Shopping in Maldives

Shopping in Maldives can be an exciting experience. Malé is the commercial hub of the Maldives in addition to being the capital city. Varieties of consumer goods are imported to Maldives and are sold in Malé. Electronics, cosmetics, perfumes, garments and chocolates are available from shops in different parts of Malé. You get edibles like canned fish too, which is famous here. The main areas of shopping are Majeedhee Magu and Chaanhanee Magu. There is excellent shopping at the duty free outlets selling toys, perfumes, liqueur, cosmetics, electronics at The Malé International Airport. All shops in Maldives are generally open till 2300 hours, closing only for 15 minutes for their prayers. It is always better to visit a few shops to compare prices before you go ahead. Also beware of people trying to persuade you into buying things or entering their shops. Shop in groups too and avoid going alone. Most resorts in Maldives have in house souvenir shops that cater to basic needs as well as the island curios.

 

Garments are mainly found in shops in Majeedhee Magu and Chaanhanee Magu, two well-known streets of Malé. Garments are mainly imported from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Dubai. The branded garment stores that are popular are Givenchy, Elle and Benetton. Here you will get all kinds of imported items. The shopping area of Chandhanee Magu used to be known as Singapore Bazaar, because the shops would sell products imported from Singapore in 1960s and 1970s. Today, the area is flooded with curio and souvenir shops. Nevertheless, one can still find varieties of other products in this area. Most of the souvenir shops are located in the area of Chaanhanee Magu, Orchid Magu, Fareedhee Magu and Faamudheyri Magu. The local markets on the northern front are quite delightful. The shops offer diverse items, both imported and locally produced. Lacquer works, locally woven mats from dried coconut leaves and reeds called Thudu Kina, wooden fish, T-shirts, sarongs, caps, scarves, bracelets, rings, necklaces, shells, models of local vessels or dhoni  made out of wood and oyster shells, postcards, books on Maldives, and maps are some of the items available. Not all these items are produced in Maldives. Some of them are imported from Dubai, India and Indonesia.

 

Buying and selling of Turtle shells, crocodile skin, corals and pearl shells is strictly prohibited in Maldives. In many local islands in the tourism zone, souvenir shops have flourished. They also provide diverse range of souvenirs for the tourists who might visit the islands on excursions. Himmafushi, Maafushi, Huuraa, and Guraidhoo of Malé Atoll are famous for its souvenir shops. Rasdhoo, Mahibadhoo and Dhagethi in Ari Atoll are also well known.