Maldives Taboo Guide: Avoid These Pitfalls!

Whose Maldives dream was shattered by sky-high fines? 🔥One careless move could lead to penalties that’ll drain your wallet—or worse, get you deported! Bookmark this guide now—these traps are way too easy to fall into... Taboo 🚫 Carrying e-cigarettes? Prepare for massive fines. Bringing/using e-cigs (including vape juice and devices) into the country: - Each device fined 10,000 Rufiyaa (~$650), plus a base penalty of 50,000 Rufiyaa (~$3,250). - One tourist was fined 48 million Rufiyaa (≈$3.1M) for carrying multiple devices. **Avoidance tip:** Empty your luggage before departure—don’t even pack spare cartridges! Taboo ⚠️ Snorkeling without a life jacket—strong currents can sweep you away in 10 seconds! No life jacket? No guide? Extremely risky. If accidents happen, you cover ALL rescue costs (over $5,000). **Avoidance tip:** Verify guide licenses when booking; reject boats with incomplete safety gear. Kids must hold hands! Taboo 🍷 Drinking/bikinis on local islands—beware religious police. Alcohol in public, pork products, or bikinis/topless on local islands violate religious norms. Confiscation or fines up to $2,000 possible; dress violations may get you kicked off the island! **Avoidance tip:** Drink only in resorts; wear long dresses/shirts on local islands. Skip pork products. Taboo 🏍️ Jaywalking in Malé—motorcycles won’t stop (or pay)! Crossing illegally or renting vehicles without an international license = full liability. Medical bills are yours (ambulance ride ≈$1,000). **Avoidance tip:** Use crosswalks only. Rent vehicles with an international license + full insurance. Taboo 📸 Sneaking photos of locals—instant shame + fines. Unauthorized photos of residents (especially women) are strictly prohibited. Muslim culture forbids photographing women; penalties include camera confiscation + $500+ fines. **Avoidance tip:** Smile and gesture for permission first. 💡 Pro Tips: 1. Mosque etiquette: Remove shoes; women wear long dresses + headscarves, men no shorts. 2. Coral protection: $500 fines for touching/stepping on coral. Avoid sunscreen with oxybenzone when diving. Dodge these pitfalls, and you’ll save enough to splurge in paradise! Want more Maldives tips? Search **[Maldives Local Guide]**.