Key Takeaways:
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Is Shopping in the Maldives Worth It?
Shopping in the Maldives is not the primary highlight, as most visitors come for luxury overwater villas and water sports. However, it’s worth exploring the authentic island souvenirs that reflect Maldivian culture.
You can visit markets in the Maldives, like Male Local Market or Majeedhee Magu, which can help you find island products at reasonable costs. You can choose from handmade miniature Dhoni (boats), woven mats, seashell jewellery, and more.
The Maldives is also known for premium imported goods, which are expensive due to import costs. To keep your shopping budget low, only look for souvenirs at the street market.
Quick Overview: Top Places to Shop in the Maldives
|
Type |
Best For | Price Level |
Where |
|
Male Local Market |
Local food & crafts | Budget | Male |
| Majeedhee Magu | Clothes & Electronics | Moderate |
Male |
|
Chaandhanee Magu |
Traditional souvenirs | Moderate | Male |
| STO’s People’s Choice | Supermarket & essentials | Fixed Price (based on products) |
Male |
|
Redwave Mega Mall |
Groceries & household goods | Moderate | Hulhumale |
| Crossroads | Luxury brands & dining | Premium |
Emboodhoo Lagoon |
|
Airport Duty Free |
Perfume & alcohol | High | Velana International Airport |
Maldives Shopping Markets
This guide gives you the top places people like to visit in the Maldives to buy clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, and perfumes.
From modern malls to local markets, here’s where to shop and what to buy in the Maldives.
1. Male Local Market
- What to buy: Everyday essentials – Vegetables, fresh catches (seafood), dried fish, pickled foods, miniature boats, seashell crafts, and fresh coconuts.
- Location: North waterfront, Male, Maldives.
- Hours: 07:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
The Male Local Market is a good place to observe daily life in the Maldives. The market is always busy, with the air filled with the smells of delicious Maldivian food, fresh fruits, smoked fish, and jars of pickles.
The Male Local Market sections
- Fresh fish
- The vegetables and fruits
- Dried fish products
- Coconut-based products, crafts and local snacks
2. Majeedhee Magu
- What to buy: Fashion – Clothes, cosmetics, electronics, watches, perfumes, local jewellery and souvenirs.
- Location: Runs east to west across Male.
- Hours: 09:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Majeedhee Magu is a must-visit for budget shoppers in Malé.
This main street runs east to west across the island, with shops lining both sides, from well-known brands to small local stores.
Especially when it comes to clothes shopping in the Maldives, you will find plenty of options in Majeedhee Magu.
3. Chaandhanee Magu (Singapore Bazaar)
- What to buy: Souvenirs – Thundu Kunaa mats, wooden dhonis, lacquerwork boxes, Maldivian sarongs, locally designed t-shirts, handicrafts.
- Location: Central Male (north to south)
- Hours: 09:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Chaandhanee Magu, also called Singapore Bazaar, dates back to when most imports arrived from Singapore.
The name comes from a time when most imported goods arrived from Singapore. Although that is no longer the case, the name remains.
Many shops sell traditional Maldivian crafts such as woven mats, hand-carved wooden dhoni boats, t-shirts with island designs, scarves, and sarongs with typical Maldivian patterns.
The must-buy is the lacquered boxes and vases painted in bright colours, which are Maldivian crafts.
4. STO People’s Choice
- What to buy: Supermarket – Vegetables, imported groceries, household items, and electronics.
- Location: Orchid Magu, Male
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Friday: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
STO People’s Choice is the largest shopping centre in Male. It offers a wide range of products in an air-conditioned building. Shopping here is simple because all prices are fixed, so you do not need to bargain.
Ground floor: Fresh food, imported snacks, and household essentials.
Upper floor: Electronics, clothing, footwear and a souvenir section.
5. Le Cute
- What to buy: Beauty store: Makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances, and gift sets.
- Location: Majeedhee Magu Rd, Malé, Maldives.
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 02:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Fridays: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM).
Le Cute is a well-known beauty store in the Maldives, located on Majeedhee Magu in Male.
The store features cosmetics and skincare products from international brands, including MAC, Benefit, and Maybelline. The products range from eyeliners, mascaras, highlighters, lipsticks, and more.
