Skip to content
Occasional in Maldives

Scam in MaldivesChanging money

Poor dollar exchange rates in shops in Maldives

Shops accepting payment in US dollars.

How it works

Shops may convert US dollars at either Rf15 or Rf10 per dollar. At the lower rate, your dollars buy much less. A poor rate is not necessarily a hidden or fraudulent charge.

Warning signs

  • The shop quotes a price in rufiyaa but takes payment in dollars without explaining the conversion.
  • The shop offers Rf10 for each US dollar.

How to avoid it

  1. Ask for the exchange rate before handing over money.
  2. Confirm the total and the currency of any change.
  3. Consider using rufiyaa for purchases on inhabited islands.
  4. Count your change before leaving.

If it happens to you

Ask the seller to explain the calculation. If the rate differs from what you agreed, request a correction and keep the receipt.

  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 costShop conversion rates can be Rf10 or Rf15 per US$1.
Where it happensShops accepting payment in US dollars.

What travellers report

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

More scams in MaldivesTheft of unattended valuables: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the poor dollar exchange rates in shops scam in Maldives?

Shops may convert US dollars at either Rf15 or Rf10 per dollar. At the lower rate, your dollars buy much less. A poor rate is not necessarily a hidden or fraudulent charge.

How can I spot it early?

The shop quotes a price in rufiyaa but takes payment in dollars without explaining the conversion. The shop offers Rf10 for each US dollar.

How do I avoid poor dollar exchange rates in shops in Maldives?

Ask for the exchange rate before handing over money. Confirm the total and the currency of any change. Consider using rufiyaa for purchases on inhabited islands. Count your change before leaving.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask the seller to explain the calculation. If the rate differs from what you agreed, request a correction and keep the receipt.

Where in Maldives does this happen?

Shops accepting payment in US dollars.

How much can it cost me?

Shop conversion rates can be Rf10 or Rf15 per US$1.

How common is this scam in Maldives?

Occasional. 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