Money
The currency is the Euro (€). Malta has used it since 2008.
- ATMs are available in Rabat, a short walk from the house, and everywhere in the larger towns
- Cards are widely accepted, contactless is standard in restaurants, shops and museums
- Carry a little cash for small kiosks, village bakeries, the odd market stall and pastizzi shops, which are often cash-only
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Around 5 to 10% in restaurants if service was good; rounding up a taxi fare is plenty. Check whether service is already included before adding more
Electricity
240V, with British Standard 3-pin plugs, the same as the UK and Ireland.
Power adapters
If your devices use a different plug, you're welcome to borrow a power adapter from us for your stay. Please leave it in the room when you check out, so the next guest finds it ready too.
Language
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Everyone you meet will speak English fluently. Signage, menus and museum labels are all in English.
Italian is very widely understood, and spoken at Maison Medina.
A few words go a long way, if you'd like them:
Water
Malta's tap water is treated, safe and meets EU standards. It comes largely from desalination, so many visitors find the taste unfamiliar and prefer bottled water, widely available and inexpensive.
In summer, drink far more than you think you need.
Carry a bottle when you're out.
Sun and heat
From June to September the Maltese sun is genuinely strong, and there is very little shade in Mdina and Rabat.
- High-factor sun cream, reapplied
- A hat and sunglasses
- Sightseeing before 11:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. The middle of the day is for shade, lunch, or the rooftop
- Water, constantly
Opening hours and customs
- Shops typically open around 9:00 AM, and many smaller ones still close for a few hours in the early afternoon before reopening until around 7:00 PM
- Sunday is quiet. Many shops close; churches are busy with Mass
- Churches ask that shoulders and knees are covered. Carry a light scarf or wrap if you're planning to visit St Paul's Cathedral or the Grotto
- Village feasts (festi) run through the summer: brass bands, fireworks and processions. If one is happening near you, go. They are wonderful, and they are loud
You drive on the left. Roads are narrow and parking in the older towns is tight. Buses are cheap and extensive, use the tallinja app. Full details are in Guidebook 2: Getting Here & Getting Around.
Health and pharmacies
Pharmacies (spiżerija) are plentiful in Rabat and open ordinary shop hours. Pharmacists in Malta are well qualified and can advise on minor complaints and dispense many things over the counter.
On Sundays and public holidays, pharmacies operate on a rotation. A list of which pharmacies are open is published in the Sunday newspapers and online. Ask us and we'll find out which one is nearest.
EU visitors: bring your EHIC or GHIC card for state healthcare on the same terms as residents.
Everyone else: travel insurance with medical cover is strongly advised.
Numbers worth having
Emergency
112 is the single European emergency number and works from any phone, with or without credit. When in doubt, call 112.
Health and local services
Maison Medina
Save our WhatsApp
If anything at all goes wrong, a missed bus, a lost booking, a medical worry, a question at midnight, message us first. We live here, we speak the language, and we would much rather help.