Money
In 2008 the Euro came into force, replacing Malta's former currency (the Lira, also known as the Maltese pound).
Banks in Malta are generally open in the mornings between 8.30am and 12.30noon, until 6pm on Fridays, and until midday on Saturdays. Some banks/branches work longer hours and you will find they vary during the summer and winter seasons. If you need to get to a bank during non-opening hours the Exchange bureaux at Malta International Airport is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, ATMs and exchange bureaux are located all over the islands and most hotels, larger shops and restaurants will accept payment in major international currencies (but conversion charges may be applied in places which don't accept payment other than Euro). It is customary to tip in taxis and restaurants; 10% is normal.
In line with EU legislation you must declare money equal to or in excess of €10,000 (or equivalent) when entering or leaving Malta. Declaration forms are available at Customs.
Weather
Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine (daily average six hours in mid-winter and 12 hours in summer). In winter you can enjoy temperatures of around 14 degrees Celsius, and in the summer 32 degrees Celsius.
Winters occasionally have a cold spell caused by north-easterly winds blowing from central Europe, but you are unlikely to experience snow or frost in Malta. The wind can be a bit blustery and Malta also has a 'rainy season' between November and March.
In the spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa, known as the 'Sirocco', or 'Xlokk' in Maltese, can send temperatures soaring. Summers are hot, dry and sunny, with cool sea breezes. The beach season lasts well into October.
June is a good month to visit if you want to enjoy a beach holiday minus the crowds. Peak summer months are July, August and September when - as well as the heat - prices are also at their highest!
Language and food
The Maltese language has a Latin alphabet, with an Arabic base but you won't need to worry too much about mastering the lingo as English is the second official language, and widely spoken in Malta, as well as Italian and German.
The food in Malta is synthesis of the many different cultures. Predominantly Mediterranean with a touch of Arabia, there are many spicy North African dishes on the menus. The Italian influence is also present in the many pizzeria restaurants, and the British influence can also be seen with standard dishes like bacon and eggs. Vegetables are delicious and plentiful on the islands.
International influences aside, make sure you leave space to try some of the traditional Maltese food such as: Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Rabbit Stew, Bragioli (beef olives), Kapunata, (a Maltese style Ratatouille), and Widow’s soup. Look out for 'Bigilla', a thick pâté made of broad beans and garlic and ‘hobz biz-zejt’, bread dipped in olive oil rubbed with ripe tomatoes and filled with a mix of tuna, onion, garlic, tomatoes and capers. Pastizzi is a flaky pastry parcel filled with ricotta or mushy peas, often mistaken for Cheesecake.
Safety
On the whole Malta is a pretty safe place to visit. The highest risk factor could be the sun which gets pretty strong and hot in the height of summer as Malta is further south than North Africa. The sun can be damaging to pale skin and even in the winter months it is advisable to wear sunscreen. In the summer months cover up and avoid the strongest sunlight between 11am and 3pm.
The sea is clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides.
In case of emergency, you will find police stations located in most villages.
Dial 191 for Police, and 199 for the Fire Services.
Medical emergencies and prescriptions
Many countries have reciprocal health agreements with Malta. Visitors from the UK and Australia, for example, are entitled to free emergency medical treatment at a state-run hospital under mutual health agreements and EU citizens can get free treatment in a public ward at a public hospital with their EHIC. See our section on EHIC cover (European Health Insurance Card) (link).
In addition, all EU nationals residing in Malta are eligible to receive free medical treatment from government-funded hospitals and clinics. The main general hospital is Mater Dei in Msida, in addition to a general hospital in Gozo. There are also medical clinics in towns and villages on the other islands.
It is vital that visitors from non-EEA countries take out comprehensive private travel insurance to cover themselves in case of an emergency. See our section on Travel Insurance (link).
Most countries have embassy or consulate offices in Valletta and the contact details for the embassy offices can be located either on the internet, or in the telephone directory. Your medical tourism agent, hotel or tour operator will be able to provide you with the contact number for your country's embassy.
If you take regular medication at home or have a specific medical condition, take a note of the brand and name of the medicine - these can vary in different countries. If you have a complex medical condition, ask your GP to write a short statement and take this with you.
Pharmacy opening times are generally between 8.30am and 1pm Monday to Saturday and 4pm till 7pm on a Sunday. Many hotels have a doctor on call.
The emergency number is 112 in Maltaor 196 for an Ambulance from the Casualty and Emergency department of St Luke's Hospital.
Featured healthcare services
If you want to know more about the healthcare services in Malta, take a look at our featured hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers.
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