When PayPal services launched on June 15, the government declared a campaign pledge fulfilled. State media ran a special programme. The economic ministry’s statement used the phrase “seamless integration” five times.
Three weeks on, the Maldives Independent asked Ooredoo what the service actually does. On the record: it is built for receiving only, personal accounts only, with no merchant tools – and PayPal’s fee of US$1.50 plus 2% applies to every payment. We also surveyed 18 content creators, web developers, guesthouse operators and a dive school. None were using it. One designer who tried is caught in a support loop between PayPal and Ooredoo, his account still labelled send-only.
Not PayPal in the Maldives – a door to PayPal, opened part way. Read the full story: maldivesindependent.com/economy/a-door-to-paypal-opened-part-way-2d38

