Althoug Centara is an all-inclusive island there are some occasions where you will need to pay for things. Notably this includes Internet charges, scuba diving trips, and premium food and drinks. Currency on the island is exclusively US Dollars, and the only item I've seen priced in the local currency, the Maldivian Rufiyaa is a stamp. Luckily it's 12Rf face value is about $1, so that's what they charged me.
Taxes
Everything you pay for on the island that isn't bundled with your package will be subject to General Sales Tax (GST) at 6%. If you are American you'll be used to paying money on top of an advertised figure but if, like me, you're from the UK you'll need to start factoring it in.
In addition to the GST the island also charges 10% service charge on most purchases. I say most, as items bought in the island shop don't have this added, probably as you aren't receiving a service. At the dive school though, on which I will write a dedicated blog entry shortly, a dive will cost $50 plus service plus GST. Often you'll hear this shortened to "$50 plus plus" and written as $50++. To be fair though the service you'll receive, based on my experience, will be excellent and 10% isn't unreasonable for the care and attention bestowed.
Tipping
Tipping is an emotive subject, so I'll tell you what I have previously been told about the Maldives in general. In short tip only three people and between $10-$20 per person. Now, we've been diving on the island so we have a few more people looking after us than normal so we'll likely break the first rule, and stick to the second.
For most people your likely candidates for receiving a tip are thee boy room who tidies your villa/suite, your waiter and your barman. No hard and fast rule though and if you like the three guitar players who keep the diners entertained then there's no issue with tipping them.
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