What dollars are accepted in the Maldives?
US dollars are widely used in Maldivian tourism, but they are not the official currency: that is the rufiyaa. Here is what to bring, in what form, and what we could not confirm.
Are dollars accepted?
- Yes, in tourism. Resorts, transfers, excursions and many guesthouses price and accept US dollars, and general guides call the dollar the second currency of the Maldives in practice.
- The official currency is still the rufiyaa. Local shops and public ferries mostly work in rufiyaa, so carry a small amount if you plan to use them.
- Our speedboat transfer from Malé airport costs USD 35 each way.
What to bring
- Bring small notes. Change is easier to give for USD 1, 5, 10 and 20 notes, which is general advice from travel guides, not an official rule.
- Bring clean, undamaged notes. Banks and money changers in many countries refuse torn or marked bills. We found no official statement about this for the Maldives, so treat it as a precaution.
- Euros and other currencies are not generally accepted for payment, according to travel guides. Do not rely on them; exchange them at the airport or a bank if you must.
What about older dollar bills?
- Our earlier article said that dollars from 2006 and 2009 are accepted. We could not confirm any rule about the year of issue, so we removed that claim.
- If you hold older notes, ask your guesthouse before you travel, or bring newer ones.
Cards, ATMs and exchange
- Resorts accept major cards and dollars. On local islands the picture is mixed: some guesthouses take Visa or Mastercard, some only cash, and small shops are usually cash only. Ask your guesthouse before you arrive, and ask about a surcharge on cards.
- ATMs are widely available at the airport, in Malé and in Hulhumalé. Thoddoo has a Bank of Maldives ATM that dispenses US dollars, opened in August 2025, and a branch opened in April 2026, but bring enough cash for the days you plan to stay.
- Leftover rufiyaa can usually be exchanged back at the airport, but each exchange loses value, so do not change more than you need.
- A reference rate of about MVR 15.42 per US dollar is widely quoted. Rates change, so check the current one before you travel.
- A simple plan for Thoddoo: dollars in cash for transfers, excursions and small purchases, a little rufiyaa for local shops and ferries, and a card for emergencies. Send us a message before you arrive and we will tell you how to pay for your room and transfers. Paying for a hotel from Russia
Frequently asked questions
Is the US dollar the official currency of the Maldives?
No. The official currency is the rufiyaa. Dollars are widely used for tourist services.
Do I need rufiyaa on Thoddoo?
A small amount helps for local shops and public ferries. Most tourist payments can be made in dollars.
Are euros accepted?
Not generally, according to travel guides. Bring dollars.
Do old dollar bills work?
We found no official rule. Ask your guesthouse, or bring clean, newer notes.
What notes are best?
Small notes such as USD 1, 5, 10 and 20 make payments and tips easier.
Can I pay by card on Thoddoo?
It depends on the business. Some places accept cards, small shops usually do not, so carry cash.
Is there an ATM on Thoddoo?
A Bank of Maldives ATM dispensing US dollars opened in August 2025. Do not rely on it alone, and bring cash.
What is the exchange rate?
About MVR 15.42 per US dollar is the commonly quoted reference rate. Check the current rate before you travel.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
