Malta in general is a very safe place to travel to and the locals are known for their friendliness and helpful nature. Even so, one has to bear in mind those opportunistic thieves and pickpockets do exist even in a small island such as this, thus travellers should take the usual common sense precautions. Always keep your non-essentials and valuable things locked away at your lodgings and keep an eye on your bags and belongings especially when visiting crowded areas and open markets.
The following are some at-a-glance-travel-tips on Malta.
- Currency – The Euro (€). Official currency of Malta on 1st January 2008.
- Banks in Malta are open Monday through Friday from 0830 hours to 1245 hours and from 0800 hours to 1130 hours on Saturday.
- Pharmacies open around 0830 hours and close at 1230 hours and from 1600 hours to 1900 hours, Monday to Saturday whilst the opening on Sunday is provided on a shift basis. Sunday’s shift services are published in local papers.
- Electricity: 240V/50Hz (UK three-pin plug).
- Telephone: The country code for Malta is: +356.
- The climate in Malta and Gozo is Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
- Driving is on the left hand side of the road.
- Speed limits in Malta are as follows: 30mph/50kph for built up areas and 66mph/110kph when travelling on open roads.
- Petrol stations are open from 0700 hours to 1800 hours and are closed on Sundays.
- There are no toll highways on Malta.
- Emergency No.112