Maldives' main bank Wednesday announced the introduction of new system to sell US dollars to local travelers.
Maldives central bank had handled the sale of US dollars during the busy festive period before handing it over to Bank of Maldives (BML) from January 7.
However, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) would jointly handle dollar sales until January 9.
BML in a statement said travelers will now be able to use an online portal to purchase up to USD 500 per traveling passenger.
Passnegers can then simply collect their notes – after check-in – at the Bank’s dedicated
collection area at Velana International Airport.
"For those who do not have access to online booking, they can come along to any BML branch in Male’ and pay for their dollars which again will be ready for collection at the airport at the time of traveling," the statement read.
Passengers departing from other international airports within the country will be able to pick up their dollars from the BML branch located closest to that airport.
"MMA has been providing an excellent dollar sales service to travelers over recent weeks and it will be important that we can match the standard of this service," BML CEO and Managing Director, Andrew Healy said.
"We believe we can do so through removing the need for visiting a branch or queuing with our new online booking system and collection area at Velana International Airport. Dollars can now be booked easily through our online portal and they will be ready for collection at the airport before you fly.”
Healy also said the new system would ensure that only genuine travelers can obtain dollars
which will lead to a larger supply of dollars being made available for people traveling overseas.