Imagine being on vacation in the Maldives, surrounded by stunning views, and knowing you can create unforgettable memories without blowing your budget. That sounds great, right?
What if I told you that you can plan out your spending and still get exactly what you want for yourself or a loved one? Yep, it’s possible!
Let me help you explore the world of gift cards in the Maldives. I’ll show you where to find them and the different types, so you can make the most of your time there.
Is There Gift Card In Maldives?
Yes, you can get gift cards in the Maldives! Although there are not as many options as in bigger countries, you can still find them from various physical locations and online platforms.
Also, some International brands offer digital gift cards that you can use in the Maldives. Many luxury resorts and spas offer gift cards for things like stays, dining, and special experiences, which you might be interested in!
These cards are available in amounts starting from around MVR 100 or 200 (Maldivian Rufiyaa) and can go up to MVR 5,000 or more, depending on the brand. For international gift cards, the denominations usually follow standard amounts such as $10, $25, $50, or $100. For luxury resorts and spas, the denominations may be customized to fit specific packages or experiences.
Where to Find Gift Cards in Maldives
The following are some of the places you can easily find gift cards in Maldives:
- Local Shops and Retail Stores
Many local shops, boutiques, and retail chains across the Maldives offer gift cards for in-store purchases. For instance, most shopping malls in Male City offer gift cards. You will find gift cards at places like the Centro Mall; the first-ever shopping mall in Maldives. Also, Agora provides gift cards that can be used for clothing, accessories, groceries, and household items.
2. Restaurants and Cafés
Some restaurants and cafés at Anantara Kihavah offer gift cards for indoor and outdoor activities. One example is the Spice Restaurant, and another is the Olive Garden restaurant.
These kinds of restaurants are prevalent in tourist areas like Malé or resorts, where you’ll find cards for both local and international restaurants specializing in seafood, Maldivian cuisine, and more.
3. Hotels and Resorts
Luxury resorts like the La Meridien Maldives Resort offer gift cards for guests. Other ones are Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Resort, and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers gift cards for stays, dining, and spa services.
4. Specialty Centers
Specialty centers like Spa and wellness centers in Maldives offer gift cards that can be used for relaxing treatments like massages, facials, and full wellness packages. Some of them are the Devarana Spa and the Duniye Spa.
5. Airports and Duty-Free Shops
At Velana International Airport, you can find gift cards at duty-free shops like Le Cute in Malé, you can find gift cards for luxury goods, perfumes, cosmetics, and travel-related items.
6. Online Platforms
If you prefer digital options, you can buy gift cards for various services online. They are available through the companies’ official website.
Some of these platforms are the BML which offers MasterCard gift cards for their customers and the Ooredoo platform. You can use them to purchase digital gift cards and products, stream entertainment, or enjoy subscriptions while in the Maldives.
7. Convenience Stores and Supermarkets
Supermarkets chains like Redwave; the largest supermarket chain in Maldives, and STO People’s Choice offer gift cards for lots of local retailers and services.
Types of Gift Cards in Maldives
The following are the types of gift cards in Maldives:
1. Store/Retail Gift Cards
These gift cards can be used in stores for purchasing goods like clothing, accessories, groceries, and more. Examples are the Centro Mall gift cards and the Agora gift card, which you can use to shop for household items and personal goods.
2. Restaurant and Café Gift Cards
These gift cards allow you to enjoy delicious meals at local spots or international restaurants without worrying about the bill. You’ll find them at popular cafés, restaurants, and even resorts. Examples are the Olive Garden gift card and the Four Seasons gift card
3. Experience Gift Cards
If you love adventure or luxury experiences, you should the experience gift cards for stays, dining, or services at luxury resorts and hotels. They are offered by hotels and luxury resorts in the Maldives.
Examples are the Anantara Kihavah, Kuruedu Resort, and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island gift cards
4. Specialty Gift Cards
Specialty gift cards are made for specific things, like electronics, spa treatments, dining, or luxury experiences. Unlike general gift cards, they’re focused on particular services or stores. For example, you can give someone a card for their favorite restaurant, a tech shop, or a relaxing day at a spa.
Examples of them are; Duniye Spa gift cards and Veli Spa gift cards.
5. Online Platform Gift Cards
These are e-gift cards that allow you to shop online and use digital services. You can use these cards to pay for different digital products and downloadable content. They’re simple to buy from the websites and are usually sent by email for easy use.
Popular examples are the Ooredoo gift cards and the BML gift cards
6. Travel Gift Cards
These can also be called hotel gift cards because they are specifically meant for accommodations. Hotel gift cards are a type of travel gift card that can be used for booking stays at hotels or resorts, covering room costs, dining, or even spa services within the hotel.
So, while all hotel gift cards are travel gift cards, not all travel gift cards are limited to hotels—they may also cover flights, activities, or other travel expenses. An example is the Maldives travel gift voucher.
FAQs
- Can Gift Cards be Reloaded?
Some gift cards can be reloaded while others cannot, but it depends on the type of card and the issuing company. Reloadable gift cards, also known as prepaid cards, allow you to add more funds after the initial balance is used up.
However, many standard retail gift cards, like those for specific stores or restaurants, cannot be reloaded once the balance is spent. Always check the terms and conditions of the gift card to see if it can be reloaded.
- Can Gift Cards be Returned?
Most of the time, you can’t return gift cards after buying them. It depends on the store, but gift cards are usually final sales. If the card hasn’t been used, you can ask the store or company if they allow returns or exchanges, though this is rare. Always check the rules before purchasing a gift card.
- Do Gift Cards Expire?
Yes, some gift cards do expire, but not all of them. The expiration date depends on the type of card and the issuing company.
For physical gift cards, you can usually find the expiration date on the front or back of the card. For e-gift cards, you may need to check the retailer’s website or ask customer service. Always check the terms and conditions to see if your gift card has an expiration date.
Read Also: Types of Gift Cards in Peru
Conclusion
Maldives known for its hospitality and tourism nature has different gift cards to enhance good memories while on vacation. Although the selection of these cards is not as large as in some other countries, you’re sure to find a gift card for every occasion.
Whether you prefer them in physical or digital forms, you can easily plan with the different denominations available, including the customized denominations to suit your budget.