What can you bring to the Maldives. Gifts and souvenirs from the Maldives. What to bring? What to do if you are caught in the red corridor

22.01.2021 Information

- the country is Muslim, and here it is not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages (even champagne) and be drunk in public places. Local residents face severe punishment for drunkenness, so it is impossible to buy alcohol in the store. But this prohibition does not always apply to resort areas and to tourists in resorts, so here and there it is still possible to get good wine in the Maldives, albeit at a very high price. Before going on vacation, many Russian tourists are interested in how to get alcohol to the Maldives, what are the customs regulations on this matter, and whether they will go to jail if alcohol is found in the luggage. We talk about all this in detail in our article.

Good to know: Islam is widespread in the Maldives, and therefore there are a number of local laws and religious rules that apply to all tourists, including the prohibition of drinking alcoholic beverages, nudism, as well as anti-Islamic literature and all pork dishes. About what else is not allowed in the Maldives, read in.

Is a very delicate topic that concerns almost everyone who is going to travel to the Maldives. All tourists should keep in mind that it is a country with an Islamic religion, therefore, the sale and drinking of alcoholic beverages on the inhabited islands is strictly prohibited by law. An exception is made only for the resort islands, which receive a special permit for the sale of alcohol, which is not cheap, and then also pay high taxes.

Therefore, alcoholic beverages can be found:

in the mini-bar in your room;
in resorts restaurants where the sale of alcohol is allowed in the Maldives;
and to purchase and drink aboard ships and boats sailing away from the islands on the high seas.

Once upon a time in the Maldives it was possible to officially buy alcohol and consume it for all foreigners living there on a visa. But now there is no such indulgence for expats, and the "dry law" is the same for all citizens of the Republic of Maldives and tourists who came to rest.

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The only place for which an exception is made, and where to drink alcohol in the Maldives in public places, this is the Hulhule Island Hotel, better known as HIH, on the Hulhule Island Airport. or at the airport hotel. This is due to the fact that rich tourists who are accustomed to relaxing with the help of alcoholic beverages, who immediately go from the airport to rest in their resort, do not have a negative attitude towards the Maldives due to the ban on alcohol. Otherwise, many of them would refuse to travel to the Maldives in favor of other countries with less stringent rules and laws. And this would lead to a disaster in the tourism industry, which, together with fishing, is the main source of income for the state.

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In 2017 and 2018, nothing has changed about alcohol in the Maldives. The rules for tourists remain the same as before. And although alcohol can be consumed on the territory, you cannot bring with you and buy alcoholic drinks in stores here. Drinking alcohol (as well as religious intolerance) can even get you a fine or go to jail. Therefore, all alcohol from your luggage will have to be left at the airport after passport control.

All baggage and hand luggage of tourists is checked at the Maldives airport after arrival, and if alcohol is found in you (including alcohol bought in duty-free shops or even on board the plane), it will be seized by customs officers without punishment or confiscated (if you bring too much many). Most likely, there will be no penalty for this (although it is stipulated in the amount of up to $ 500).

It's important to know: According to the rules, all alcohol found from people crossing the Maldives border remains at customs in a special storage room at the same airport. The owners of alcohol, upon withdrawal, are given a special receipt and a token for the entire rest period, and alcoholic drinks will be returned only before the return flight in exchange for this very token. However, times are changing and there are rumors that the storage of alcohol seized from tourists in the Maldives may soon be completely banned. If the rules change, then all alcohol will be confiscated and destroyed.

Helpful advice: If you try to smuggle alcohol into the Maldives, then you immediately become a breaker of the law and you may even be recognized as a smuggler and imprisoned in. Therefore, it is better not to risk trying to break the rules and smuggle alcohol with you, and do not lose precious rest time and do not waste your money.

The ban on alcohol is called in some forums the main horror of the Maldives for Russian tourists. After all, what kind of vacation is for most Russians without a glass of wine or a glass of vodka? They also often write to us with requests to tell us about how carry alcohol to the Maldives... But this problem again concerns only those who come to inexpensive hotels, which are located on the islands where the population of this country lives. Because in luxury resorts everything is fine with alcohol, albeit a little expensive.

Good to know:

It's no secret that there is different ways, how you can get around the dry law and import alcohol illegally. On various sites on the Internet and forums, there are many tips, stories with photos, and even whole video instructions on how to transport alcohol to the Maldives. But we strongly advise against doing this, so as not to disregard the laws of the country where you voluntarily go to rest, and not to violate religious rules.

