Travel Essentials

Malta: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Type G, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112. Tipping: Not required; 5 to 10% is common at restaurants if service was good. Tap water: Tap water is safe but often tastes salty; many people drink bottled water.

Open The Malta Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Type G, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything

112

Tipping

Not required; 5 to 10% is common at restaurants if service was good.

Water And Health

Tap water: Tap water is safe but often tastes salty; many people drink bottled water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines; hepatitis A for some travelers
Malaria: None

Apps To Download Before You Go

Tallinja: The public transport app for Malta's buses: routes, live times and the Tallinja card top-up.
Bolt: Ride-hailing that works across Malta and is usually cheaper than taxis; eCabs is a local alternative.
eCabs: Malta's local taxi app, with fixed prices shown before the ride.
Revolut: Many visitors use Revolut or a contactless card; cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Gozo Channel: Ferry timetables and tickets for the Malta to Gozo crossing.
Wolt / Bolt Food: Food and grocery delivery in the main towns.
WhatsApp: The main messaging app for tours, boat trips and restaurants.
Visit Malta: The official tourism app with maps, events and attractions.

Customs And Etiquette

Greeting. Say 'bonġu' when entering a shop or café; it is expected. Shake hands with new people; friends and family often kiss on both cheeks.

Dress at churches. Cover shoulders and knees when entering a church.

Slower pace. Shops may close in the afternoon, and Sunday opening can be limited outside tourist areas.

Safety And Scams

Malta is very safe, with low violent crime; most problems are petty theft and busy traffic.

Unlicensed taxis at the airport. Use the official white taxis, a taxi app or the bus to avoid inflated fares.

Pickpockets in crowds. Watch bags in busy places such as Paceville and buses.

Women travelers. Generally safe for women traveling alone; Paceville nightlife can be rowdy.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Safe

Malta is considered one of Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries, with marriage equality since 2017 and legal gender recognition.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	EUR 2.50	$2.90
Local bus or metro ride	EUR 2	$2.30
Mid-range restaurant meal	EUR 25	$29
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	EUR 40	$46
Mid-range hotel (night)	EUR 130	$150
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	EUR 100	$115

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

April to June and September to October are the best months, with warm weather and fewer crowds than July and August.

Phrases

Basic Maltese phrases · Basic English phrases · Basic Italian phrases