Asia

Maldives

7 apps tracked2 work fine

Last verified: September 7, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer

Payments2

Visa / Mastercard cards

No direct substitute

Local app preferred

Widely accepted at hotels, resorts, shops, and via ATMs

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 29, 2026

Still accurate?

Apple Pay / Google Pay / PayPal

Use instead: Swipe (by Bank of Maldives)

Local app preferred

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay/Google Pay have limited merchant adoption; PayPal recently enabled inbound receipts via Ooredoo‑Fintech but not full payment send for tourists

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 29, 2026

Still accurate?

Messaging1

WhatsApp / Messenger

Use instead: Viber (used by government)

Works fine

Popular global messaging apps work over data while Viber is widely used locally

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 29, 2026

Still accurate?

Maps & Navigation1

Google Maps

Use instead: Dhivehi Maps

Local app preferred

Google Maps works if pre‑downloaded; Dhivehi Maps offers local features offline

Set up before you land

Last verified: Jul 29, 2026

Still accurate?

Ride-hailing1

Uber

Use instead: Resort transfers (speedboat / seaplane) · Malé taxis

Unreliable

No Uber in the Maldives; your resort arranges speedboat or seaplane transfers, and Malé has cheap fixed-fare taxis.

No setup needed

Last verified: Sep 7, 2026

Still accurate?

Internet Access1

Roaming / international data

Use instead: Dhiraagu / Ooredoo tourist SIM

Local app preferred

Roaming expensive; local SIMs affordable and available at airport

Set up before you land

Last verified: Jul 29, 2026

Still accurate?

Social Media Access1

Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / X etc.

No direct substitute

Works fine

Usual platforms accessible; no general ban though child restrictions upcoming

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 29, 2026

Still accurate?