Resorts commonly include service on food and drinks. International-style restaurants in Malé may receive around 10–15%, while local cafés have less expectation. Check your resort's staff and excursion arrangements separately.
Check resort billDining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
Maldives tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsCheck resort bill
Resorts commonly include service on food and drinks. International-style restaurants in Malé may receive around 10–15%, while local cafés have less expectation. Check your resort's staff and excursion arrangements separately.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Bars & cafésAdvice & exceptionsCheck resort bill
Resort drinks may already carry a service charge. Check before adding a separate tip.
Hotels & resortsAdvice & exceptionsCheck included service
All-inclusive resort bills commonly include a service charge. An additional personal thank-you is optional.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsOptional for dive instructors
The operator describes a small gratuity for an excellent dive instructor as welcome, not expected; no fixed amount is established.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
