Accepted bank cards

Union Pay cards, specifically those issued by RSHB bank, are accepted at Male International Airport (MLE) duty-free. Ruble-denominated Union Pay cards also work, with transactions converted via CNY.

At Maldives resorts, payments are primarily accepted in USD or local Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Chinese Yuan (CNY) cash may not be accepted directly. At Velana International Airport (MLE), establishments like Burger King accept cash USD. Union Pay cards issued by Russian banks (e.g., RSCHB) are accepted at resorts.

For booking seaplane transfers in the Maldives when traditional credit cards are not suitable, consider obtaining a UnionPay card from a Russian bank, such as Rosselkhozbank. This card can also be used for other payments on the islands and is convenient for direct bookings through platforms like Trip.com.

When using Russian UnionPay cards (e.g., from ATB or Rosselkhozbank - RSHB) in Maldives, be aware of potential issues due to international sanctions. While some terminals might support UnionPay, transactions from Russian banks are increasingly being declined. Acceptance rates can be around 50/50. UnionPay generally works reliably in duty-free shops at Velana Airport and larger establishments. It's advisable to have backup payment methods or confirm acceptance locally.

For Russian travelers in the Maldives, RSHB (Rosselkhozbank) UnionPay cards are generally accepted for payments. However, online transactions with RSHB UnionPay might primarily work on specific Chinese platforms. 'Plati po Miru' cards (a UnionPay alternative) are also viable. For airline services like seat selection or other online purchases, it's advisable to verify card acceptance with the service provider beforehand. For business lounge access, check specific bank programs (e.g., Tinkoff passes may work with Munima).

For tourists in the Maldives, it is recommended to use a ruble-denominated UnionPay card from Rosselkhozbank for transactions. While widely accepted, not all establishments may support it, making a backup card advisable. Exchange rates can vary.

Russian banking applications generally remain accessible from the Maldives using standard hotel Wi-Fi. If connection issues occur due to IP restrictions, a VPN typically resolves them. Russian-issued UnionPay cards (e.g., Rosselkhozbank) are functional for payments and ATM withdrawals.