Money

1. Currency Exchange

The official currency of Malta is the Maltese Lira, which is denoted as MTL. Notes are printed in denominations of MTL 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are minted in denominations of MTL 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent. Several gold and silver coins are also minted.

The import and export limit on local currency is limited to MTL5000. There is no fixed restriction on the import and export of foreign currency, provided a declaration is made in case the import amount is to be re-exported.

Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. You could also get your currency exchanged from automated foreign exchange machines, which are available around the island. Exchange bureaus are generally open 24-hours a day. Many hotels, large shops and restaurants do accept foreign currency as well.

The banking hours from Monday to Friday are 8.30 am to 12.30 pm. On Saturdays they work from 8.30 am to 11.30 am. However, there are some banks that work for longer hours. The working hours of banks usually differ during summer and winter.

Major credit and debit cards accepted are American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Travelers' checks can be exchanged at the authorized institutions. There are many ATMs that are available at various locations on the islands for withdrawing cash easily.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

Milk 1ltr $0.77

Butter 500gr $2.14

Eggs 12 $1.43

Bread (white loaf) $1.61

Rice (long grain) 1kg $2.14

Sugar (white) 1kg $0.71

Flour (white) 1kg $0.80

Coffee (instant) 125gr $2.68

Tea bags (pack 25) $1.34

Coca Cola 1lt./2.11pints $1.07

Mineral water 1lt $0.30

Mineral water $0.60

Table salt 500gr $0.45

Marmalade/jam 370gr $1.07

Ice cream 1lt $2.41

Biscuits (plain) 200gr $1.16

Beer (local) 0.33lt $0.74

Beer (imported) 0.33lt $0.71

Dishwashing liquid 500ml $1.19

Soap (bar) 150gr. $0.68

3-minute telephone call $1.07

Cup of coffee in bar/cafe $1.34

City center bus fare $0.60

3. Telecommunications

The Malta Country Code number is 356. The international dialing code is 00 followed by the phone number. International Direct Dialing Access Code: 00

Nearly all the hotels provide local and international calling facilities. All phone services as well as phone cards, can be obtained from Maltacom's branch offices at Bisazza Street. Apart from that, you could also purchase them from the Plaza Shopping Complex in Sliema, Malta International Airport, at Qawra and at St. Paul's Bay. These branch offices are open daily from 8 am to 10.30 pm.

Using public card phones is another convenient way of making calls. There are about 520 card phones in Malta and Gozo, spread across public areas, Malta International Airport, Maltacom Branches and popular tourist areas. You will at least find one card phone in each village of Malta and Gozo. You can purchase phone cards from Maltacom branches, Mid-Med Bank branches, and post offices. Besides, there and over 400 other retail outlets that sell telephone cards.

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Police 191

Ambulance 196

Fire 199

St.Lukes Hospital 21241251 / 21247860

Gozo General Hospital 21561600

Time Check 195

Overseas Operator 1152

Directory Enquiries 1182

Rates of Exchange 21247480

Flight Enquiries 21249600 / 21697800

Gozo Ferry Service Schedule 21556016 / 21556114

Helicopter Service Malta - Gozo 21244554

4. Cab Fares

From airport to Sliema & St. Julian's area $24

From airport to Valletta & Harbor area $21

From airport to Bugibba & Qawra area $27

From airport to Mellieha area $29.61

From airport to Paradise Bay & Gozo Ferry $36

From airport to Marsascala & M'Xlokk $24

From airport to St George's / St Andrew's $24

5. Currency Exchange Rates

Currency Exchange Rates

MTL 1.00 = USD 2.97 GBP 1.61 CAD 3.36 AUD 3.92 ZAR 21.10 EUR 2.33 NZD 4.85

U.S. Dollar MTL U.S. Dollar MTL

$10 3.37 $200 67.53

$20 7 $300 101

$50 17 $500 169

$100 34 $1000 338

6. Taxes

There is a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all consumer goods. The standard value added tax is 18% and the reduced value added tax is 5%.

Travelers and tourist departing by sea must pay a US $10 departure tax, and an additional 15% government levy.

7. Tipping

Gratuities are approximately 10% and no service charge is added. 10 to 15% tipping is expected in hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers are generally tipped 10% of the fare.