Organize your stay Malta
Money Malta
The euro has been the official currency since January1 , 2008. Until then, the currency used was the Maltese lira.
Budget & Tips Malta
Until the 2010s, Malta was an inexpensive destination, but since then prices have been rising, boosted by Valletta's status as Capital of Culture in 2018. This is particularly true in the more touristy areas. Life here is still a little cheaper than in France, and less expensive than in Paris. Of course, for two people, the price per person is more attractive, whether for accommodation in a double room or car rental.
Small budget: simple guesthouse accommodation (around €50 per person with breakfast), quick lunch(pastizzi, less than €5), good evening meal (around €30), public transport (€2 per journey; €21 weekly pass), other (coffee €1.50). That's less than €90 a day. But you can of course save on meals. And there are discounts on long-term accommodation.
Average budget: night in a hotel (approx. €60 to €100 per person in a double room), 2 meals (one light and one full) at €20 and €35, i.e. €105 to €155 per day. You may also need to rent a vehicle (scooter €15, car at least €25).
Big budget: anything is possible. Overnight in a comfortable hotel (from €70 per person), car rental (€25 to €40 per day), 2 meals in a sought-after restaurant (€40-60).
To all these budgets, you can add leisure activities such as diving, cruises and sightseeing.
In restaurants, if service is not included, tipping is at your discretion. Some restaurants add a covercharge, usually €2 to €3 per person. But this is not systematic, and you won't be in for a nasty surprise, as this charge must be indicated on the menu card.
To reduce your budget, consider taking out multi-trip cards, which allow you to travel by bus throughout the country at a very attractive rate (€21 for a week with unlimited travel or €15 for 12 trips, bearing in mind that the basic unit is valid regardless of the length of your trip, two stations or crossing the island). Passes are also available to visit sites managed by Heritage Malta(https://heritagemalta.org). Make sure you have the time and inclination to do everything that's included.
Passport and visas Malta
Nationals of France or European Union member countries need only a valid identity card or passport for a tourist stay in Malta. As far as pets are concerned, you should check with your vet before your departure to find out under what conditions they will be allowed to accompany you. All passports issued in France are now biometric. They contain your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain it, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, an identity card and two passport photos. The passport is delivered within about three weeks. It is valid for 10 years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years). To find out about the formalities to be completed when travelling or the goods you can bring back, remember to refer to the following website: https://www.douane.gouv.fr.
Driver's license Malta
If you hold a driving license issued in a European Union country, you are authorized to drive in Malta for one year, without an additional license.
Health Malta
Malta is an archipelago devoid of dangerous fish or poisonous animals. The tap water is drinkable but we really advise against it (even a few drops) because it is so chlorinated that it is undrinkable. Therefore, plan a special "mineral water" budget that you can find on sale everywhere but that you should buy in supermarkets to limit your overall budget. On the other hand, it is not dangerous to your health (although we have been reported to have mild diarrhoea) and you can brush your teeth with it or even use it to wash your fruit. Generally speaking, Maltese hygiene is irreproachable. There are a few mosquitoes and small aggressive flies but nothing nasty. No vaccinations are required unless you come from an epidemic area. Before leaving, consult the "Travel Advice" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs).
Mandatory vaccination Malta
No vaccinations are required to enter Malta, unless you come from an epidemic zone. Before you leave, please consult your doctor and visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, under "advice to travellers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
Security Malta
Malta is an easy place to travel. The only risk you may face on the beaches or in some of Paceville's festive venues is theft. Remember to keep your valuables at your hotel. No particular problem for women traveling alone either.
Time difference Malta
Maltese time is the same as in France.
Spoken languages Malta
The Maltese are all bilingual: Maltese and English. Signs are almost everywhere in both languages. Half of them speak Italian. If you don't speak any of these three languages, your journey will be made easier by the friendliness of the Maltese.
Communication Malta
You'll find Internet access and wifi just about everywhere in hotels, cafés and restaurants. Wifi is often free. You'll also find wifi on the street, in highly touristy areas (Sliema, St Julians, Paceville, etc.) as well as in tourist spots such as the Victoria citadel in Gozo, which has also launched a free guided tour app.
Electricity and measurements Malta
As far as electricity is concerned, the voltage is 240 volts - 50 Hz, which corresponds to the French system. Be careful, the plugs are British type, with three flat or sometimes round pins. Hotels very often provide adapters and are increasingly equipping themselves with plugs of both formats. Adapters are available in many shops if you need them. Nowadays, the metric system is of course widely used, but some still use Anglo-Saxon measurements. To change ounces to grams, multiply by 28.35 and to change pounds to kilograms, multiply by 0.454 (example: 100 g = 3.5 oz). To change inches to centimetres, multiply by 2.54 and to change yards to metres, multiply by 0.914. Finally, one gallon = 4.5 litres.
Luggage Malta
The temperature is mild in winter, rarely suffocating in summer, although it can reach 40°C in the interior of the island. Bring light clothing for all seasons and sports shoes for walks. Many beaches are stony, so consider bringing sturdy footwear. Don't forget a small headgear to protect you from sunstroke, the inevitable sunglasses and sunscreen without burning. Don't panic if you forget something, you'll have no trouble buying what you need on the spot.
