Europe
Money, cards and tipping in Malta
EUREuro
Money in Malta
Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for village bars, pastizzi shops, festas and some small shops. US$1 ≈ €0.89 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Leave 5–10% in restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxi fares.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (BOV, HSBC, APS) are common; some add a foreign-card fee. Avoid Euronet and decline currency conversion.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted.
- Price level: about 66% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valletta | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for pastizzi shops, small bars and festa stalls. |
| St. Julian's | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for pastizzi shops, kiosks and small bars. |
| Sliema | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for pastizzi shops, kiosks and small bars. |
| Gozo | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in hotels, shops and most restaurants. Carry cash for small bars, farm shops, ferry kiosks and village stalls. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Malta?
Not obligatory. Leave 5–10% in restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxi fares.
Is Malta cashless?
Cards almost everywhere. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for village bars, pastizzi shops, festas and some small shops.
What currency does Malta use?
The Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Residency Malta: Nomad Residence Permit
- Identità (immigration and visas)
- Malta Public Transport
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- World Bank open data
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