Malé, Maldives 🇲🇻
#1216
4.177987, 73.510738
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malé is the capital city of the Maldives, located on the island of the same name. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 230,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), 1 USD ≈ 15.4 MVR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main mobile providers include Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are widely accepted; Dhiraagu and Ooredoo have mobile wallet options. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are common in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include places like Kaani Village & Spa and The Melrose. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Aasandha Business Center is popular among remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Shelf Cafe offers a quiet atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various events are organized by the Maldives' Digital Nomads community, check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups are often held at cafes like The Sea House. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab and a local taxi service called 'Thuna' are commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at some hotels and guesthouses. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Artificial Beach is the closest beach access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Maldivian Airlines is the regional airline connecting atolls. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways operate direct flights to Malé. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Roads are limited; primarily in Malé with access to ferry transport for outer islands. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main transit location is the Malé Ferry Terminal. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services operate frequently, but tickets are not available in bulk. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries operate to reach nearby islands from Malé. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga retreat options are available on nearby islands. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Kilimanjaro Sports Club offers gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, especially near tourist areas. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Panda and Dhiraagu's Dhiraagu Food services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mas Huni (tuna with coconut) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Hive offers a variety of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Himmafushi Bakery is popular for sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Malé Fish Market offer budget-friendly groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses have started delivery services via social media. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Quick and reliable grocery delivery available through Dhiraagu apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rooftop bars like The Seagull Hotel offer nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Maldives does not have local breweries due to Islamic regulations. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are limited but found in select hotels. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the Fish Market sell snacks like hedhikaa (local pastries). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants offer Italian and Indian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Maldives Islamic Centre and the Old Friday Mosque are iconic. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum showcases Maldivian history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Hukuru Miskiy is a significant historical mosque. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Islamic Centre is an important religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Maldives Victory Day is celebrated in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old town area for local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances are occasionally held at the Islamic Centre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Malé Fish Market is famous for fresh seafood. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music performances can be found at various cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Banksy style street art is rare but emerging. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local eateries offer cooking workshops for Maldivian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Maldives National Art Gallery showcases contemporary exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Mosque is a historical architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Maldives has a rich maritime heritage and coral crafting. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hulhumalé is a nearby island for beach walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banana Reef is a famous dive site nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths along the coast in Malé. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The waterfront promenade offers beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby islands like Thulusdhoo host diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are generally not allowed due to safety regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can repair basic electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The National Sports Council sometimes hosts ping-pong events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes for Dhivehi are available at cultural centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library offers quiet study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Youth Centers often host events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in the Maldives. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $228,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $256,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate is 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 15%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is 3% on property sales. |