Customs officers in the Maldives are by no means stupid people and have long learned all the tricks that Russians use to transport alcohol. By the way, keep in mind that they inspect all passengers on flights from Moscow very carefully. But for some reason, they are more loyal to all other tourists who have flown in from other countries. Probably, the fact is that it is really hard for Russian people on vacation without alcohol, so they are trying to stock up on them for future use, having learned about the high prices for all alcoholic beverages.

We would like to emphasize that after a flight to the Maldives, customs officers rather carefully check the luggage of only some tourists (including hand luggage). All prohibited items such as spearfishing weapons, pork, anti-Islamic religious literature and any pornography are immediately seized. But the most important thing that they are trying to take away from Russian tourists is alcohol, which they carry with them in large quantities.

What tricks Russian tourists do not go to try to smuggle alcohol to the Maldives! Pour vodka into aluminum cans with a syringe and seal the hole with a sealant, sticking a price tag over it, put condoms with brandy in juice bags or jars with pills, pour them into different containers instead of drinking water and dilute with different perfumes so that they don't smell of alcohol, they try to smuggle in hot water bottles on the body or packaged gin and tonic in small bottles in the hope that if they take it away, it will not all at once. The most dexterous even pump pure alcohol into oranges and shove alcohol from the plane (some airlines, for example Emirates, give it out in 50-gram bottles in flight) into pockets or bras.

Here is one of our compatriots even recorded a video in which he shares his experience on how to bring alcohol to the Maldives:

Our impressions of the transport of alcohol in the Maldives:

The behavior of such tourists from Russia sometimes gives the impression that Russians simply cannot rest without alcohol. This is probably why customs officers in the Maldives consider all tourists who have flown in from Moscow to be drunkards and alcoholics. Because of this, the Russians are glued red stickers to suitcases and asked to line up in the red corridor at customs to a special scanner, which is used to scan through all their belongings, including carry-on luggage. Body searches in the red corridor are also very thorough. If containers with any liquids are found, then they are asked to open them, then they sniff and look at the light. We ourselves have witnessed this end of the world and confirm that very few manage to slip through.

Maldives all inclusive - alcohol in the hotel

If you want to relax during the whole day on vacation, then it is better to choose right away, or “ all inclusive". This recreation system is well known to those who are accustomed to traveling on a package tour. The main advantage is that you don't have to worry about where to get your favorite drinks and worry about the prices in restaurants and bars, since alcohol costs are already included in the price of your trip to the Maldives.

Usually, the price includes unlimited cocktails at the bar, beer, white and red wine, as well as vodka, whiskey and inexpensive cognac. Moreover, the more expensive the hotel, the better the selection and quality of alcoholic beverages. It should be added that you will have to pay separately for expensive elite alcohol and champagne in the room.

Lily Beach Resort and Spa 5 *- luxury villas, 5 restaurants, kids club, nice house reef
Kurumba Maldives 5 *- close to the airport, youth parties and always a fun atmosphere
Royal Island Resort & Spa 5 *- inexpensive 5-star all-inclusive, villas with a private beach
Bandos Maldives 4 *- the best all-inclusive hotel available for diving and snorkeling

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In general, it is better not to drink strong alcohol in the Maldives, since the climate is tropical and quite hot. But why not a glass of wine at dinner. In resorts, wine can be ordered in a restaurant, but on residential islands this is much more difficult, since there is a ban on alcohol and you will never see it on the table.

As you probably already understood, on the local islands of the Maldives (the so-called islands where the local population lives), the sale and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. But there are exceptions to all the rules, and this also works here. Indeed, recently many of them have new 3 and 4 * hotels, which began to receive foreign tourists from all over the world. Along with them, there was a demand for alcohol. And demand, as you know, gives rise to supply, and now "drunk barges" have already begun to ply near the local islands - these are alcoholic bars on the high seas, where you can legally buy alcohol.

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When we first rested in the Maldives on the island, we were shown there a small boat on the pier, which is on duty waiting for customers who want to get to the floating bar. We ourselves were not in it, but from the stories of other tourists we realized that getting to the alcohol bar on such a boat is completely free. The entrance to the bar is also free, however alcoholic drinks they are quite expensive, like in resorts, for example, a small can of beer costs about $ 5, and you can buy a bottle of spirits for $ 80-150 (prices may vary, but still remain too high). The assortment is not very wide - several types of beer, a choice of vodka, whiskey, cognac. You will also be taken back from the bar to your island by the same boat.

