Practical Informaton

Currency

The Maltese unit of currency is the Lira (Lm or MTL) – also referred to as the Maltese pound. It is divided into 100 cents (centeżmi). Notes are issued in denominations of LM20, LM10, LM5, LM2 and there are coins of LM1, 50c, 25c, 10c, 5c, 2c & 1c. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into the country but the maximum amount of local currency for export is Lm50.00. Euro cheques, travellers’ cheques and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Access) are widely accepted.

Bank, ATM & Foreign Exchange Bureau

Bank of Valletta (BOV) tel no 21551113.
Winter Banking Hours: (October 01 to June 14) are Mon 08.30 - 12.45 hrs, Tue/Wed/Thur 08.00 – 13.15 hrs, Fri 08.00 to 15.30 hrs, Sat 08.00 – 11.30.

Summer Banking Hours: (June 15 to September 30) are Mon to Thur 08.00 – 13.15 hrs, Fri 08.00 – 15.30 hrs, Sat 08.15 – 11.30 hrs.

Saturday business hours of bank branch are subject to changes.

HSBC Malta: tel no: 21556266

Winter Banking Hours: (October 01 to June 14) are Mon. to Fri 08.30 - 12.30 hrs, Tue & Fri also 14.30 – 16.30 hrs, Sat 08.00 – 11.30.

Summer Banking Hours: (June 15 to September 30 ) are Mon. to Fri 08.30 - 12.30 hrs, Fri also 14.30 – 16.30 hrs, Sat 08.00 – 11.30.

Currency Exchange Rates

Click here for updated exchange rates of the Maltese Lira (LM).

Shops

Shops are usually open between 08.00 to 19.00 hrs, although many close between 13.00 and 16.00 hrs. Most shops are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

There is an open market in Gozo. It is in Victoria at It-Tokk (Main Square). For local handicrafts try Ta’Dbiegi Crafts Village near Gharb. Gozo Glass is also located in Gharb and is worth a visit. Local knitwear is made in the home and is very cheap compared to prices abroad. Gozo lace is famous and you can buy this almost everywhere. Try shops at Xlendi and Marsalforn. Haggling is not necessary the market price is what you pay. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops.

Chemists

Most towns have a chemist open during usual shopping hours. On Sundays and Public Holidays chemists are open on a roster basis and details can be obtained from the local newspaper or from the pharmacies themselves.

Recommended Clothing

Visitors will need the lightest possible clothes for summer (June to September) and warm cloths for winter (December to March). A warm jacket is recommended on winter evenings.

Telephones

Tele-cards for use in public telephone booths can be bought from many shops including our school. These card phones are gradually replacing older coin-operated phones. Most public telephone boxes contain instructions in English for making a call. Low-cost international phone calls, with the use of special purpose phone cards may be made from all telephones

Postal Services

Postage stamps can be obtained from post offices and from many shops and hotels.
The main post office is at 129 Republic Street, Victoria and there is another at St. Anthony Street, Mgarr. The current price for mailing a post card (max 20 grs) throughout Europe is 16 c, 22c to the United States & Australia and 27c to China. Mailboxes in Gozo and Malta are red.

Television & Radio

Maltese television programs feature a number of British and American productions and daily news bulletins in English. Radio Malta transmits daily on two frequencies: 999 KHz (MW) and 93.7 MHz (VHF/FW). Italian television is received in Malta and there are also some 55 cable channels.

Electricity

The electricity supply is 220 volts, single phase, 50 cycles. The 13-amp, three pin rectangular sockets are used on the Maltese Islands.

Religion

The Maltese and the Gozitans alike are Roman Catholics, and are devoutly religious, but the Maltese constitution guarantees freedom of worship.

Places of worship besides local parish churches:

• Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, Ta’ Pinu
• Cathedral of the Assumption, the Citadel, Victoria
• Greek Orthodox Church, South Street, Valletta
• Anglican Church, Independence Square Valletta
• Muslim Mosque, Corradino Hill, Paola, Malta.