Click Me Koamas Luxury Escapes

Faq

Flying into Maldives?Maldives is well connected with major airports around the world. The major Airlines flying into , Male’, Maldives ( Ibrahim Nasir

Flying into Maldives?
Maldives is well connected with major airports around the world. The major Airlines flying into , Male’, Maldives ( Ibrahim Nasir International Airport – formerly Male’ International Airport) are British Airways, Emirates Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Cathy Pacific, China Eastern and Air Asia Budget airline started operating in late 2013.

What facilities are at the airport?
ATM Machine and Bank is available in the arrival terminal. There is a small pharmacy, Clinic, Phone and Internet shop; Souvenir Shop, Post Office, Svensson Ice-cream, Coffee Shop, Burger King and Thai Restaurant are all located just outside the departure hall. Once through Customs you have a selection of shops, including souvenir shops, dive shop, jewellery shop and Duty Free, along with VIP lounges, Café / Restaurants. All items of luggage, suitcases and hand luggage are scanned on arrival and departure. Check in desks for departures do not open until at least 2.5 – 3 hours prior to departure.

For live flight information: http://fis.com.mv/cgi-bin/webfids.pl


When is the best time to travel to the Maldives?
November through to April is the peak tourist season, and booking in advance is recommended. From May to October the cost of accommodation is comparatively lower as this is considered the low season. The Maldives experiences warm temperatures all year round (there is no need to a jumper or jacket at any time of the year, day or night), however December to April is considered the dry season with less rainfall, whilst you can expect to have more rain May to October. Temperatures still remain warm but the sky can be cloudy, more rain showers and humidity higher


How do I get a quote?
Complete our on line booking request form and one of our experienced travel consultants with contact you within 24 hrs.  We are also contactable by Skype:


Is it safe for tourists?
YES! The Maldives is probably one of the safest places in the world.


What is the dress code?
Dress code is generally casual, T-shirts, and light cotton clothes are the most suitable. Even on five star resorts the attire is smart casual. Nudity is forbidden in all areas and this includes no topless sunbathing. Swimwear should not be worn into restaurants at meal times and modest clothing should be worn when visiting local islands or the Capital Male. This means shoulders and knees covered.


Are there medical and hospital facilities?
The two largest hospitals are located in the Capital Male.  One large government hospital (IGMH) and ADK Private Hospital.  Most of the resorts are also equipped with simple medical facilities and small clinics are usually located on nearby local islands.  There are Four Decompression Chambers across the various atolls in the Maldives.


Are souvenir shops available?
You will find most resorts have a small souvenir shop; however prices can be a little bit more expensive. When visiting local islands on excursion you will normally find small shops selling sarongs, jewellery, T-shirts, handicrafts and various other gift items and these will generally be a little cheaper than on the resorts. If you also get the opportunity to visit Male the Capital then there is an abundance of small and large souvenir shops and again prices tend to be cheaper than on the resorts.

Am I allowed to bring alcohol into the country?
Nobody is allowed to bring in liquor to Maldives, unless he or she has a special import license for liquor, beer and related products. If somebody has bought liquor and beer and related items on his/her way to Maldives from a duty free this items will be taken off you by customs and destroyed.  You no longer get the items back on departure. It is illegal to bring in liquor, beer or related products to the Capital City/Island. No liquor is permitted on local islands therefore if you are choosing to stay in a local guest house, there will be no bar.


Is the tap water safe to drink?
Each resort has its own water desalination plant and this water is fine to use to brush your teeth, however we recommend you drink bottled water. Bottled water is readily available in all islands.


What is Ramadan and how will this affect my holiday?
Ramadan is the 9th Month of the Islamic Calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim Faith fast from Dawn until Dusk each day. The beginning of the Islamic lunar month depends on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward. During this period there will be no disruption to facilities on your resorts, excursion timings may slightly change. Shops in Male’ City will open as per normal hours with slight changes. Restaurants in Male’ City (other than those in hotels) are not permitted to open until after sunset.  Whilst tourists are not expected to follow Ramadan it is important for tourists to expect the culture particularly when visiting the Capital and local islands.  This would mean not eating, drinking and smoking in public during day light hours, during the hours of fasting.  This is a matter of respect and would be highly appreciated by the locals if tourist followed this practice.  


Do I have to pay Departure Tax?
Departure Tax should have been included in the price of your airfare, so this is worth checking with the airline before you travel.  As this is control by the government, this is subject to change without notice.

Is tipping necessary?
You will find that all bills in resorts and restaurants in Male’ City add 10% service charge. This service charged is divided between all the staff to help boost their otherwise relatively low salaries. Tipping however is totally dependent on the service you receive and not compulsory.