All lovers of relaxation will be curious to know that alcohol prices in the Maldives indeed, they are very large, about 3-5 times higher than in Russia, since it can be officially ordered only in restaurants. The price of a small 0.33 liter can of beer starts at $ 4 apiece. A glass of plain wine at a restaurant will cost you at least $ 10. Stronger alcoholic drinks cost $ 100-200 per bottle. Moreover, you can drink only in a restaurant or bar, and not on the beach.

Those tourists who want to drink good wine a couple of times and do not want to overpay for all-inclusive will be interested to know that in almost all 4 and 5 star resort hotels in the Maldives, there are restaurants and bars by the pool and on the beach, where there is always alcohol. In this case, it is advantageous to choose the FB (Full Board) system, which is 200-500 dollars cheaper than all-inclusive. In FB, food is already included in the price of the reception and alcohol can be drunk for free only at dinner, and at all other times during the day - only for an additional fee.

Good to know: Many hotels arrange “happy hours” in their bars (usually this time between lunch and dinner, from 15:00 to 17:00), when the cost of a cocktail or glass of wine is 2 times lower than usual.

As you can probably guess, the most expensive alcohol in the Maldives will cost in the luxurious island resorts. You can order alcoholic drinks in the restaurants of these hotels either a whole bottle at once, or in portions (then there will be a price for each glass). Moreover, a rare collection wine will cost much more. Therefore, it is better to familiarize yourself with the cost of alcohol in advance in order to plan your budget.

Here are the prices for alcohol in the Maldives:

$5-10 - can of beer;
$6-12 - a glass of vodka, brandy or whiskey;
$12-25 - alcoholic cocktail at the bar;
$10-30 - a glass of wine in a restaurant;
$50-80 - a bottle of inexpensive wine from Chile, Argentina or Spain;
$90-250 - a bottle of French wine (rare wine can cost several thousand dollars);
$75-150 - champagne;
$100-250 - whiskey, gin or vodka.

Despite the high prices for alcohol, we do not advise you to smuggle alcoholic beverages in your hand luggage in various small containers, flasks in your pockets, as well as in juice bags or plastic bottles for soda and iced tea in your luggage for the sake of small savings (relatively total Maldives holiday budget). After undeclaring alcohol and walking with it at the airport at customs along the green corridor, you risk getting a large fine or even being arrested.

The Maldives attracts many tourists with its beauty. The fabulous islands provide an interesting pastime and a great vacation. For calmness, silence, unique underwater world and the splendor of nature, not only diving and outdoor enthusiasts come, but also married couples, newlyweds from all over the world. And in memory of the time spent in the Maldives, every traveler can make purchases.

Traditional souvenirs

There are many shops in the Maldives where you can buy interesting souvenirs and gifts for friends. The greatest demand in Male is clothes... In shops you can buy a T-shirt that says "Maldives" or, at the choice of the tourist, they will make any pattern on the T-shirt. In addition to stenciled T-shirts, you can also buy items that express local art because of the different techniques used to design them. So in the back rooms of souvenir shops there are workshops where stencils are prepared and colors are mixed to create incredible drawings. T-shirts are imported, but the design and the work itself are really Maldivian.

The islands also produce traditional cream or brown clothing, but these are quite difficult to buy. But you can buy batik or other clothing. On the streets of Chandhani Magu and Faridhi Magu, tourists can find a huge number of shops, souvenir shops. The goods sold in popular locations can be the work of both Maldivian artisans and overseas craftsmen.

Unusual souvenirs

Do not be discouraged if nothing is selected in the hotel's souvenir shop or if traditional souvenirs are boring. In Male, you can buy curious items that are usually not considered souvenirs. The local grocery or hardware store sells everyday items and items. Ordinary shops are located in narrow streets that lead from the coast to the city center.

In stores you can buy water hookah which is popular with Maldivian women. Such an item will be a wonderful decoration, and remember the trip to the Maldives. It is sold in parts: a base (pot-bellied bottle), metal pipes, a rubber hose, a chimney, and a tile of smelling tobacco.

In hardware stores, you can find household items such as coconut shell spoons, spice mortars, coconut graters, and more.

On the coast, shops sell a variety of seaworthy instruments and tools. Fishing enthusiasts may want to purchase a couple of unique shark teeth... Such souvenirs can be found in any shop. For tourists, shark jaws are hung on the walls of the shops, which did not have time to bite anyone.

