tipping in maldives

[katieb73]

Could any one tell me please what is the tipping ettiquette in Maldives, dont want to appear mean or taken for a ride!!!! Taking american dollars as i gather thats the way to go. cant wait, leave on Sunday!!!!!! tia

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"Tipping is customary in the Maldives. Budget to tip US$5-10 a week for your roomboy and your waiter. On your first night, you'll be assigned a table and will have the same waiter for the whole holiday. If you're diving it is customary to tip the Maldivian boat crew, but not the instructor/divemaster, who are usually Europeans or South Africans. If someone carries your luggage, a tip of US$1-2 per piece is customary."

Source:
"http://www.scuba-addict.co.uk/maldives.html"

Other websites state that tipping is officially discouraged but that wages are low and it's recommended to tip in line with the suggestions above.

Chris