Is Maldives cashless?
Mostly cashless#53 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #6 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Pay by card, but carry a little local cash for small places.
Resorts bill everything to your room and take cards. On local islands, guesthouses and cafes often want US dollars or rufiyaa in cash.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Maldives, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Maldives, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) and US dollar
How does tipping work?
A 10% service charge is standard. Extra cash tips for resort staff are common.
Mobile payments
No widely used mobile wallets for visitors. Stick to cards where accepted, and cash.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maldives cashless?
Maldives scores 70/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #53 of 197 countries. Resorts bill everything to your room and take cards. On local islands, guesthouses and cafes often want US dollars or rufiyaa in cash.
Do I need cash in Maldives?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Maldives, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Maldives?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Maldives, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Maldives?
A 10% service charge is standard. Extra cash tips for resort staff are common.
Compare with Asia
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.