No vaccinations are required to enter the country. There are no known cases of malaria in the Maldives and suggested vaccinations include hepatitis-b, typhoid, polio and tetanus. The water in the Maldives is derived from seawater desalination and rain water accumulation, hence is quite clean. Our site survey team has not indulged in too much tap-water, but small amounts had no effect.
Bottled water is available everywhere at reasonable prices including the hotel room s mini-bars.
The Rf is not on the open exchange market, the conversion factor was 11.72 Rf per US-dollar in July 1997. Every shop is allowed to change money or accept US dollars for payment at this rate and there were no incidences of people trying to deviate from this rate, although payments of Rf-priced items in dollars are usually rounded unless the exact exchange rate is requested. Bartering for prices is highly recommended and usually results in significantly lower prices of goods or services. Don't take a small speed boat for anything further away than about 30-45 minutes, your backs will thank you. Lower fares can be negotiated for regular shuttle transfers.