The Maltese Archipelago
Malta is the largest of the three islands both in size and population with around 400,000 inhabitants. Around 20,000 inhabitants reside on Gozo, whilst the small picturesque island of Comino, surrounded by sterling azure waters, is the permanent home to just one family. Visitors, though, can soak up its sun and sea characteristics by staying in the island's sole Hotel.
Airport
The Malta International Airport services all three islands and is located to the South of Malta on the outskirts of Gudja – 6km from the capital city of Malta, Valletta.
Time
Malta is on Central European Time (CET), one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The islands are six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Currency & Financial Considerations
Malta's official currency is the Malta Lira (Lm), even though certain establishments do accept Euro, Dollar and Sterling. With Malta's prospective currency changeover to the Euro in January 2008, acceptance of the Euro as paying currency is becoming increasingly widespread. Invoices are also obliged to list invoice totals in both Maltese Lira and in Euros to ensure a smooth changeover process. The Maltese Lira has been set at a fixed exchange rate with the Euro of Lm 0.43 to every Euro.
Banks & Bureaux de Change
Banks and Bureaux De Change generally open from 8.30am till around 4pm on weekdays and 11.30am on Saturdays, although opening and closing times do differ between different banks and bureaux. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Exchange Bureaux though, are located throughout the Island and are available for 24-hour use. Exchange Bureaux at the Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day, and foreign currency is easily exchanged there. The exchange slip should be kept and presented when exchanging local currency back to foreign currencies on departure.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted by most restaurants, hotels and shops.
Car Hire
A number of car hiring companies are located across Malta and Gozo, with some being also represented at the Malta International Airport for convenient hiring upon landing. Chauffeur services are also offered by most car-hiring companies. Driving in Malta is akin to British driving, in that cars are right-hand drive and keep to the left. Petrol and diesel prices fluctuate with market prices.
Electricity
The electricity supply is of 240 volts, single phase, 50 cycle. Square-fitting standard three-pin sockets are used. Adapters, though, are widely available for sale.
Gozo Ferry
Gozo is a boat trip away from Malta and can be either accessed by private sea transport or through the services offered by the Gozo Channel Company (Malta tel: (+356) 21243964; Gozo tel: (+356) 21556114). The company operates a crossing service in its purpose-built ships on a regular seasonal timetable that connects Cirkewwa Malta to Mgarr Gozo on a ride of approximately 20 minutes. On feast days, long-weekends and other peak periods, the service runs more frequent routes. The ferries carry both passengers and vehicles. Public transport services operate from both Mgarr and Cirkewwa for passengers crossing islands on their own feet.
Language
The official language of Malta is Maltese and the second language is English, which is spoken by almost all Maltese nationals. Italian is also widely understood and spoken.
Press
Two English-language and two Maltese-language newspapers are printed daily with the total printed matter increasing in both languages on Sundays. A large variety of foreign magazines and papers are also widely available on the islands.
Facilities for the disabled
Maltese are becoming ever-increasingly aware of the difficulties faced by physically disabled and elderly people. Malta is actively working towards an 'access for all' status to museums, attractions, cultural sites and historical centres. Specific needs or queries should be directed to the Malta Film Commission prior to travel to ensure that the issue is properly tackled.
Medical Care
Malta boasts a very high level of specialised medical care. The general hospital St Luke's is located in Guardamangia, whilst a new general hospital, Mater Dei is being built in the B'Kara By-pass. Government health clinics also operate in various towns and villages throughout Malta and Gozo. Private Medical care in Malta also reaches very high standards with the Saint James Hospital Group being by far the largest private healthcare group operating a number of hospitals and specialized clinics. The other private hospital on the island is Saint Philip's hospital.
Public Holidays - days of rest and relaxation
- New Year's Day - 1st January
- St Paul's Shipwreck - 10th February
- St Joseph - 19th March
- Freedom Day - 31st March
- Good Friday - variable
- Workers' Day - 1st May
- Sette Giugno - 7th June
- St Peter & St Paul - 29th June
- The Assumption - 15th August
- Our Lady of Victories - 8th September
- Independence Day - 21st September
- Immaculate Conception - 8th December
- Republic Day - 13th December
- Christmas Day - 25th December
Religion
Most Maltese are Roman Catholic and Catholic churches are spread in every village on the islands of Malta and Gozo. Other denominations, though are also represented by Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodist and Muslim communities.
Tipping
Tipping generally ranges between 10-15%, similar to most European countries. Other general tipping guidelines: drivers – up to 10%; porters – 25c per luggage piece; restaurants – 10% unless a service charge is already included in the bill.
Entry Visas
Ensure that you make visa and entry requirements enquiries prior to commencing travel arrangements to Malta. Such information can be garnered through the Malta Government Website (www.gov.mt) or by contacting an official Malta diplomatic representative. Details may also be obtained by contacting The Immigration Police at the Police Headquarters in Floriana Malta (tel: (+356) 21240803 / 21240775.
Shopping
The standard shop opening times are 9am –1pm and 4pm-7pm. The recent trend though, is for shops to remain open all day long for the convenience of the busy population and tourists visiting major shopping areas. Many international franchises are represented in Malta. Most towns and villages also organize popular weekly open-air markets, the largest being the Valletta market on Sunday mornings. Another very popular market is the one held in Birgu on Tuesday mornings. Shops do not generally open on Sunday and public holidays, except during the busy Christmas shopping period, the only exception being the Baystreet Shopping Complex in St Julians where shops open all day, all week, all year round.
Telecommunications & Internet
Most hotels offer Internet access, fax and telex services, whilst a number of Internet cafes have also opened in a number of popular villages. The international dialing code for Malta is +356. Full mobile range is available throughout Malta and Gozo as local mobile companies have established agreements with the major international operators.
Television & Radio
Thanks to Cable and Satellite TV a wide variety of foreign stations are received and most popular British, American and Italians programmes can be daily viewed. A small number of programmes are also received from France, Spain, Germany and the Middle East.