The Maldivian currency, Rufiyaa comes in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500.

A rufiyaa is divided into 100 Larees.

Coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, Larees and one and two Rufiyaa.

Major currencies are converted to local currency at the banks, tourist resort islands hotels and leading shops. The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Payments in the hotels can be made in most hard currencies in cash traveler's cheques or credit cards. Personal cheques may be accepted if they are supported by an internationally recognised bank guarantee card. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express Visa Master Card Diners Club JCB and Euro Card.

Shopping
Male is the best place for shopping, given the choice and variety of goods available in this centre of commercial activity. Local and imported handicrafts and souvenirs, cigarettes and electronic items are sold. The prices in Male have now become highly competitive, with minimum or no duty levied on most items. Most of the shops are in the main business area which is only a five-minute walk from the jetty where tourists usually arrive.

It is always better to browse through a few shops before choosing what to buy. The shops recommended by guides or shop assistants volunteering to be guides are not necessarily the - best places for duty free shopping .

The capital Malé, being the centre of commercial activity is the ideal place to shop.

Shops open between 7.30 and 9.30 am, closing at 11 PM.
On Fridays they open at 1.30 PM, closing as usual.