Maldives

[Tock389]

Going to Maldives for a week next month - what is the shopping like? Is there anything unique I can bring back for presents etc?

[deesel]

not got a clue, but make sure you have a good time and don't forget to slap on the sunscreen

[anjunagirl]

Not been myself but my brother went last year, he says the shopping is virtually non-existent!

[Artemis]

I've been and forget shopping. If you are flying from the UK and have a stopover at Dubai or Bahrain. Then the duty frees in these two airports are places for major bargains. 

[spudqueen]

Was something about the Maldives on TVAM (or whatever it is) this morning, and it didn't sound as though there were any shops, and only 1 hotel on each island, so nowhere else to eat either. Beaches looked glorious though! Have fun.

[ewand]

Tock389 it depends on the sort of thing you actually want to buy.  As Artemis says, if you want to buy jewelry, electronics, duty free etc. your best bet is Dubai or Bahrain.  However, most islands have gift shops within the hotel complexes.  These contain some items of tack, but also some genuinely interesting gifts too.  Also, the majority of resorts so shopping excursions to Male (the capital) where there is a larger selection of things to buy. 

So, to answer your questions, if you want to do some serious shopping, don't go to the Maldives, but there will be unique gifts for you to bring back.

Have fun in one of the most beautifiul places in the world!