rufiyaa

The rufiyaa (ISO code MVR) is the national currency of the Maldives. It is divided into 100 laari and is the primary medium of exchange for daily transactions within the country. In price displays and financial contexts, the currency is often abbreviated as MVR, and the symbol Rf appears on some notes and in certain local contexts.

The Central Bank of Maldives (CBM) is the monetary authority responsible for issuing the currency and overseeing the monetary system. The CBM manages the supply of rufiyaa, issues banknotes and coins, and regulates financial institutions, payments systems, and foreign exchange activities in the country.

Banknotes and coins form the physical currency of the rufiyaa. Banknotes are issued in a range of denominations and typically feature imagery related to Maldivian culture, wildlife, and national landmarks. Coins exist for small laari values and are used for everyday purchases, especially in smaller transactions and on outer islands.

The rufiyaa is used throughout the Maldives for most domestic economic activity, including tourism-related spending, commerce, and government transactions. While cash remains common, electronic payment methods and card-based transactions have grown in popularity, particularly in urban areas and tourist facilities. Outside the Maldives, the rufiyaa is not widely traded on foreign exchange markets, and conversions are generally handled through banks or currency exchange services.