Malta
Travel tips for Malta: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards work almost everywhere. Recent 2025-2026 Reddit reports show Malta is virtually cashless, with contactless accepted on buses, taxis, and most market stalls. Visitors can easily go cashless, though carrying a few euros for the occasional small bakery is helpful.
Try the food
- Pastizzi: A savory, diamond-shaped flaky pastry traditionally filled with either creamy ricotta cheese or mushy peas.
- Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek): A rich, slow-cooked stew made with rabbit, red wine, tomatoes, garlic, and bay leaves, often served over spaghetti or with potatoes.
- Maltese Bread Sandwich (Ftira): A traditional ring-shaped, sourdough-like bread stuffed with a savory mix of tuna, tomato paste, capers, olives, and onions.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
- Emergency
- 112 (all services)
- SIM tip
- Purchase a local SIM card from Epic, GO, or Melita at the arrivals hall in Malta International Airport, or install an eSIM prior to your trip for immediate connectivity.
Etiquette
Tipping 5% to 10% in restaurants is customary and appreciated if a service charge has not already been added to the bill.