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The Republic of Malta is an independent island state, located about 80 km south of the Sicilian coast, in Italy.
Of the homonymous archipelago, Malta, Gozo and Comino are the main islands.
Places of extraordinary beauty, between breathtaking landscapes, beaches, blue sea and many testimonies of the past.
For a truly unforgettable holiday, suitable for all tastes and ages.
DOCUMENTS AND CUSTOMS
Malta is an EU member state, and is part of the Schenghen area. Therefore, we are not subject to checks at land, sea and airport borders. Obviously, you are always required to bring an Identity Card or passport with you. It is recommended, above all, to bring the CI of their minor children, even if you travel by car or train. See our special section on this subject.
Dogs and cats enter freely, provided they have a health certificate and a recent certificate from the veterinarian of the ASL of residence, attesting to good health. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies for at least 21 days.
To cats and dogs, to enter the country, it is mandatory to have carried out, at least 24 hours before entry, the preventive treatment for earning with Praziquantel. Also in this case, it must be reported in writing on the animal’s health book.
Please note that the appropriate microchip must be applied to the animals.
To fly with animals, please refer to the individual section Airline companies.
CURRENCY AND CHANGE
Since January 2018, the Euro has become the single official currency of the state, replacing the Maltese lira. The cents are fractions of euros.
In circulation there are coins from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, 1 and 2 euro. Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.
Almost everywhere, you can pay directly by credit card and withdraw cash at ATMs. Keep in mind, however, that in some small cities, and less touristy places, you may find it difficult to make credit card payments. A cash reserve is always recommended.
Those who need to enter the bank, keep in mind that, generally, it is open from Monday to Thursday, and Saturday from 08:30 to 12:30; Friday, from 08:30 to 16:30. Timetables are subject to small variations. Everywhere, they are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
USEFUL INFO
HOUR
In Malta, the hands of the clock are placed one hour ahead of the Greenwich meridian (UTC/GMT + 1). Daylight saving time begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October, with the hands forward an additional hour compared to Greenwich (UTC/GMT + 2).
ELECTRIC CURRENT
Across the country, the voltage is 230 volts, with 50Hz frequency. The electrical outlets are always G-type, also known as British 3 poly sockets. These are common electrical outlets used in the United Kingdom. Therefore, it is advisable to always use a special adapter. We recommend taking a look at this link for the more provident ones.
POST
Founded in 1988, MaltaPost is the company that manages the Maltese national mail. Generally, it is identified, on the outside, by the red color, the writing in evidence, and the Maltese cross as a symbol.
The company offers all common shipping and telecommunications services. In the country, there are 35 post offices and 4 hub, one of which is on the island of Gozo.
Post offices, with some exceptions, are always open from Monday to Saturday, from 07:30 to 13:00. In the capital, some branches are open on certain weekdays, up to the 16:00 and 18:00.
SHOPS
The opening hours of shops and shopping centers are from 09:00 to 13:00, and from 16:00 to 19:00. Some shops in the capital and the most important tourist areas remain open until 22:00.
The exercises are generally open from Monday to Saturday, while they are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
PHARMACIES AND HOSPITALS
The PHARMACY sign, outside the building, indicates the presence of a pharmacy. They are usually identified by the white writing on a green background and the cross symbol.
Pharmacies are located almost everywhere, between Malta and Gozo, and are open from Monday to Saturday, with the same store hours. On Sundays, you will find some on rotation, from 09:00 to 12:30.
The pharmacy inside the Malta airport, on the other hand, is always open from Monday to Sunday, including holidays, from 08:00 to 22:00.
Before leaving, remember to bring your health card and take out medical insurance, recommended by us. We invite you to read the information folder to learn about costs and coverage. Generally speaking, the Maltese health service is really efficient and reliable.
PHONE
In the country, the frequencies Gsm 800/1800 Mhz and W-CDMA 2100 are used, the same as in the main European countries. So you can easily use your smartphone.
To call phones in Malta, you must enter the international prefix 00356, followed by the telephone number.
The main Maltese telephone operators are Go Mobile, Melita and Vodafone.
With the lowering of roaming costs, you can easily call from the Country at your national rate. Alternatively, you can use the classic VoIP calls, or make video calls, using a free WI-FI line.