Bank of Maldives (BML) has clarified that international e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and AliExpress, have not been blocked. This statement comes in response to reports circulating on social media suggesting that the bank had restricted access to several popular foreign e-commerce platforms used in the Maldives. Denying these claims, the national bank issued a statement asserting that reports of transaction barriers specifically targeting Amazon and AliExpress are inaccurate. However, BML noted that transactions exceeding the established limits will not be processed.
To provide further clarity, BML shared statistics regarding transactions conducted through these two websites. According to the bank’s data, from the beginning of this year until the end of last week, 58,000 transactions were made through Amazon and AliExpress alone. The statistics reveal that a total of $2.33 million was spent on these sites during this period. BML also observed an increasing trend of individuals using personal debit and credit cards for commercial purposes. Additionally, the bank noted instances where customers attempted card transactions that exceeded their declared income.
BML urged those purchasing goods for business purposes to utilize the bank’s business banking solutions. These services are specifically designed for high-value transactions and provide the necessary documentation required for importing commercial goods. The bank emphasized its consistent support over the years for customers engaging in international trade and various foreign services. BML also disclosed details of transactions made through various international channels, including ATMs, e-commerce websites, and POS terminals over recent years.
Financial Transactions in Recent Years:
- 2023 – $311 Million
- 2024 – $389 Million
- 2025 – $524 Million
- January 2026 – $59 Million
According to BML, approximately 66% of these figures represent transactions made on e-commerce websites. The bank further highlighted that sufficient dollar allowances have been made for customers traveling abroad for essential needs, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, medical treatment, and other requirements. BML has also increased foreign transaction limits for credit cards starting from February 1, 2026. Furthermore, since November 11 last year, the bank has been providing a monthly limit of up to $3,000 for medical and travel-related foreign transactions via debit cards. For overseas point-of-sale (card machine) transactions using debit cards, a monthly limit of $1,000 has been established.
