MMA: USD can be purchased with debit card

Central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has announced that Unites States Dollars can also be purchased from them using debit cards.

MMA announced on Saturday that it will be selling USD to Maldivians travelling abroad directly from its headquarters from November 20, 2016 to January 7.

Head of Credit Guarantee Department of MMA, Ibrahim Nasir reported that MMA has made very convenient arrangements for sale of USD.

Nasir said that passport and ticket verification would be conducted from 9 am to 6pm, and USD will be released to travelers with verified documents from 4 pm to 8 pm.

He said that people over the age of 65 years and people with disabilities will be given priority.

Travelers will be sold maximum USD 500 per ticket 7 days prior to date of departure.

MMA said that sale of USD in atolls will be carried out as usual from banks located in islands.

Nasir said that travelers who wished to purchase USD have the added option of paying for it via their debit card instead of using cash.

He said the option will create more convenience and increase the speed of service.