Language

Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. Most of the population is fluent in both and many also speak Italian. Government documents, restaurant menus and media are usually available in both English and Maltese. A smaller proportion also understands basic French.

Currency

Malta has been using the euro (€) as its official currency since 2008. It is a decimal currency with €1 being made up of 100 cents. Other currencies are not normally accepted by shops or restaurants. Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaus. ATMs are widely available and there are also currency exchange machines, particularly in tourist areas. MasterCard and Visa are generally taken, as well as American Express and Diners cards to a lesser extent. Travelers’ checks in US dollars can be exchanged at banks and are accepted at some larger hotels and restaurants.

Time

Malta is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT (GMT +1).

Electricity

Malta uses electricity at 230 V/50 Hz with three-pronged Type G plug sockets. If your appliances are on a different frequency, bring a transformer and an adapter.

Communications

Malta uses the international dialing code: +356. Phone numbers are eight digits and do not use area codes. Malta has three main mobile operators: Vodafone, Go Mobile and Melita Mobile. Visitors will generally need a tri-band or quad-band handset to use the GSM network. Internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are common, particularly in the larger towns and tourist areas.

Duty-free

Duty free alcohol, cigarettes and perfume are available to passengers at Malta’s International Airport. Visitors from non-EU countries such as America have the following duty free allowances: 250 g of tobacco or 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of liquor and 60 ml of perfume.

Tourist Office

Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) Airport Arrivals Lounge Tourist Information Center: +356-2369-6073 or http://www.mta.com.mt/tio.

Consulates in Malta

American Embassy, Valletta: +356-2561-4000
Australian High Commission, Ta’ Xbiex: +356-2133-8201
Consulate of Canada, Valletta: +356-2552-3233
New Zealand Consulate, Valletta: +356-2143-7200

Emergency

Police: 191
Ambulance: 196
Fire: 199