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Malta - PRACTICAL INFORMATION |
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Currency
The currency of Malta is Maltese lira (MTL). This currency is also called the Maltese pound or "pound". 1 Maltese lira is divided into 100 cents. Currency notes of 2, 5,10 and 20 liras exist and the change exists in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. The foreign exchange offices at the International Airport of Malta are open round the clock. One can withdraw cash from the ATM's installed in almost all big tourist centres in the country. Various hotels as well as the big restaurants and boutiques provide currency exchange facilities but the rates offered at these places are generally lesser than those provided by the banks.
Business hours
Shops are generally open from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and again from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. In tourist zones, various shops remain open till 10.00 pm. Shops are normally closed on Sundays and on public holidays. Bank timings are generally from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8.30 am to 11.30 a.m. on Sunday. Some of the banks remain open for longer durations. In summers timings are different than in winters. The working hours for public administration offices are: 8.00 am to 4.30 pm during winters and 7.30 am to 1.00 pm in summers (Monday to Friday). Finally, the companies generally remain open from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm from Monday to Friday.
Transportation
Road
The rate of development of the road-network in Malta is low as compared to the European average. Despite a high urbanisation level, Malta has less than 100 km of highways. Public transport in Malta is controlled by the Malta Transport Authority, an organisation working under the Ministry of Transport. The main mode of public transport in Malta is buses. The Public Transport association ensures road links through buses in the entire island, thanks to the fleet of more than 500 buses belonging to private owners. On the website of the Public Transport association a detailed map of existing itineraries, details of bus plying timings and information on ticket costs are all available. Travelling in buses in Malta to reach for business meetings is not advisable mainly due to delay in timings. Another mode of transport in Malta is taxi. Taxis are easily identifiable thanks to their white colour. It is necessary to settle the price before traveling in a taxi in order to avoid any unpleasant experiences later on (one could refer to the official tariff card of the Malta Transport Authority). On arrival at the airport, you will have to go to the "Taxi" ticket office which gives tickets according to the desired destination. A taxi network run by private garages also exists (these taxis are black in colour), which is particularly reliable. Car renting is also possible in Malta. It is a left-hand drive in Malta and sign post are on the right-hand side. Car renting rates are particularly attractive in Malta, especially at the airport. Principal international companies (Hertz, Avis, etc.) exist inside the international airport.
Air
The'international airport of Luqa is located at a distance of 6 km from the centre of Valletta. It takes 25 minutes by bus (1.5) _) and 15 minutes by taxi (25 _)). One can reach Gozo by helicopter in 10-15 minutes from the international airport of Malta. A ferry also connects the two islands and takes 30 minutes.
Internet
The Internet suffix is:
.mt
Basic conversation guide
Yes = Iva
No = Le
Thankyou = Grazzi
Thank you very much = Grazsi hafna
Good Morning = Bongu
Good Evening = Bonswa
I don't understand = Ma nifhimx
Paradon = Skuzi !
Could you help me? = Tista' tghinni ?
I am lost = Intlift
How much? = Kemm
Do you speak English? = Titkellem bl-Ingliz?
English is the second official language and its use is largely preferred in business circles. A majority of the Maltese people know a third language which could be Italian, German or French.
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Last modified in
January 2004
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