What to know before visiting Malta

malta-1

Before you pack your bags and set sail to paradise, there are a few things you should know before visiting Malta. If you have any doubts about the required documents, driving rules, local currency, and more tips… Keep reading! Discover why Malta is not just an ordinary destination with a rental car: its beaches, good weather, nightlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are waiting for you.

Required documents

It is important to understand the required documents for entry: as an EU member state, Malta allows European citizens to enter with just an ID, though carrying a passport is advisable for identification or security purposes.

If you’re from outside the Schengen Area, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date and has an available page for an entry stamp. Travellers from certain countries can visit Malta visa-free for up to 90 days (check specific countries here). If you need a visa, apply through the country's consulate or embassy before travelling.

Malta traffic guide

When renting a car in Malta, it's crucial to know what to expect. That’s why we've prepared this mini-traffic guide. Malta is one of only four countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road, along with the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus. Rental cars are designed for left-hand traffic, making it easier for you to adapt to the island’s driving style.

You won’t be able to surpass 80 km/h anywhere on the islands, as there are no motorways, and the maximum speed outside urban areas is 80 km/h, with a limit of 50 km/h in urban areas. When parking, pay attention to the colour of the parking lines: white lines indicate parking spaces, yellow lines mean no parking or stopping, blue lines are for residents or tourists only from 7 am to 7 pm, and green lines are exclusively for residents.

There are some basic rules that most countries share, such as everyone in the car must wear seat belts, and using cell phones while driving is prohibited. Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. There are some interesting rules to note: you shouldn't use your horn in urban areas between 11 PM and 6 AM, and children under the age of 3 have to use a child seat.

malta-2

Currency in Malta

The official currency of Malta is the Euro (€). If you come from a non-European country, you can exchange your currency at banks or ATMs. The most common places to exchange cash are airports and hotels, but there are also plenty of exchange bureaus throughout the island.

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave between 5% and 10%. Check your bill to see if a service charge is already included; if so, additional tipping is not necessary. We also recommend carrying €50 notes or smaller denominations, as payments with larger notes are less common and might not be accepted.

Languages in Malta

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Most of the population is fluent in both. Maltese is a unique blend of Arabic, Italian, French, and English, so many locals also understand and speak these languages. As a popular tourist destination, Malta ensures that language will not be a barrier for visitors.

Maltese: a unique language

While you won't struggle with communication, learning a few basic Maltese phrases can make your experience way better and show respect for the local culture. Here are some helpful and basic phrases: “Hello” is “Bongu”, “thank you” is “Grazzi”, “please” is “Jekk joghgbok”, and “goodbye” is “Sahha”. Maltese is the most spoken language in the country, with 98% of the population speaking it, most of whom consider it their mother tongue.

English in Malta

Prior to its independence in 1964, Malta was a British colony. As a result, English is an official language in Malta. This is very helpful for the millions of tourists who visit these islands, as Maltese can be quite challenging to understand. Recent surveys highlight that almost 90% of Maltese people can speak English fluently.

Other languages

Until 1934, Italian was also an official language in Malta. Due to this historical context and the island’s proximity to Italy, about 66% of the population can speak Italian. Additionally, the impact of tourism and language courses in schools has led to the presence of other languages on the island. Many locals have a basic understanding of French, German, and Spanish, further easing communication for international visitors.

malta-3

CarJet offers all sorts of facilities

By hiring a car with CarJet, you don’t just get the best car hire deals on the islands—you also enjoy unparalleled convenience and flexibility. CarJet allows you to pick up your rental car at various locations including Malta Airport, Luqa, Bugibba, Gozo, Saint Julian’s, Sliema, and St Paul’s Bay. You can choose from a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs, whether you prefer automatic, electric, larger cars, or the option to pick up your car full of fuel and return it empty.

CarJet offers a variety of options to make your rental experience as seamless as possible. To secure the best rates, CarJet recommends booking your rental car as soon as possible, as prices tend to increase as your travel dates approach. Enjoy your journey through Malta with the peace of mind that comes from reliable, affordable, and flexible car hire with CarJet.