The Maldives arrival flow is different
Most travellers leave Velana International Airport by speedboat, seaplane or domestic connection. If you are staying on a local island such as Maafushi, your booking should tell you which speedboat to take and where to meet it.
Get connected before you leave the airport
Prepaid tourist SIMs are available at Velana from the country's two mobile operators. Buying one at the airport is useful if you are going straight to an island where you may not want to spend time looking for a telecom shop.
How much cash do you need?
The local currency is Maldivian rufiyaa, while major credit cards are widely accepted. Local-island travellers may still want some cash for cafés, small shops or optional activities. Do not carry your entire holiday budget in cash.
Maafushi: follow the speedboat, not the taxi signs
A taxi cannot take you from Velana to Maafushi. Find your speedboat representative or the confirmed ferry/transfer point outside Terminal 1. Taxis and buses are mainly relevant for Malé or Hulhumalé road journeys.
What to do after you land
The Maldives is different: your first transport is usually an island transfer, not a city taxi. Confirm the transfer before you fly.
SIM / eSIM
Prepaid tourist SIMs are available from both Maldivian mobile providers at Velana International Airport. If you are going straight to an island, buying the SIM at the airport is often the simplest option.
Money & cards
Maldivian rufiyaa is the local currency and major credit cards are widely accepted. For a local-island trip, carry some MVR or USD for small purchases; use airport/bank services rather than informal exchange offers.
Airport taxi / transfer
At Velana (MLE), official taxi ranks, buses and speedboat ferry terminals are directly outside Terminal 1 arrivals. If you are travelling to Maafushi, look for your confirmed speedboat transfer - do not leave the terminal expecting a taxi to drive you there.
Your first 15 minutes
Connect your phone, find your resort/guesthouse or speedboat representative, confirm the boat/departure point, then buy only the cash you expect to need. A taxi is mainly relevant if you are going to Malé or Hulhumalé.
Airport facilities and transfer schedules can change. Reconfirm your island transfer and official airport information shortly before departure.