Scam in MaldivesShopping
Marked-up imported souvenirs in Maldives
How it works
Items sold as souvenirs on local-island excursions are typically made outside the Maldives and sold at significant markups. A local shopping stop does not mean the goods were made locally.
Warning signs
- The item has no clear information about where it was made.
- You have no other price to compare with the asking price.
How to avoid it
- Ask where the item was made.
- Compare prices before buying.
- Choose a spending limit before the shopping stop.
- Buy only if you are happy with the item and its price.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt. If the seller made a specific claim that was false, ask for a refund and raise the issue with your excursion operator.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid a confrontation and do not chase a thief.
- For a disputed charge, ask for an itemised bill and speak to the seller or manager.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and a brief record of what happened.
- Freeze missing cards or report unauthorised payments to your card issuer immediately.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Tourist police can help on 1478 or (+960) 9790070. Ask for a report reference or written copy.
- Contact your insurer with the evidence. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/maldives2024Expensive SouvenirsCommenters said souvenirs were rarely locally made and that magnets sold at resorts could be purchased in Malé for under US$5.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorTripadvisor hotel reviewsSheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Gift Shop: Pictures & Reviews - TripadvisorGuest reviews described an overpriced gift shop and expressed suspicion that goods presented as local were manufactured in China.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the marked-up imported souvenirs scam in Maldives?
Items sold as souvenirs on local-island excursions are typically made outside the Maldives and sold at significant markups. A local shopping stop does not mean the goods were made locally.
How can I spot it early?
The item has no clear information about where it was made. You have no other price to compare with the asking price.
How do I avoid marked-up imported souvenirs in Maldives?
Ask where the item was made. Compare prices before buying. Choose a spending limit before the shopping stop. Buy only if you are happy with the item and its price.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt. If the seller made a specific claim that was false, ask for a refund and raise the issue with your excursion operator.
Where in Maldives does this happen?
Handicraft shops on local islands visited during resort excursions.
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.
Reviewed by @snuck