President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a significant increase in the transaction limits for Bank of Maldives (BML) debit cards used abroad, alongside new measures aimed at easing foreign currency access for Maldivians.

Speaking in Muli, Meemu Atoll, on Monday evening, the President revealed that starting 11 November, which coincides with BML’s anniversary, the limit for international Point of Sale (POS) transactions using BML debit cards will rise to USD 1,000.

Additionally, the limit for purchasing airline tickets and paying for hotels overseas will be raised to USD 3,000.

He further stated that special arrangements will be made for patients seeking medical treatment abroad to pay hospitals directly through their debit cards upon request at the bank.

Highlighting new developments in currency accessibility, the President noted that BML has enabled account openings in Chinese currency (Yuan). 

From 1st of January next year, the bank will also issue UnionPay debit and credit cards, which are widely accepted in more than 180 countries and tailored for Yuan accounts.

President Dr. Muizzu introduced these measures to help reduce the pressure on people to purchase dollars at inflated rates and will positively impact the Maldivian economy.

He also directed the Bank of Maldives to install Dollar ATMs on 40 islands, including urban centers and islands with developed local tourism that currently lack such facilities. 

The installation will be completed within the first quarter of 2026, he added.