Beyond makeup, there are more things to buy in Le Cute Maldives:
- High-end skincare products
- Extensive collection of fragrances
- Haircare sets
- Separate section on Korean skincare products
Note: Prices at Le Cute are similar to those in other countries, although some luxury items may be more expensive due to import costs.
6. Redwave Mega Mall
- What to buy: The biggest mall offering household goods, furniture, electronics, groceries, frozen foods, and daily essentials.
- Location: Hithigas Magu, Hulhumale.
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday), 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Friday).
Redwave Mega Mall is the biggest shopping mall in the Maldives, covering 8,000 square feet on Hulhumale island.
The mall has several floors with a variety of shops. You can find furniture, home goods, electronics, groceries, and many other items at reasonable prices.
The supermarket is particularly notable, offering frozen foods, party supplies, spices, canned goods, and a variety of beverages.
7. The Marina @ Crossroads Maldives
- What to do: High-end shopping and dining experience.
- Location: Emboodhoo Lagoon, 15 minutes by speedboat from Male.
- Hours: Most shops are open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The Marina Crossroads Maldives is a premium shopping destination.
Unlike most resorts in the Maldives, Crossroads welcomes everyone to visit without booking a room to explore the marina, shop, and dine.
A highlight of the Marina is the Candy Shop, one of the best chocolate shops in the Maldives, which offers more than 150 types of sweets from around the world, including gummies, marshmallows, chocolates, and unique candies.
8. Male International Airport Duty Free
- What to buy: Best for last-minute shoppers to buy souvenirs.
- Location: Departure area, Velana International Airport.
- Timings: 24/7 (Shops open until the last flight departs).
If you are running late but still want to shop, Velana International Airport offers many options. The duty-free area covers almost 600 square metres in the departure section.
Here are a few duty-free items at Velana International Airport
- Perfume stores (Dior, Bulgari, Yves Saint Laurent, Kenzo and more)
- Cosmetics section (Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, MAC and more)
- Fashion and accessories (Tumi, Michael Kors, Longines, Tissot, Montblanc, and Swarovski)
- Chocolate shop (Toblerone, Godiva, Goldkenn and more)
There are also stalls selling Maldivian souvenirs. Prices are generally higher than in Male’s markets, but the convenience and tax-free status can be worth it for travellers in a hurry.
Note: Besides a private island, the airport is one of the few places in the Maldives where it is legal to purchase alcohol.
Conclusion
Shopping in the Maldives is not only about making purchases. You can talk with local sellers and learn about handmade products. When you buy, it supports local businesses.
From traditional markets to modern malls and airport duty-free shops, there are options for all kinds of travellers. It is a good idea to bring an extra bag for your purchases, as you may find many items that are unique to the Maldives.
FAQs on Maldives Shopping
1. What are the customs regulations for shopping in the Maldives?
When shopping in the Maldives, it is important to understand export restrictions, which mean what you cannot take out of the country.
Items you cannot take out of the Maldives include.
- Coral products
- Turtle shells and turtle products
- Shark teeth
- Whale bones or any protected marine wildlife products
These are protected under environmental laws. If found in your luggage, they will be confiscated, and you may face fines.
2. Can you bargain when shopping in local Maldivian markets?
You can only bargain in the local markets in the Maldives. Also, vendors at places like Male Local Market, Chaandhanee Magu, and Majeedhee Magu often charge higher prices to tourists.
Remember to be polite and friendly, and avoid being too aggressive. If you do not intend to buy, it is better not to start bargaining.
3. What are the best Maldivian souvenirs to buy?
Here are the famous and best things to buy in the Maldives:
- Miniature Dhoni: It’s a small, hand-carved wooden model of the traditional Maldivian boat.
- Thundu Kunaa mat: Made from dried reeds.
- Lacquerware items: Find vases with Maldivian themes.
- Coconut shell bowls & kitchen utensils: Local people use available resources to make utensils.
- Jewellery: Handmade from shells, simple yet attractive.
- Local food products: Buy vacuum-packed smoked tuna or Rihaakuru fish paste to take back home.
4. What are the best times to visit markets in the Maldives?
For the Male Local Market, visit early in the morning, between 7 and 9 am, to find fresh produce and fewer crowds. After 10 AM, the market gets busier, and the weather becomes hotter.
Avoid shopping between 12 PM and 2 PM, as many shops close for prayers. On Fridays, most shops open later in the afternoon or in the evenings because of the Jumu’ah prayers.
