| This article provides some of the basics as | | | | towns on the Maltese islands. Visa, MasterCard |
| regards to Malta tourist information and tips for | | | | and Amex cards are accepted in most hotels, |
| potential visitors who are not very familiar with | | | | restaurants and shops. |
| the Maltese islands. As with any holiday | | | | Electricity |
| destination, the more you know about the | | | | The supply on the Maltese islands is 240V and |
| country before you visit, the more equipped you'll | | | | plugs are three-pin. |
| be to choose just the right sites and attractions | | | | Internet Access |
| to visit. It's never wise to just go with the flow | | | | Malta is well connected and all major hotels and |
| because everyone is different and this becomes | | | | travel organisations have a website. One can also |
| especially important when on holiday. You don't | | | | find countless internet cafes across the islands. |
| want to "waste" time visiting sites and places that | | | | Top-end hotels are also offering wi-fi hotspots |
| are not appealing to you. | | | | lately. This trend is said to increase since more |
| Malta Weather | | | | and more visitors are demanding these services. |
| The weather in Malta has always been one of the | | | | Tipping |
| island's strongest points. Visitors can usually | | | | As regards to tipping, Malta is very similar to |
| expect to get warm weather almost all year | | | | mainland Europe, in the sense that tipping is not |
| round, with temperatures soaring in July and | | | | usually expected, but is appreciated. |
| August. Coldest spells usually come in January and | | | | Photos & Video |
| February, although no day is ever that cold to | | | | Don't worry if you run out of film. Print film, |
| keep visitors from exploring the islands. | | | | camcorder cassettes and equipment can easily be |
| Passport requirements | | | | purchased from the many photographic shops |
| EU citizens can travel to Malta without a passport | | | | scattered across the main towns. Print film is also |
| since their national identity card will suffice. (If | | | | available at major hotels and souvenir shops. |
| you're traveling from an EU country that does not | | | | Driving |
| issue ID cards, a valid passport is then required). | | | | The Maltese drive on the left and speed limits are |
| Non-EU nationals must have a valid passport. | | | | 80km/hr on highways and 50km/hr in urban |
| Malta Airport | | | | areas. Visitors often remark that a lot of local |
| There is only one airport in Malta and all flights | | | | drivers seem to ignore simple road rules in Malta |
| arrive and depart from it. Malta International | | | | and this is somewhat true. So if you're driving in |
| Airport is located at Luqa, some 8 kilometres | | | | Malta, be extra careful and be prepared for |
| south of Valletta (the capital of Malta). The airport | | | | drivers overtaking on the inside or refusing to |
| is well equipped with ATMs, internet access, good | | | | give way at junctions, among other things. Some |
| facilities and a Malta Tourist Information Office. A | | | | roads are in a bad condition compared to |
| bus service is available to and from Valletta. | | | | European standards thus making driving in Malta a |
| Low Crime Rate | | | | bit of a nightmare sometimes. |
| Compared to other European countries, Malta has | | | | It is recommended that you read up on all the |
| a substantially low crime rate. Of course, no | | | | main attractions and sites that the Maltese islands |
| matter where you are, it is always sensible to | | | | have to offer before you visit. That way you can |
| exercise some degree of caution. | | | | draft an enjoyable itinerary for yourself with all |
| Malta Currency | | | | the places that interest you in Malta, Gozo and |
| Up until a few years ago, the Maltese Lira was | | | | Comino. |
| the local currency. However, in January 2008 | | | | The above tips were solely intended as initial Malta |
| Malta adopted the Euro, making it very | | | | tourist information and advice that could come in |
| advantageous and convenient for visitors out on a | | | | handy, especially if you're still undecided or in the |
| European trip. | | | | planning process of your Malta vacation. |
| ATMs are conveniently located in all the main | | | | |
