REAL NUMBERS
Tax and Fee Decoder
GST, service charge, green tax, and the 26% surprise. How $300/night becomes $390+, and why your final bill is always higher than expected.
Quick Answer
Every price in the Maldives gets hit with 16% GST + 10% service charge. That is 26% on top of the listed price. Then add $6 per person per night in green tax. Most published rates on booking sites exclude these taxes. A $300/night room for 2 guests actually costs $390/night.
The Three Taxes You Will Pay
Every tourist in the Maldives pays these three charges. No exceptions.
| Tax | Rate | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST (Goods and Services Tax) | 16% | Room rate, food, drinks, spa, excursions, minibar, laundry, everything | Applied to the pre-tax amount. This is the biggest single tax. |
| Service Charge | 10% | Room rate, food, drinks, spa, excursions, everything | Mandatory by law. Distributed to resort staff. This is not a tip. |
| Green Tax | $6/person/night | Per tourist, per night of stay | Flat fee. Not a percentage. Children under 2 exempt. Charged on checkout. |
Important: How the 26% Works
GST and service charge are calculated separately on the base price, not on each other. On a $100 item: GST = $16, service charge = $10. Total = $126, not $127.60. They stack, but do not compound.
Room Rate: Published vs. Actual (Per Night, 2 Guests)
Green tax calculated for 2 guests per room.
| Room Type | Published | + GST (16%) | + Service (10%) | + Green Tax | Actual/Night | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Room | $200/night | $32 | $20 | $12 | $264/night | +32% |
| Mid-Range Room | $400/night | $64 | $40 | $12 | $516/night | +29% |
| Luxury Room | $800/night | $128 | $80 | $12 | $1,020/night | +28% |
| Ultra-Luxury Room | $1,500/night | $240 | $150 | $12 | $1,902/night | +27% |
Green tax: $6/person/night x 2 guests = $12/night.
Food, Drinks, and Activities After Tax
The 26% applies to everything you buy on the island, not just the room.
| Item | Menu Price | After 26% Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner for 2 | $100 | $126 |
| Bottle of wine | $60 | $76 |
| 2 cocktails | $30 | $38 |
| Spa (60 min) | $200 | $252 |
| Snorkeling trip (2 pax) | $150 | $189 |
| Sunset fishing (2 pax) | $80 | $101 |
Want a tax-inclusive quote?
We quote all-in prices. No surprises on checkout. Tell us what you are looking for and we will give you the total cost including every tax and fee.
Full Trip Tax Calculation
7 nights, 2 guests, $500/night room, $150/day in extras.
Tax adds $1,267 to this trip. That is 28% on top of the published prices.
"Inclusive" vs. "Exclusive": How to Tell
Different booking platforms handle taxes differently. Here is what to look for.
Tax-Inclusive (Good)
- Price shown is the price you pay
- Look for "all taxes included" or "inclusive of GST"
- Booking.com usually shows inclusive prices
- Direct resort quotes from us include all taxes
Tax-Exclusive (Watch Out)
- Price shown is before 26% tax
- Look for "++" (means plus GST plus service)
- Resort websites often show "++" rates
- Agoda and some OTAs show pre-tax prices
The "++" Symbol
When you see a Maldives resort price listed as "$400++" it means $400 + 16% GST + 10% service charge = $504. The "++" is industry shorthand for "plus taxes." Always ask: "Is this ++ or all-in?"
Common Questions About Maldives Taxes
Is the service charge a tip?
No. The 10% service charge is a mandatory government-regulated fee. It is collected by the resort and distributed to all staff. It is not optional, and it does not replace tipping. See our tipping guide for more.
Do children pay green tax?
Children aged 2 and older pay the full $6/person/night green tax. Infants under 2 are exempt.
Are transfers taxed too?
Seaplane and speedboat transfers are generally quoted inclusive of taxes. However, always confirm. Some resorts list transfer prices "++" as well.
Can I get a tax refund?
No. There is no tourist tax refund or VAT refund scheme in the Maldives.
Want a Quote With All Taxes Included?
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