- What to bring from the Maldives from souvenirs?
- Diving supplies
- Trading rules
Tourists choose the Maldives for recreation, because it is quiet and calm, complete tranquility, beautiful nature and the highest level of service. The question of what to bring from the Maldives is usually not very acute, shopping is not the most important thing for wealthy (others have nothing to do here) travelers. And yet, if you wish, on the islands you can find nice little souvenir shops, skillful craftsmen, delighting with crafts made from local natural materials, and in the capital of Male there are also larger shopping centers. Below we will tell you about what souvenirs attract guests from abroad, what things local shops offer for tourists.
What to bring from the Maldives from souvenirs?
Most of the retail outlets are located in the tourist recreation area, on the coast and in the villages that are nearby. This is understandable, since potential buyers should also be nearby. But, interestingly, the goods that local souvenir shops offer are mostly produced in India, southeastern Asia and the island of Sri Lanka. The most popular souvenirs in the Maldives are: dried stingrays; fish carved from colorful coral; lacquer boxes, stunning black; a variety of jewelry.
Women's jewelry, which is made by local craftsmen from natural materials or brought from other countries, is the most popular product. Advertisements are added by local beauties who wear beads, bracelets, and pendants with great dignity. Their outfits, traditionally painted in cream and chocolate shades, are also surprising.
But, if there are no problems with the purchase of jewelry, it is difficult just to stop, then it is problematic to purchase a national costume of a resident of the Maldives. On the other hand, the assortment in the outlets presents a multi-colored, light and airy batik, which lovely ladies also like very much. In addition to lacquered boxes, local craftsmen know how to create amazing things, including elegant walking sticks, original cups and vases. The popular shopping list includes large dishes decorated with exotic designs.
Men prefer to buy cotton T-shirts decorated with a variety of prints and patterns. Moreover, the drawing can be ordered directly on the spot, so to speak, individual. Local craftsmen offer special techniques for applying patterns and inscriptions, they have perfectly mastered the technology of mixing paints. At the same time, the T-shirts were produced in another country, but the design is local. Models of Maldivian dhoni boats are also considered a purely masculine gift; there are samples made of mother-of-pearl, coral or a cheaper material - wood on sale.
Diving supplies
The Maldives is a real paradise for diving enthusiasts, with beautiful underwater landscapes, a kingdom of corals stretching for many kilometers, unique plants and animals awaiting them. Diving is one of the most popular activities on the islands. That is why equipment for this sport is one of the frequent purchases.
Of course, you can rent a mask, costume, and other accessories, but it is much more convenient to buy a set that fits your body perfectly. Correctly selected equipment will help you practically not notice it during diving, and enjoy magnificent underwater panoramas.
Trading rules
The inhabitants of the Maldives are very similar to their Asian neighbors, they know how to sell their goods at clearly inflated prices, but at the same time they adore the very process of trading. In their own way, they will be grateful to the tourist who is frantically bargaining for every "penny", with a smile they look at those who are ready to immediately lay out their hard earned money, without even making an attempt to bring down the price.
There is one important point, local residents are ready to sell anything they want to anyone who wants to, sometimes "forgetting" to warn the new owner that the item cannot be exported from the Maldives. In the list of items that are considered national treasure, you can see the following: red corals and products from them; jewelry, souvenirs made of turtle shell; pearl jewelry and just pearls; certain types of shells; representatives of the kingdom of the local Poseidon in a living and mummified form.
The advice for newcomers to a paradise vacation from experienced travelers who have already become familiar with the customs regulations in force in the Maldives is to do the same. At the entrance to the country, clarify what exactly is prohibited for export, and then, having gained theoretical experience and knowledge, calmly go shopping.
So, while resting in the Maldives, guests can bask for days on the beach, dive into the ocean depths, having bought a set of necessary equipment, get acquainted with the way of life of the aborigines, buy small souvenirs and beautiful jewelry.
