Maldives uses the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) — cards work almost everywhere.
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Maldives uses the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
In Maldives, cards work almost everywhere. Resorts mostly run on card payments, and US dollars are widely accepted alongside the local rufiyaa.
Exchange rates at airport kiosks are usually the worst available — a local ATM after you land almost always gets you a better rate, and a small amount of cash exchanged in advance is only worth it for late-night arrivals.
Always choose the local currency when a card terminal or ATM in Maldives asks — "dynamic currency conversion" into your home currency almost always carries a worse exchange rate.
Banks and airport kiosks quietly add 3–7% to every exchange through worse rates and fees. A Wise account converts your money at the real mid-market rate, holds 40+ currencies, and comes with a card that works at ATMs and terminals in Maldives like a local one — usually the cheapest way for travelers to spend abroad.
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