General Information

We have compiled a list of general information and of frequently asked questions, we hope you find this information useful

The official languages are Maltese and English.

 The Euro will only be accepted as from 1st January 2008 

Money can be changed at the banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and in larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines and ATMs are available at various locations on the islands.

Calling Malta from outside: Malta's International calling Code is ++356 , usually you dial 00356 and the local number.

Calling Malta from Malta :  No need for international code, simply dial the local number.

Calling from Malta to other countries: Dial 00 followed by the International code and the number you want to call.

In case of difficulty : call Directory Enquiries on 1182

Local and International calls can be made from any Maltacom Public Telephone boxes accepting their Cards and coins. You can obtain a Telecard from local banks, Post Offices, Souvenir shops and the Malta International Airport.

A large number of coffee shops in Malta and Gozo now offer Internet Cafe services. Many hotels also offer internet facilities

Chemists generally stock a wide range of pharmaceutical products and can be found throughout the islands. They are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays chemists open by rota from 09.00 until 12.30 in Malta and from 07.30 until 11.00 in Gozo

Opening times are normally 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs, 16.00hrs to 19.00hrs.  However, in commercial areas frequented by tourists, most shops remain open until approximately 10.00 pm. Shops are not open on Sundays and Public Holidays. There are open-air markets, one day a week, in most towns and villages. The largest is the Valletta market on Sunday mornings. Major Credit Cards, Travellers Cheques and Euro cheques are accepted at most leading shops and restaurants.

Public holidays observed in Malta are:

 1st January - New Year’s Day                        10th February - St. Paul’s Shipwreck

 19th March - St. Joseph                   31st March - Freedom Day

 March / April (date changes) - Good Friday

 1st May Labour Day                   7th June Sette Giugno

 29th June - St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja)                15th August The Assumption (Santa Marija)

 8th September Our Lady of Victories                21st September - Independence Day

 8th December - Immaculate Conception  13th December Republic Day

 25th December - Christmas Day

Smoking is now banned in public bars and restaurants in Malta and Gozo

Malta's public transport system offers a cheap and efficient way of touring the Island. The main bus terminus is at Valletta from where buses operate to all parts of Malta, although there are also direct, point to point, services. The cost of a bus route ranges from approximately 25 euros to 137 euros.

The electrical supply is 240 volts, single phase, 50 cycles. The 13 amp, three-pin rectangular sockets are used in Malta as in the United Kingdom

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Maltese Islands. However we recommend that you drink bottled water available from local supermarkets.

191  Police  - 196  Ambulance - 199  Fire Service 

The Maltese coastal waters are generally clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides.  Some bays are exposed to north and north-easterly winds which do produce some strong undercurrents at times.

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