3 scams I experienced in Male, which the tour guide would never tell me

Why play Male? Most tourists transfer to the resort island from Male, but setting aside half a day to a day to explore the capital can give you a real feel for the Maldivian culture. Itinerary planning suggestions Short transit time (3-5 hours): Luggage storage at the airport → 10 minutes drive to the city center → Sultan Park + Maldives National Museum → local fish market. Long transfer time (more than 6 hours): Add Friday Mosque, Artificial Beach, and local cafe experience. Must-visit attractions (with location/tickets) Maldives National Museum: $5 ticket, see thousand-year-old Islamic relics. Local fish market: The busiest time is from 3 to 5 pm, when the live tuna cutting is stunning. Friday Mosque: Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter, but the golden dome is worth a photo. Tips for Avoiding Scams Beware of "black cars" at the airport and negotiate the price in advance (usually $5-10 in the city). Women are advised to avoid wearing shorts into religious areas and are advised to wear scarves. Buy souvenirs at local supermarkets, which are 50% cheaper than at tourist attractions. Useful information Ferry from the airport to the city (10 minutes/$1) VS taxi (15 minutes/$10). Recommended affordable restaurants in Male: Sea House (seafood fried rice $8), Shell Beans (Internet celebrity cafe). "Male is not the essence of Maldives, but it is a window to understand this country. Don't miss it when you are in transit."