Are there any resort hidden costs?
All extra’s in resort, whether this be meals, drinks, spa treatments, excursions, water sports, diving, will all be subject to 10% service charge plus Goods & Service Charge (GST) which is currently at 8% (this is subject to change without notice)

Are ATM machines available?
There are ATM machines at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, and in Male´ City. Note that these machines will give out Maldivian Rufiyaa and not USD´s

What currency do I need to take?
In Maldives we have our own currency called “”Maldivian Rufiyaa”” (MRF). One United States Dollar is equivalent to 15.42 MRF (Maldives Monetary Authority buying rate). You will find that most resorts quote prices in USD or Euro’s. The MRF is mainly used in Male the Capital or on local islands.  MRF cannot be exchanged outside the Maldives.

 

What vaccinations should I have?
Normally, no vaccinations are required by the Maldives authorities. However, if you are from a Central African nation or South American, or if you have travelled through these areas to get here you need to have a valid certificate indicating that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. If not you do not need any specific vaccination certificates to get into the Maldives. If you want to be extra careful, do consult your personal physician for his recommendations.


Are credit cards widely accepted?
Most major credit cards are widely accepted on the resorts and in some shops in Male. Maestro card is not widely accepted on many resorts, so it is recommended to check before travelling.  Please note there may be a charge for paying by credit card.

What is the time difference?
Maldives is five hours ahead (GMT +5.00) of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)


Do I need a visa to travel to the Maldives?
You do not require a Visa prior to arrival in the Maldives. All tourists from all the countries are granted free 30 day visa upon arrival. However, all the visitors need a valid travel document. If a passport expiry date falls within 30 days of arrival, tourists cannot extend their stay beyond the passport expiry date.


Can we get married in the Maldives?
Whilst weddings are not legal in the Maldives (due to it being a Muslim culture), all resorts offer a symbolic renewal / wedding ceremony.  Check out special offers as some resorts off these free of charge!


Are same sex relationships recognized?
Due to the Muslim religion, same sex relations are illegal; however the resorts do not have a problem with accepting same sex couples.  Provided couples are discrete in front of locals, there is no problem.  Most resorts will honour honeymoon benefits for same sex couples, however a small few will not recognize this (due to the Muslim culture).


What kind of service/assistance will I receive when I arrive?
Our helpful and friendly Airport Representatives will be at the airport to meet and greet you on arrival and departure.


When do you dispatch my voucher?
You will receive your confirmation at the time of booking (once deposit has been received) and once final payment has been received you will receive a copy of the final confirmation/voucher.


What are your opening times?
Our offices are open 7 days a week from 09.00am – 18.00hrs (local time). Male’ City is +5 GMT

Contact us via Skype: koamasluxuryescapes


How do I cancel an existing booking and will I be charged?
Cancellations must be received in writing by the lead name on the booking (the person who confirmed the booking) and will be subject to cancellation charges as outlined in our Terms & Conditions. We strongly recommend that you take out a fully comprehensive Travel Insurance at the time you confirm your holiday, as this may cover cancellation charges, however policies do vary so ensure you read the fine print.  Also look for a policy which includes ‘END USER’ cover


How do I amend an existing booking and will I be charged?
All amendments must be received in writing and are subject to availability and additional charges (if applicable).  There is no amendment fee charged if outside cancellation period.   Amendments made within 61 days of travel (or 100 days in peak season) will be subject to cancellation charges as outlined in our Terms & Conditions.


How do I pay my deposit?
For many resorts no deposit is required if you are booking outside 61 days or 100 days in peak season.    Please note during Peak Season some luxury resorts may require a percentage of deposit which will be non refundable  and this will be confirmed at the time of booking.


When is the balance due on my holiday?
Balance of payment for your holiday is 61 days prior to your arrival (100 days in peak season).  If you book within 61 days then full payment is required at the the time of booking.


How do I confirm by booking?
Once you are ready to confirm, simply contact your Personal Travel Consultant by email to confirm the booking. Rooms are always subject to availability and a booking will not be confirmed until written confirmation has been received and payment (depending on how close your arrival date is) received.

We will then send you a copy of the written confirmation with the confirmation number for your reference.

Flexibility

We are here to help you find that dream holiday and will be as flexible as possible to make that happen. We promise to work hard to make this happen for you.

Unique Experiences

Want something unique, then we’ll find it for you. We work with over 100 resorts in the Maldives and we’ll find that unique one for you. 

Your Moneys Safe

We guarantee that your money is in safe hands. We don’t ask for the full payment 3 or 4 months in advance. Once you pay us, we don’t hold onto it, we pay it directly to the resort.

Best price guarantee

We guarantee we will look for the best price possible. Find it cheaper, we’ll do our best to price match, but we believe we give fair prices for the service we give and the products we deliver.