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Common in Maldives

Scam in MaldivesFood and drink

High resort drink prices in Maldives

Resorts; alcohol also carries steep markups on licensed liveaboards and at Hulhulé Island Hotel.

How it works

Bottled water can be very expensive at resorts. Alcohol at licensed venues also usually carries a steep markup. These are pricing risks, rather than evidence of a dishonest charge.

Warning signs

  • You order drinks before checking the menu price.
  • You assume bottled water is included in your stay.

How to avoid it

  1. Check drink prices before ordering.
  2. Ask which drinks your room or meal package includes.
  3. Ask management whether the resort's tap water is safe to drink.

If it happens to you

Ask for an itemised bill. If the charge differs from the agreed price, show the menu or booking details and ask management to correct it.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Avoid a confrontation and do not chase a thief.
  2. For a disputed charge, ask for an itemised bill and speak to the seller or manager.
  3. Save receipts, booking details, messages and a brief record of what happened.
  4. Freeze missing cards or report unauthorised payments to your card issuer immediately.
  5. Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Tourist police can help on 1478 or (+960) 9790070. Ask for a report reference or written copy.
  6. Contact your insurer with the evidence. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What it can costBottled water typically costs US$5 per bottle.
Where it happensResorts; alcohol also carries steep markups on licensed liveaboards and at Hulhulé Island Hotel.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in MaldivesMarked-up imported souvenirs: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the high resort drink prices scam in Maldives?

Bottled water can be very expensive at resorts. Alcohol at licensed venues also usually carries a steep markup. These are pricing risks, rather than evidence of a dishonest charge.

How can I spot it early?

You order drinks before checking the menu price. You assume bottled water is included in your stay.

How do I avoid high resort drink prices in Maldives?

Check drink prices before ordering. Ask which drinks your room or meal package includes. Ask management whether the resort's tap water is safe to drink.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask for an itemised bill. If the charge differs from the agreed price, show the menu or booking details and ask management to correct it.

Where in Maldives does this happen?

Resorts; alcohol also carries steep markups on licensed liveaboards and at Hulhulé Island Hotel.

How much can it cost me?

Bottled water typically costs US$5 per bottle.

How common is this scam in Maldives?

Common. Crime levels are relatively low at resort hotels, but theft from beaches and hotel rooms does happen. Money risks include expensive drinks, marked-up souvenirs and poor exchange rates in shops. These pricing risks do not, by themselves, prove fraud.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police: call toll-free 1478 or (+960) 9790070 at any time for information or assistance. Emergency services: call 911 if you need urgent police, ambulance, fire and rescue, or coast guard help. Hotel management or excursion operator: report missing belongings or a disputed charge promptly. Share receipts and booking details, and ask staff to help you contact police if needed. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised payments. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance.

What number do I call in an emergency in Maldives?

Police, ambulance, fire and rescue, coast guard: 911, Tourist police, toll-free: 1478, Tourist police: (+960) 9790070.

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