About Malta
Automobile
Motoring rules are the same as in the UK. Maximum speed is 40 mph (65 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) in agglomerations. Gas stations are open till 7.00pm and closed on Sundays.
Bus Service
A reliable bus service links all towns and villages of Malta and Gozo. The main bus terminal in Malta is at Kings Gate, Valletta and in Gozo at It-Tokk in Victoria. (7 days tickets available)
Car Hire
Car hire is by far the best way to go round the islands. Motorcycles and bicycles rental is also available. A car can be hired at the condition that the driver is at least 25 years old, nevertheless it is possible for a twenty one year old to hire a car at the condition that a fully comprehensive insurance is subscribed.
Foreign exchange
The best exchange rates are obtained at the Banks. Banks business hours: 1.October to 15.June 8.30am to 12.00am (Saturday closed at 11.00am); 16.June to 30.September 8.00am to 12.00am (Saturday closed 11.00am). Banks in Malta are closed on public holidays. At the Malta International Airport exchange bureau is open 24 hours a day.
Climate
Climate in Malta is typically Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall is low. The yearly average temperature is 26oC. The hottest period of the year spreads from July to September, in the evenings sea breezes cool down the temperature.
Customs
No taxation whatsoever on used personal belongings. On arrival in Malta a visitor can purchase 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in cigars, a bottle of alcohol, 2 bottles of wine and perfumes in reasonable quantities.
Discos
The best discotheques can be found in the St. Julian's, Sliema and Bugibba areas.
Driving Licence
Anybody in Malta can drive a motor vehicle with a national or international driving licence. The green card (insurance certificate) is valid in Malta.
Electricity
Electricity in Malta is 220 Volts at 50 Hz.
Feasts
Religious feasts (festa) in Malta are plenty. These are characterised by processions and fire works. The most important feasts in Malta are:
- 1st January:
- New Year's Day
- 10th February:
- Saint Paul's Shipwreck
- 19th March:
- Feast of Saint Joseph
- 31st March:
- Freedom Day (Departure of last British troops)
- Variable:
- Good Friday
- 1st May:
- Worker's Day
- 7th June:
- Commemoration of the 7th June 1919
- 29th June:
- Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
- 15th August:
- Feast of the Assumption
- 8th September:
- Our Lady of Victories/Great Siege Day
- 21st September:
- Independence Day
- 8th December:
- Immaculate Conception
- 13th December:
- Republic Day
- 25th December:
- Christmas day
- 26th December:
- Boxing Day
- School is closed:
- 31st March, 1st May, 7th June, 15th August, 8th September & 21st September
Food
The Maltese cuisine is typically Mediterranean and a majority of the recipes contain fish. Dishes are accompanied by a large selection of vegetables and pasta. Oil, garlic, onions and tomatoes are ingredients present in practically all-Maltese recipes.
Hospitals
- Malta:
- Mater Dei Hospital B'Kara By-pass B'Kara MSD 2090 (+356) 2545 0000
- Gozo:
- Craig Hospital, Victoria, Tel: 21556851
Hotels
Malta and Gozo have over 150 hotels of international standard
Languages
The official languages in Malta are Maltese and English. Practically all Maltese speak English and understand Italian.
Markets
Three daily markets are held in Malta and Gozo. These are: Merchant's Street Market Valletta (7.00am to 1.00pm) Marsaxlokk Market (7.00am to 1.00pm) It-Tokk market, Victoria/Gozo (7.00am to 1.00pm) There are also Sunday markets at Valletta and Marsaxlokk (7.00am to 2.00pm)
Museums
Museums are open daily from 8.30am to 5.00pm (Sunday closed at 3.00pm) Valletta: Museum of St. John's Cathedral, Armoury, War Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Archaeology Rabat: Roman Villa, St. Agatha Catacombs, and St. Paul's Catacombs Mdina: Mdina Cathedral Museum, Museum of Natural History Vittoriosa: Inquisitor's Museum, Folklore Museum Gozo: Cathedral Museum, Gozo Museum of Archaeology, and Folklore Museum
Newspapers
Several local papers (both in Maltese and English languages) are available. Daily international press can be found in most kiosks of Malta and Gozo.
Post
Post office opening hours: 1.October to 15.June daily from 8.00am to 6.30pm; 16.June to 30.September daily from 7.30am to 6.00pm. Closed on Sundays. Letterboxes are red similar to the ones of the "English" type.
Security
Malta is by far the most secure country in the Mediterranean region. Crime rate is one of the lowest in Europe.
Shopping
Malta is known for the manufacture of wool, pottery, ceramics, brass etc., but by far the most important are the lace and filigree works and glass blowing. Shops in Malta are open daily from 9.00am to 7.00pm except Sundays. They all close for lunchtime between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Prices are fixed and seldom negotiable.
Swimming
Due to the lack of tides swimming can be practised anywhere in Malta without danger. The average seawater temperature is 22.8oC. Topless bathing is forbidden.
Telephone
Malta has an automatic telephone exchange system, which makes it very easy to contact the continent. Telephone boxes are plenty and operated by card, which can be bought in any adjacent shop. To call your country from Malta dial 00 followed by the country area code (UK 44) and the telephone number of the person you wish to talk to.
Television
Malta has two TV stations both transmitting in Maltese and English. A large number of Italian TV stations as well as cable TV are available.
Tips
It is not an obligation to give tips in Malta, nevertheless most people do. The amount given is usually 10% of the bill.
Time
Legal time in Malta is GMT +1. The one-hour change in summer is effected at the same date as the rest of Europe.
Water
You can drink tap water in Malta. Local and imported mineral water is also available anywhere on the island.
