General Information

Where’s Malta?

The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93kms south of Sicily and 288kms north of Africa. 
Gibraltar is 1,826kms to the West and Tel Aviv is 1,940kms to the East. 

Shop Hours

Commercial centres and shops are usually easily accessible by public or private transport.  Shops are normally open between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. and between 4.00 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In tourist areas, many shops remain open till 10.00 p.m.  Shops are normally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Currency, Credit Cards & Banks

The Maltese Pound (Lm) or Lira is divided into 100 cents.  Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into Malta as long as it is declared on arrival.  The maximum amount of Maltese currency that may be brought into the country is of Lm 1000 per person.  On departure, visitors can take out again all their foreign currency, but not more than Lm1000 in Maltese currency.

Banks & Currency Exchange

Banks are normally open between 08.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and up to 11.30 a.m. on Saturday.  Some banks work longer hours.  Summer and winter opening hours may differ.

Exchange Bureaux at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day.  International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged.  Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the Islands.

Many hotels and larger shops and restaurants can exchange currency.  The exchange slip is required to change local currency back to foreign denominations on departure.  Exchange rates offered by hotels, restaurants and shops are generally inferior to those available at banks.

Credit Cards

Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa.