Frequently asked Questions

Coming to Maldives

  • Visa requirements
    • A Visa will be issued upon arrival, valid for 30 days to all visitors.
  • Are vaccinations needed?
    • No special vaccinations are required to travel to Maldives
  • Clothing
    • Maldives climate is steady around 30 degrees and only light and casual clothing is required. Please keep in mind that the Maldives are a Islamic country. Topless or naked (sun-) bathing are not allowed. At Helengeli you will not need any shoes throughout your stay! Please remember to adapt to the local habits of covering your shoulders when visiting local islands.
  • Are there any customs restrictions?
    • Yes! The import of DVD’s, Alcohol and other items offending the Muslim religion is not permitted into the Maldives. This includes purchases made in duty free shops at the airports.
  • What Time Zone does Maldives and Helengeli have?
    • Maldives is GMT + 4. However, Helengeli is an additional hour ahead of Maldives time, making it 5 hours ahead of GMT.

Transfer

  • How will we get to the seaplane once arriving in Male?
    • Upon your arrival to Male International airport you will be greeted by our airport representatives (located at counter number 50 "Crown Tours" at the arrival terminal). They will assist you with your transfer to Trans Maldivian Airways.
  • What is the transfer time from Male to Helengeli?
    • The flight time between Male International airport and Helengeli is about 15 minutes and additional 8 minutes with the Dhoni from the platform to the island. Occasionally the seaplane will make an additional stop at another island prior to reaching Helengeli.
  • What are the luggage restrictions?
    • A Maximum of 30 kg per person is permitted on the seaplane. In addition 5kg hand luggage is allowed. Additional luggage will be charged is payable direct to the airline.
  • When will we know the flight time for our seaplane transfer?
    • Transfer times depend on the international flight schedule and are therefore not the same everyday. We will reserve the seaplane according to your international arrival. Should you book your stay at Helengeli directly, please make sure to send us your flight details at least 7 days prior to arrival. Should you book through a Travel Agency, this information must be provided by them.

Currency in the Maldives

  • Which currencies are accepted at Helengeli Island Resort?
    • While the official currency is the Maldivian Ruffia, the US Dollar is the most accepted currency throughout the country.
  • Which is the main currency at Helengeli?
    • All prices at Helengeli are in US Dollars. We also accept other major currencies, such as Euro, British Pounds, Swiss Francs. Please keep in mind that exchange rates against the US Dollar in the Maldives may not be as favorable as in your home country.

Payment

  • Cash or credit card?
    • You may settle your bill with cash, Travelers Checks or credit card prior to your departure. You may also split payment in between the before mentioned. We accept Visa, American Express and Master Card.
  • During the stay: is cash needed?
    • You will not need any cash while at the resort. Everything may be charged to your room and can be settled upon departure. A little cash will be needed to visit a local island or for the tips. Please bring small bills with you.
  • Is it possible to get a cash advance off my Credit Card?
    • Yes, however banking charges apply. Keep in mind that the exchange rate in your country will be better than in the resort.

Leaving Maldives

  • Is it possible to take away corals, shells or sand?
    • No! You may not take with you anything out of the ocean or off the beach. Maldives customs as well as your own customs will check for these.
  • Can we buy souvenirs?
    • We do have a souvenir shop at the resort and also offer excursions to close by local islands. There you will find a variety of souvenirs from local handicrafts to traditional clothing. Of course Postcards are available and can be sent by the resort.

Clothing on Helengeli Island Resort

  • General Dress Code
    • Abiding by the local laws, we do not permit nude or topless bathing or sunbathing at Helengeli. Apart from that we do not have a general dress code for the resort.
  • Are shoes required?
    • Shoes are optional. Most guests decide to walk barefoot throughout their entire holiday. So if you wish, leave all your shoes at home
  • Dress code for the restaurants
    • We only request that a shirt and shorts or skirt will be worn in the restaurant and that guests do not dine in bathing suits. Shorts and T-Shirts are acceptable for all meal times.

Internet

  • Is internet available at Helengeli?
    • Yes. Internet is available at the resort. We offer an Internet PC and a W-LAN in the bar.

Mobile phones

  • Does my mobile phone work at Helengeli?
    • Most mobile phones will work in the Maldives. This depends on individual roaming agreements between your provider and the Maldivian provider. Please keep in mind that considerable roaming charges apply. You may wish to ask your provider for details to see whether the normal phone within the hotel may be more advantageous to make international calls.
  • Is it possible to send and receive SMS?
    • If you are able to use your mobile phone it is most likely that you will be able to send and receive SMS messages (however we have experienced a few exceptions).

Diving

  • Does Helengeli have a house reef?
    • Helengeli is surrounded by a stunning house reef with 6 entry points from the beach.
  • Is snorkel and dive gear available for rent?
    • The Diving Center offers Snorkel gear for rent or sale.
  • Can anyone dive at helengeli?
    • Generally yes, as long as the diver is at least of 12 years of age. Please keep in mind that a medical certificate may be needed. Please contact us should you have any questions!
  • How can we get in touch with the Dive Center?

General

  • Are beach towels provided?
    • Yes, beach towels are ready to use in your room.
  • Does Helengeli have TV’s in the room?
    • No, we encourage guests to forget about the outside world while with us.
  • What type of electric plugs is used in the Maldives?
    • The norm is the ‘British’ type of plug with three pins. The Voltage is 230 Volt. Please take an adapter for your electronic equipment.
  • Does the room have a safe?
    • Yes, a safe is provided complimentary in every guest room.
  • Is night fishing available?
    • In an effort to protect the marine life around Helengeli, we do not offer night fishing. However dhoni big game fishing can be arranged upon request as well as a wide selection of other excursions.