Local crafts

On the island of Bandos, travelers can see two surviving crafts - mat weaving and lacquer making. Craftsmen showcase their work and put their work up for sale. If during a tour of the island village you manage to stay longer, you can see how the locals do things with their hands.

Widely known weaving mats- kajan made from coconut leaves that are sewn with a rope. They are usually used to erect fences and cover roofs. In some villages, women can be seen sewing cane stalks with coconut threads. They are used to create the roofs of resort bungalows. Roofs made from coconut leaves need to be renewed frequently. The trendy ceiling décor in many bungalows is a soft mesh mat. It is woven from threads of dried pandanus leaves.

An unusual gift can be coconut rope, which is woven from coconut shell fiber. She is previously soaked in sea water... In order to tousle it into threads, the fiber is beaten with a wooden mallet and then dried. A strong rope of the required size is twisted from threads by hand.

Nothing is wasted when palm is recycled, so guests may see different uses that are not intended for sale. So, juice collection vessels, which resemble an hourglass in shape, are made from coconut shells. Palm juice is the nectar harvested from coconut flowers. Natural drink tastes sweet.

Lacquered items require high craftsmanship. It doesn't matter what the technician cuts, first he shapes the piece of wood into the desired shape using a hand-held lathe. The varnish is applied evenly, and it is also filled with traditional patterns that reflect the style of the master. Lacquer boxes and vases, walking sticks and cups are very popular. The most beautiful gifts will be round dishes with patterns.

On many islands, the inhabitants are busy weaving mats. different sizes and molds from cane, as well as making lids for food and containers from the same materials. On the island of Kihadu in Baa Atoll, you can see the locals decorate wickerwork.

The Maldives has a developed shipbuilding industry, which employs many carpenters. Model dhoni boats Crafted from wood, coral or mother-of-pearl are popular local products. Their size can be from 30 cm to one meter. The most beautiful models are considered to be black coral, but they are expensive. Transporting such fragile souvenirs is problematic.

On the island of Kadholhudhoo, Raa Atoll, you can see a jeweler at work. He buys silver wire from Male and manufactures bracelets and chains... The master studied this craft 30 years ago on the island of Hulhudheli in Dhaal Atoll, known as the birthplace of goldsmiths and silversmiths.

Many locals markets located on the coast, among which the fish is especially famous. There are many buyers on it who come for dried fish. "Maldivian Fish" is a wood-solid product that is considered one of the best souvenirs.

In the vegetable market, you can find unusual products such as breadfruit chips or sweet balls. Sometimes in the place of sweets in the ball, there may be chili peppers. You can also buy areca nuts or betel leaves on the market.

In general, anything can be a souvenir from the wonderful islands, except what is prohibited by the law of the Maldives and is under protection.

List of souvenirs that cannot be exported from the Maldives:

products made of tortoiseshell. In the Maldives, most turtles are endangered, so buying such a souvenir can contribute to the extinction of turtles.
pearls and pearl shells;
corals, as well as products from red and black corals;
fish and other inhabitants of the marine world.

The most important souvenir from the Maldives is the colorful recollection and serenity that tourists bring from their holidays. But no matter what, every traveler wants to keep the best moments of the trip. Of course, The best way Is the purchase of various souvenirs and gifts. Shopping in the Maldives is always fun and fun to do.

Olga, 08/29/2017 00:00:00

Spent a week vacation with my family in June 2017. At this hotel, they felt attention and care throughout their stay, while everything was not intrusive and with the utmost tact. Now about the rest: during our stay all days were sunny and not hot. The temperature of water and air is the most ideal. The ocean is clean and always calm. We traveled around the island by bicycle and on foot. Everything is pretty compact and not far away. I will not describe the types and furnishings in the rooms especially - everything is depicted on the site as well as in reality in the hotel. The food is excellent: a very large selection of dishes and everything is very high quality and tasty. Every day you can enjoy one of forty types of homemade ice cream. From entertainment there is a gym, in the evenings on the shore they show a movie. There is a gym, very decent. There are many paid options: snorkeling, diving, spa, etc. In general, we were satisfied and I think we will go again.

Yuri, 03/18/2017 00:00:00

We spent our honeymoon at this hotel. I liked everything very much, only positive emotions remained. Service on the highest level, very friendly and polite staff. Each of the hotel employees tries to help you even with every little thing. A large number of entertainment programs thanks to the animators Patra and Joker. The guys really bring a lot of positiveness and smiles to all vacationers. Also liked the buffet and the wide variety of food. I recommend this hotel to everyone!