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 is the currency within Malta & Gozo. 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.
Flying time from UK Airports is approximately 3 hours . Malta local time is GMT + 1 hour.
Temperatures for the Maltese Islands
Enjoying some of the best sunshine in the Mediterranean.
Average temperatures and sun hours for the Maltese Islands | ||
January | 14°C (57F) | 6 hours |
February | 15°C (59F) | 7 hours |
March | 17°C (62F) | 8 hours |
April | 19°C (66F) | 9 hours |
May | 23°C (73F) | 10 hours |
June | 26°C (79F) | 12 hours |
July | 30°C (86F) | 12 hours |
August | 31°C (88F) | 12 hours |
September | 28°C (82F) | 8 hours |
October | 24°C (75F) | 7 hours |
November | 20°C (68F) | 6 hours |
December | 17°C (62F) | 5 hours |
Calling Malta from the UK | 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 |
EMERGENCY ONLY | 191 Police - 196 Ambulance - 199 Fire Service |
Internet Facilities
A large number of coffee shops in Malta and Gozo now offer Internet Cafe services. Most hotels also offer internet facilities and many properties now offer wifi internet services, please check with your chosen accommodation if free wifi is included as some owners may charge a nominal fee.
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 normally open on Sundays and Public Holidays. There are various open-air markets in most towns and villages. The largest open air market in Malta is in Valletta on Sunday mornings. In Gozo the open air market is daily in Victoria. Major Credit Cards, Travellers Cheques and Euro cheques are accepted at most leading shops and restaurants.
Public Holidays in Malta
| 1 Jan | New Year's Day | |
| 10 Feb | Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck | |
| 19 Mar | Feast of St Joseph | |
| 31 Mar | Freedom Day | |
| 10 Apr | Good Friday | |
| 1 May | Workers' Day | |
| 7 Jun | Sette Giugno | |
| 29 Jun | Feast of St Peter and St Paul | |
| 15 Aug | Feast of the Assumption | |
| 8 Sep | Victory Day | |
| 21 Sep | Independence Day | |
| 8 Dec | Immaculate Conception | |
| 13 Dec | Republic Day | |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day |
Smoking is banned in public bars and restaurants in Malta and Gozo
Malta and Gozo's public transport system offers a cheap and efficient way of touring the Island. The main bus terminus is in Valletta where buses operate to all parts of Malta. In Gozo the main bus terminus is in Victoria although there are also direct point to point services operating in Malta. There are also in operation Malta and Gozo hop on hop off sight seeing buses with most having the open roof tops.
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.
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 can produce some strong undercurrents at times.
Driving is on the left hand side of the road as in the UK. Speed limits: There are no highways or motorways on Malta and Gozo. Speed limits on country roads is 40mph (64kph) Speed limits in built up areas is 24mph (40kph) A seat belt must be worn at all times.