Is cash still widely used?
Moderately. Malta has reasonable card acceptance at hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. However, local buses, village festa stalls, smaller cafes, and traditional businesses still commonly use cash. The older generations in particular prefer cash transactions.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Valletta, Sliema, and larger towns. Bank of Valletta and HSBC Malta machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees for foreign non-EU cards are around 3 EUR per withdrawal
- Good availability in tourist areas; limited in rural Gozo and smaller villages
Card acceptance
Good in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. Local buses require exact change in coins — keep coins handy.
Tips for travelers
- Always carry coins for local buses — they don’t give change
- Village markets and traditional shops prefer cash
- Gozo (the sister island) has fewer ATMs — withdraw in Malta before crossing
- Tipping is appreciated — 10% is customary in restaurants