Known for its high-end resorts and stunning beaches, the Maldives is a prime holiday destination for travellers from across the globe. But what if you want to settle here? Learn about accommodation options on the islands, rent prices, and more.
Conditions
Most expats who live and work in the Maldives are employed in the hospitality sector. Job contracts in this field usually include room and board and you would thus be residing on the territory of the resort you work for in employee accommodation. This makes things much easier as the Maldives are noted for their high cost of living
If you work in other fields, it is best to inquire with your employer about the possibilities of providing accommodation for you. Renting in the Maldives as a foreigner is not the easiest thing as expat tenants have very little legal protection. You will also be facing a risk of being overcharged for accommodation in the capital city. Thus, it is recommended that you arrange your rent through an employer or a trusted third party.
Housing features
As mentioned above, most accommodation outside of Male are holiday resorts. Typically, a resort would be located on its own private island and include all the needed facilities and amenities like restaurants, bars, entertainment, gyms, and private beaches.
You can find some independent accommodation options in Male and adjacent islands. The quality of the apartments varies greatly so you will need to spend some time shopping around.
As temperatures can get quite high, make sure your apartment has a fan on an air conditioner.
Find accommodation
If you are going to the Maldives for work, it is highly recommended that you ask your employer to help with accommodation arrangements. Getting a job offer that includes room and board would be the most favourable option.
If you are travelling on your own, you can start by browsing housing offers online. There are not too many resources available but websites like Airbnb and TripAdvisor can come in handy.
You can also check expat groups and clubs on social media and ask for assistance in your search.
Once on the spot, go through the offers in the daily newspaper Haveeru featuring classifieds in English. Here, you will also find accommodation marked 'for foreigners', which typically means higher quality but also a heavier price tag.
If you are on a budget, apartment sharing is also an option. For this, it's better to check with expat forums online. Make sure to arrange a meeting with your potential housemates before making a final decision.
If you are starting your trip off by staying at one of the resorts, make sure to inquire about how far it is from the airport and if transfers are included in the price of your booking. Getting around the country can be quite pricey as, in most cases, you will need to book a private speedboat or seaplane transfer.
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