Malta
Nearly everyone in Malta speaks English fluently, so you'll rarely need Maltese — but a 'grazzi' delights locals. Bolt dominates both rides and food, with Wolt as the other delivery app, and cards are accepted almost everywhere including the bus. The island is small and well-connected on 4G/5G, but ferries to Gozo and Comino plus packed summer buses make ride-hailing and offline maps worth having.
Power & Plug
Like the UK, Malta uses the three-rectangular-pin Type G plug — bring a British-style adapter, not a Continental one.
Basic phrases
Maltese
- HelloBonġuBON-joo
- Thank youGrazziGRUTS-see
- Excuse me / SorrySkużaniskoo-ZA-nee
- YesIvaEE-va
- NoLeleh
+10 more below
Tipping
Not obligatory. Service is usually not included, so 5-10% for good restaurant service is normal; round up taxi and bar tabs.
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All Maltese phrases
What to know before you go
✓ Do
- Greet with a friendly hello and a 'grazzi' on leaving — Maltese warmth goes a long way.
- Cover shoulders and knees inside churches; Malta has hundreds and they're actively used.
- Sunday lunch and village feasts (festi) are a big deal — expect slower, social dining.
✕Don't
- Don't swim or anchor over protected seagrass and reefs around Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
- Avoid loud or rowdy behaviour near churches during Mass or feast processions.
- Don't assume buses run on time in peak summer — they fill up and pass stops; plan extra time.
⚠️ Common scams to know
- Horse-cab (karrozzin) drivers and some white taxis quoting steep unmetered fares — agree the price or use Bolt.
- Timeshare/'free scratchcard win' touts in St Julian's and Bugibba pulling you to sales presentations.
- Overpriced 'fresh fish by weight' specials where the bill balloons — confirm the price per kilo first.