Malta Travel Tips

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 16:00, and on Saturdays from 08:30 to 11:30.

The islands of Malta are generally free of violent crime and wandering the streets late at night is usually safe for men and women alike, particularly in popular tourist areas. The risks are more likely to come from other tourists rather than the native Maltese.

Despite the low crime rate, petty theft is commonplace and travellers should take the usual common sense precautions against opportunistic thieves such as pickpockets and bag snatchers. Leave all important non-essential items in the safe at your lodgings, and keep a close eye on your bags and other belongings.

The Maltese are generally friendly and easy going; however, when offended, they can resort to violence, and there is organised crime in the larger cities, towns and tourist areas. Therefore, if you inadvertently get into an uncomfortable situation, an apology will go a long way to ease tensions.

Maltese police are not very visible; however, they are courteous and very helpful when approached by foreign tourists. In the event you experience some serious occurrence, you should notify the manager of your accommodation and your embassy or consulate in addition to the police. The Maltese National Tourism Office may also be able to provide assistance.

Emergency: 191

While Malta is a member of the European Union, the official currency remains the Maltese lira (LM). The Maltese lira is a decimal currency, divided into 100 cents. There are LM 1, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent coins, while banknotes are available in denominations of LM 20, 10, 5 and 2.

You should check the exchange rates at various institutions in your home country and in Malta before travelling to decide where best to change your currency, as the rates can vary widely. 

Banks and ATMs can be easily found in the main cities, towns and tourist destinations, while hotels, the international airport and some other outlets can change travellers’ cheques. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club International are widely accepted by businesses and service providers across Malta, and cash advances can be obtained from most ATMs, banks and authorised bureaux de change.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency; however, visitors can only bring in a maximum of LM 1,000 in local currency and leave with a maximum of LM 1,000.

Personal items are not subject to import duties, and each visitor may bring in up to 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco (only 50g of which may be unpackaged), one 750ml bottle of liquor and one 750ml bottle of wine. Perfume and cosmetics up to a reasonable quantity are also not subject to duty, however, presents for family or friends in Malta may be taxed.

Electricity: 240V/50Hz (UK three-pin plug)

Malta has a long tradition of providing healthcare, and the country has some excellent hospitals and medical clinics with international standard equipment and facilities.

Pharmacies are located across the islands and are stocked with a wide range of common treatments and prescription medicines. They are open during usual shopping hours from Monday to Saturday, with stores within a district taking turns to be open on Sunday mornings. Some hotels also have an infirmary to treat common ailments and minor injuries of their guests.

For more serious medical complaints, there are regional health centres as well as two fully-equipped general hospitals that are capable of handling any emergency. In addition, there are specialist medical clinics in more populated areas.

Malta is generally free of major health risks, with the most common conditions being heatstroke and dehydration. If you are up-to-date with your vaccinations, you’ll find little to be concerned about on the islands. Malta is an island full of opportunities for outdoor recreation which, although enjoyable, can put visitors at risk of injury. It is recommended that visitors to Malta take out comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind.

Emergency: 191

Tipping is not a custom in Malta; however, in certain circumstances, it is expected, for example, when showing appreciation for restaurant and hotel staff. Ten per cent is considered the nominal amount. Cab drivers do not expect to receive a tip. Gratuities are also welcomed at some of the religious and archaeological sites around the islands.

Telephone: The country code for Malta is: +356.

Maltacom is Malta’s telecommunications service provider, and the country has a number of internet service providers that have installed high-speed broadband connections in the main cities and tourist areas. Finding a fast and stable internet café or other public internet hub is easy in the popular holiday destinations as well as at the international airport.

Vodafone and GoMobile provide mobile phone services, with some UK travellers’ cell phones changing over to the local network automatically.

Time: UTC +1

Citizens of EU member states need only to have a valid passport or identification card to enter Malta, while nationals of Commonwealth members, British dependencies and some other countries such as the United States and Japan can stay without a visa for up to 90 days. Visitors from other countries need to obtain a visa; check with your nearest Maltese embassy or consulate for detailed information pertaining to your circumstances.