŸš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub No trains; boat services are the primary mode of transport.
🚍 Public Transport Passes No public transport system; local ferries connect to nearby islands.
✈️ Regional Travel Local ferries provide access to nearby islands.

Health and Wellness

πŸ₯ Best Hospital Private Health Center on the island for basic medical needs.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Some guesthouses offer yoga classes.
πŸ‹οΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers Limited, some guesthouses have fitness amenities.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundry services available; inquire at your accommodation.

Food and Drink

πŸ“± Best Food Delivery App No dedicated apps; local restaurants might deliver.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Mas Huni (tuna dish) is a must-try.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options A few local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local cafes offer delicious coconut-based sweets.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets sell fresh produce and traditional snacks.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Limited; online shopping is not very common.
πŸ›’ Grocery Delivery Local stores provide basics; delivery is rare.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Limited nightlife; local cafes are the main evening spots.
🍻 Local Brewery No breweries, but local drinks are available.
🍷 Wine Bars No dedicated wine bars.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Limited, local restaurants serve fresh food.
πŸ• Popular International Cuisine Pizzerias and local seafood restaurants are common.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Maaafushi's beautiful beaches and local culture showcases the essence of the Maldives.
πŸ›οΈ Museums & Art Venues No major museums; local art can be found in shops.
🏰 Historical Sites Local mosques reflect traditional Maldivian architecture.
πŸ• Religious Sites Visit the local mosque for cultural insights.
πŸŽ‰ Annual Events Various local festivals celebrate Maldivian culture throughout the year.
🎨 Cultural Districts The main area around the harbor is lively and cultural.
🎭 Theater Venues No theaters; local festivities showcase cultural performances.
πŸ›οΈ Local Markets Local market days are opportunities to interact with residents.
🎼 Music Scene Local live music can be found in cafes occasionally.
🎨 Street Art Limited street art; focus is on natural beauty.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Some guesthouses offer cooking lessons for traditional dishes.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries No formal galleries; local artisans sell crafts.
πŸ•°οΈ Historic Buildings Traditional Maldivian homes reflect historical architecture.
🏴 Local Heritage Cultural traditions are showcased through music and local customs.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

πŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Numerous uninhabited islands and sandbanks for day trips.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Proximity to marine protected areas.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Walking paths around the island; visible cycling routes.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints Beautiful sunset spots along the beach.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Coastal areas attract various bird species.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Beach area designated for bonfires with permission.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service Limited services; local courier companies for larger items.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Limited; basic repair services available.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Some guesthouses may have ping pong tables.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Local centers may offer lessons for Dhivehi.
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots Limited; quiet areas in guesthouses available for study.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers host events occasionally.
πŸ•ΉοΈ Gaming Lounges Limited gaming options, small local cafes host games occasionally.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos are available in Maafushi.

Business

🏒 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $60,000)
🏒 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $54,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000)
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000)
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax 15%
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax 0% for non-residents.
🏦 Tax System No income tax for foreigners; flat rate taxes apply for business.
πŸ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket 0% for foreigners, 15% for locals.
🧾 VAT 6% VAT applicable.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules No specific CFC rules applicable.
🏠 Property Tax 0% for foreign owners.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax No transaction tax for foreign buyers.
πŸ’» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No income tax for digital nomads; foreign income is not taxed.

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