Resources
Banks Banks are normally open between 8.30am and 1.30pm from Monday to Thursday, between 8.30am and 3.30pm on Friday and until 12.30pm on Saturday. Some banks open for longer hours, but summer hours are shorter. currency exchange
The Commission for the Disabled A governmental organisation dedicated to improving the lives of disabled people on the Maltese islands provides information on how best to get around and on other related organisations. Bugeja Institute, Braille Street, Sta Venera (2278 8555, www.knpd.org).
Electricity
Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands.
The electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain.
Casinos
British High Commission Whitehall Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex (2323 0000, www.gov.uk/government/world/malta). Open 9am-1pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri.
Crime Report any incident as soon as possible to the police. The emergency number to call is 112 and the Police General Headquarters are in Floriana (2122 4001). Below is a list of some of the police stations. Mosta Police Station (2141 4101). Qawra Police Station (2294 3601). Rabat (Gozo) Headquarters (2156 2040). Sliema Police Station (2133 2282). St Julian’s Police Station (2137 1694).
Disabled Both the government and the private sector are constantly working towards improving ‘access for all’ to museums, attractions, cultural venues, and the historic centres of towns and villages. Visitors may contact the Malta Tourism Authority (2291 5000, www. visitmalta.com) to enquire whether a particular site or venue has easy access or facilities for the disabled. If assistance is required at the airport, the airline must be notified before the flight. The airline will inform the Malta International Airport (MIA) directly. The MIA provides assistance both airside and landside.
French Embassy 130 Melita Street, Valletta (2248 0600, www.ambafrance-mt. org). Open 9am-1pm Mon-Fri; 2-4pm Mon-Fri by appointment only. German Embassy Il-Pjazzetta, Entrance B, 1st floor, Tower Road, Sliema (2260 4000, www. valletta.diplo.de). Open 9am-noon Mon-Wed, Fri; also 1.15-4.15pm Wed. Italian Embassy 5 Vilhena Street, Floriana (2123 3157, www.amblavalletta.esteri.it). Open 9.30am-noon Mon-Fri; 1-3pm Thur.
Health Malta has an excellent healthcare service. Private and public hospitals are supported by a regional network of health centres.Visitors are advised to take out a personal medical insurance policy, particularly if they are not EU nationals. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals holding the European Health Insurance Card have access to Malta’s public healthcare and are entitled to free public medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo. Malta also has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia. Australians visiting the islands for no longer than one month are entitled to free medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo. Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor in case they need to purchase particular medicines. accidents and emergencies For any emergency services dial 112. The public general hospitals have 24-hour accident and emergency departments.
Chemists are found throughout the islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays they operate on a roster from 9am to 12.30pm in Malta and from 7.30am to 11am in Gozo. Details of the roster are available in the local Sunday newspapers. Dentists A full list of dentists is found in the Yellow Pages under ‘Dental surgeons’. The public hospitals in Malta and Gozo provide emergency dental services for free to EU and EEA nationals holding the European Health Insurance Card. Doctors A list of doctors is available within the Yellow Pages under ‘ClinicsPrivate’ and ‘Hospitals-Private’. Consultations cost around €25. private hospitals St James Hospital Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Sliema (2329 1000, www.stjameshospital.com). St Mark Health Clinic Clarence Street, Msida (2123 9488). public hospitals Mater Dei Hospital Birkirkara Bypass, Birkirkara (2545 0000). Gozo General Hospital Rabat, Gozo (2156 1600). STDs The Genito-Urinary Clinic provides free professional help and advice if you are suffering from a genito-urinary condition, or if you are in doubt. The clinic provides confidential diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and related conditions (2122 7981).
Lost luggage In case of any lost luggage you should immediately get in touch with your airline. If you are flying with Air Malta call 2369 6135.
Museums and sites Public museums and sites generally have the following daily opening hours: 9am-5pm. Museums and sites are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Last admission is 15-30mins before closing time.
Postal services Most towns and villages have post or sub-post offices. Branch post offices in Malta and Gozo are open between 7.30am and 12.45pm from Monday to Saturday. Sub-post offices are open between 8am and 1pm, and 4pm and 6pm from Monday to Friday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturday. Stamps can be bought from post offices, local newsagents, souvenir shops and hotels.
Public holidays Malta has a considerable number of public holidays: 1 January – New Year’s Day 10 February – St Paul’s Shipwreck 19 March – The Feast of St Joseph 31 March – Freedom Day March/April – Good Friday 1 May – Labour Day 7 June – Sette Giugno 29 June – St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja) 15 August – The Assumption of Our Lady (Santa Marija) 8 September – Our Lady of Victories 21 September – Independence Day 8 December – Immaculate Conception 13 December – Republic Day 25 December – Christmas Day
Religion Most Maltese are Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented. There are small Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodist and Muslim communities. Church services are held by the various denominations.
Shops Shops are normally open between 9am and 1pm, and between 4pm and 7pm, altough increasingly shops are opening all day. In tourist areas many shops remain open till 10pm. Shops are normally closed on Sundays and public holidays. Everyday an open-air market is set up in Valletta. On Sunday mornings, markets are also organised in most towns or villages. The largest is in Valletta and is held every Sunday morning, while the most picturesque is in Marsaxlokk (see Best Markets p17).
Smoking No smoking is allowed in any entertainment establishment, including bars and restaurants, unless there is a designated smoking area. Smoking in public places is illegal and carries hefty fines. Smoking is allowed at outdoor venues.
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Resources
Malta has several excellent casinos. Admission requires an identity card or passport. Foreign nationals must be 18 years old to enter. The casinos also offer a choice of cuisines from international fare to Mediterranean specialities at their restaurants.
Embassies
chemists