Tipping in the Maldives – What is customary?

The Maldives, a paradise in the Indian Ocean, attract numerous tourists each year with their dreamy islands, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. A vacation in the Maldives promises relaxation and unique experiences. However, alongside the breathtaking nature, there is also a cultural peculiarity that you, as a tourist, should pay attention to: the topic of tipping.

Tipping is common in many areas of the Maldives, but not always mandatory. While service charges are often included in the prices at many hotels and resorts, tips for particularly good service are always welcome. In tourist regions and luxurious hotels located near islands and beaches, it is often part of the culture to leave a tip, especially if you were particularly satisfied with the service.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about tipping customs in the Maldives so that you can avoid any unpleasant surprises during your Maldives vacation and feel like a true guest in this tropical paradise.

Tipping in the Maldives – A Nice Gesture of Appreciation

Although tipping in the Maldives is not legally required, it is appreciated in many tourist areas as a sign of appreciation for good service. Especially in luxurious resorts and hotels scattered across the islands and near the most beautiful beaches and diving spots, tipping is considered a voluntary but very friendly gesture.

A large part of the income for hotel and resort staff in the Maldives comes from tips, as the prices in these establishments are generally higher and service fees may already be included. It is customary to give a tip in areas where you receive direct service – such as restaurants, bars, excursions, or spas – if you were satisfied with the service.

When is Tipping Expected in the Maldives?

Tipping is not expected everywhere in the Maldives, but in most tourist regions, especially in exclusive resorts and near popular sights and dive spots, it is a common practice. In most cases, tips are given as a thank you for particularly friendly or attentive service. There are several areas where you can leave a tip:

Restaurants and Bars: In upscale restaurants and bars, especially in resorts, tipping is appreciated.
Hotel Staff: Housekeepers, porters, and concierges in resorts also appreciate tips.
Taxis and Private Ride Services: If you are using a taxi or private ride service, tipping is also expected here.
Tours and Excursions: For guided tours or excursions, it is customary to give a tip to the guide.

Especially in exclusive resorts located near beautiful beaches or underwater worlds, tipping is a common and valued practice. In remote, less touristy areas, tipping is less frequent, but in major tourist centers, it is part of the customary hospitality.

Tipping in Restaurants and Bars

In most upscale restaurants and bars in the Maldives, a service charge of 10 to 15 percent is added to the bill. This fee usually goes to the hotel or resort, not directly to the staff. So if you are particularly satisfied with the service, you can give an additional tip.

In restaurants where no service charge is included, you can leave a tip of around 5 to 10 percent of the bill. Tipping is especially appreciated in exclusive resorts located near picturesque beaches or luxurious hotel facilities as a thank you for good service. In bars or cafés, you can leave a small tip of about 10 to 20 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), especially if the bartender or service staff was friendly and provided good recommendations for drinks or snacks.

Tipping for Guided Tours and Excursions

The Maldives are not only known for their beaches and diving opportunities but also for their diverse excursions and tours, such as snorkeling, dolphin watching, or boat trips. If you participate in a guided tour, it is customary to give a tip to the guide. The amount of the tip depends on the quality of the tour and your satisfaction with the guide.

For a half-day excursion, a tip of about 100 to 200 MVR per person is appropriate. For longer excursions, such as full-day tours or private boat trips, you might want to budget a bit more, around 300 to 500 MVR per person. Tours and excursions that are near resorts or popular dive areas are particularly significant since many of these tours are organized by private companies or local providers.

A tip for the boat captain or the diver who takes you on a snorkeling trip is also a nice gesture. Here you can plan for about 100 to 200 MVR per person if you were satisfied with the service.

Tipping in the Hotel Sector

In the Maldives, hotels and resorts generally prioritize the satisfaction of their guests, and many hotel staff members rely on tips. For housekeepers, porters, and other hotel employees who assist you during your stay, tipping is a nice gesture that shows your appreciation.

Housekeepers: A tip of about 20 to 50 MVR per night is standard, especially in luxurious resorts.
Porters: If a porter helps you carry your bags, you can give him about 20 to 50 MVR.
Concierge: If the concierge has helped you with special requests, such as organizing excursions or special inquiries, you can budget a tip of 50 to 100 MVR.

Since prices in the Maldives are relatively high, tipping is often seen as very generous. Particularly in exclusive resorts located near dream beaches and luxurious facilities, tipping is a way to thank the staff for their excellent service.

Tipping for Taxis and Ride Services

For taxis and private ride services in the Maldives, tipping is not always required but is appreciated. In many cases, the fare is simply rounded up. A tip of around 10 to 20 MVR is a friendly gesture, especially if the driver helped you or provided interesting information about the area during the ride.

If you book private ride services or longer tours, you can also budget a bit more, around 50 to 100 MVR for the driver.

Tipping in the Maldives – Is it Always Necessary?

In the Maldives, tipping is not mandatory but a voluntary gesture of appreciation. In most cases, a tip is seen as a sign of appreciation for good service. If you are not satisfied with the service in a restaurant, hotel, or on a tour, you are not obliged to leave a tip. However, if the service was particularly good, a tip is welcome.

Especially in resorts and tourist areas that are near popular attractions or exotic beaches, tipping is appreciated as it often represents the only additional source of income for many staff members.

Conclusion – Tipping During Your Maldives Vacation

Tipping in the Maldives is not a strict obligation but is valued as a meaningful gesture of appreciation. In restaurants, on excursions, in the hotel sector, and for taxis, you can give a tip of about 5 to 10 percent of the bill or a fixed amount in Maldivian Rufiyaa if you were satisfied with the service. Particularly in luxurious resorts located near dream beaches and world-famous diving areas, tipping is appreciated as a friendly acknowledgment for excellent service.

With this information, you are well prepared to enjoy your Maldives vacation while respecting local customs.