Shopping in Maldives

Spending a day shopping in the Maldives is a great way of exploring the culture, touring the islands and mingling with the locals all whilst getting some great bargains. Souvenir shops abound offering a range of nicely crafted pieces including keyrings, fridge magnets and handmade photo albums.

The export of products made from black and red coral, pearl oyster shell and turtle shell have been banned by the Malaysian Government.

Habitual shoppers will find the Maldives a haven, jumping for joy at the many shopping opportunities available. Our Maldives Shopping Guide tells you all you need to know about shopping in the Maldives, and the kind of goods available for purchase. You are bound to work up an appetite during your Maldives shopping spree, so stop for some finger food or relax in one of the Maldives restaurants that line the shopping streets.

Maldives Shopping Guide

The capital city of Malé is a great place to shop in the Maldives. Everything from garments, cosmetics, jewellery, electronic goods, local handicrafts and canned fish can be found and are great purchases to take back home. The two main Maldives shopping areas of the city are the Majeedhee Magu and the Chaadhanee Magu.

At the local shops, you can pay cash and or use a credit card. Since US dollars are accepted everywhere, you will not need to convert to the local Maldivian Rufiyaa. However, Rufiyaa are accepted and, being attractive, may be a good souvenir to take home.

Many Maldives island resorts plan excursions to local islands and it is a very good idea to use this opportunity to see the countryside and how the locals live. These trips are a window to authentic Maldivian island life and a good opportunity to shop in local Maldives stores where you will find some interesting items.

The Local Market

The Maldives local market features local stalls selling produce from the atolls. Common items that you will see include local fruits and vegetables, yams, nuts, sweetmeat, breadfruit chips, pickles, home made sweets, and bananas etc. Dried and smoked fish are usually to be found at the end, in the building next to the local markets.

Caution

The export of any item made of black coral, pearl oyster shell, red coral, and turtle shell is prohibited, so check that you're aren't inadvertently purchasing any of these.