Banks: 10.00 to 17.00, Tuesday to Saturday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 16.00, Tuesday to Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 20.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 20:00/21.00, Monday to Friday

Malaga is not considered a dangerous location for visitors although in light of the large numbers of tourists that frequent it in the summer season, petty crimes are an issue and visitors should take care with their cash and valuables in public places. Violence or violent crime is rare and more likely to result from the aggressiveness of drunken holidaymakers than it is from the locals.

220V, 50HZ, round, two-pin plugs are standard

Health issues are few and there are no vaccinations needed prior to visiting the city. Tap water is safe to drink and hygiene standards are high in public dining establishments. Visitors requiring medical treatment for whatever reason during their stay will find a high standard of care on offer at the city’s hospitals and health-care centres. EU visitors with a valid European Health Insurance Card are eligible for free emergency treatment.

Hospital Carlos Haya: +34 951 290 000

Emergency services: 15

As Malaga is part of Andalusia, the regional dialect Andaluz may be spoken by some locals. However, the majority of people in Malaga are able to speak Castellano (primary or central Spanish), while English is widely spoken.

Spain uses the euro (EUR), with €1.00 equal to 100 eurocents.

EU nationals entering from their own or other countries in the EU are not restricted to the amount of alcohol, tobacco or other goods they may bring into Spain (or take out if leaving) provided they are for personal use or consumption. Excessively large quantities will attract the attentions of Spanish customs officers.

Visitors of any nationality arriving from countries outside of the EU are permitted to bring the following into the country without incurring duty charges: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250gms of loose tobacco; one litre of spirits, two litres of wine and two litres of fortified wine; 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; and gifts and souvenirs up to a value of €37.

Malaga is a holiday city and the locals are somewhat more relaxed than in inland destinations. However, issues such as family and religion are given great importance and should not be disrespected in any way by visitors. Business is conducted formally, as in other European countries.

A handshake is a sufficient first-time greeting, but continental kisses may be exchanged after some familiarity has been established. Honorary titles should be used until parties concerned suggest otherwise. Punctuality is not considered of utmost importance unless for business appointments.

Though Malaga is a beach holiday destination, beachwear is inappropriate for some venues and locations, such as restaurants and government offices, so visitors need to use common sense and dress accordingly.

No visa is necessary for visitors from countries covered by the Schengen Agreement, in which case a valid passport is sufficient for stays of up to 90 days. The majority of other visitors will need to obtain a tourist visa from a Spanish embassy in a major city in their home country.

Malaga’s main tourist office is located on Plaza de la Marina and can be contacted at +34 95 212 20 20.