GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin square plugs are used.
English and Maltese are the official languages; Italian is also spoken
There are no health risks associated with travel to Malta, and water and food is generally safe for consumption. Travellers coming from recognised infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Malta.A reciprocal health agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Malta. As a result, British citizens receive emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).Visitors should, however, take out adequate medical and travel insurance in case medical evacuation or further treatment is required. Medication should be available in Malta but those requiring specific prescription medication should take it with them in the original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medicine is and why it's required.
A gratuity of about 10 percent is expected in hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not included in the bill. Most services are tipped about five to 10 percent (including taxi drivers).
Malta is very safe for tourists. Crime is rare, though theft from parked cars and handbag snatching can occur. Local driving can be challenging so exercise caution on the roads.
The wearing of skimpy clothing away from the beaches should be avoided, and dress should be conservative when visiting churches.
Business in Malta tends to be conducted in the same fashion as elsewhere in Europe. That is to say, both formally and politely. Punctuality is important while dress should be formal. This means a suit and tie being the norm unless the weather is hot, in which case one can forgo the jacket.Handshakes and the exchanging of business cards take place on greeting. English is widely spoken in business and so a translator is unnecessary. Business hours can vary but are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses open for a half-day on Saturdays.
The country code for Malta is +356, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are not required. Local and international telephone calls can be made from hotel rooms, and most hotels also offer fax and internet access.GO telecommunications offices also provide these services in the main towns. Comprehensive GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks as well as nationwide 3G coverage cover the islands.
Travellers arriving in Malta from non-EU countries do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine and 2 litres of spirits. Travellers may carry personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to €430 when travelling by air or sea.
Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2023 Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media Ltd nor Travel Vogue can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
