Is it better to use cash or card in Malta?

If Malta is your next travel destination, you’re likely already packing your bags and working out a travel budget. No matter how much money you plan on bringing and spending, it’s important to learn the difference in financial habits between the people in the UK and in Malta.

Maltese locals are known for being very loyal to cash, even though most European countries are becoming more modern and contactless. However, cards are still used for many purchases. Since it can be hard to determine what you should rely on during your trip, we’re here to help. We’ll go into more detail to help answer the question - Is it better to use cash or card in Malta?

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to manage your spending in Malta. For any international purchases, whether online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw cash like a local for low fees* at the mid-market exchange rate.

How cash-centric is Malta?¹

Malta is still quite cash-centric, especially when compared to some other EU countries. The share of cash payments in Malta is very high, with some of the latest data showing that over 70% of POS payments are made in cash.

Statistics even show that, a few years ago, Malta was the country with the highest percentage of cash payments in the Euro area. At the time, around 89% of all transactions in Malta were cash payments.²

Cash etiquette in Malta³

Leaving a 5-10% tip as a sign of good service is quite common in Malta, but not compulsory. However, when the service fee is included in the prices, there’s no need to tip. These are the general rules, but the tip amount will mostly depend on the circumstances.

You could also leave leftover change from the bill instead of worrying about percentages. It’s a nice way of letting your server know that you’re satisfied, but there’s no pressure to leave it.

Cash or card in Malta - the comparison

We’ve listed some situations where you’ll be paying for things in Malta. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Paying for…	Card 💳	Cash 💶
🚕 Taxis	Only when booking through an app4	Yes
🏪 Convenience stores	Usually	Yes
☕Coffee shops	Usually	Yes - often preferred, especially coins
🚌 Public transport	Usually - but check first5	Yes
🍽️ Restaurants	Usually	Yes

Using your card in Malta at an ATM⁶

There are around 400 ATMs in Malta. Even though this sounds like a tiny number, compared to the size of the country, this is one ATM per square kilometre on average. If you’re going to be visiting the country's capital, Valletta, it will be easy to find them in shopping malls, train stations and, of course, banks.

Withdrawal limits at Maltese ATMs vary depending on the card issuer and type. They’re usually between €250 and €1,000 a day.

It’s always recommended to choose to withdraw in the local currency without a currency conversion. This will mean you get a better rate, as the conversion will be done by your bank or card provider instead of the ATM provider.

Check out the latest GBP to EUR conversion rates below:

Will my UK debit card work in Malta?

Yes, your UK debit card will most likely work in Malta, but keep in mind that some places might not accept cards at all. Also, additional fees will apply for using your card abroad.

Can I use my UK credit card in Malta?

Yes, you can use your UK-issued credit card, as long as you go to a place that accepts cards.

Reasons to use cash in Malta

Cash is by far the most popular payment method in Malta. Although many European countries have become nearly cashless, that’s not the case with Malta at all. In fact, even the Maltese Post Office doesn’t accept cards for all services.⁷ You’ll probably be able to use your card for some usual tourist experiences, but having cash on you is necessary.

Also, cash may be a better choice because you might miss out on some experiences if you don’t carry it. For example, you won’t be able to buy anything from street vendors and at farmers’ markets. You might even come across small, family-run restaurants in Malta that won’t let you pay with your card. Finally, in case you like leaving cash tips, it’s good to keep some euros on you.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in Malta

The main reason for using cards on your trip to Malta should be safety. Travelling with large amounts of cash makes you a target for pickpockets, so consider having your cards with you. Also, if you use your card to pay, you won’t have to deal with bringing spare euros back home.

Are contactless card payments common in Malta?

Contactless payments aren’t as popular in Malta as they are in other European countries. Since they were only introduced in 2016, it might take some more time for them to become the norm.⁸ The limit for contactless card payments in Malta is 50 euros.⁹

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in Malta. If you don’t want to carry cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Other payment methods in Malta

Besides traditional credit and debit cards, other payment methods are also available in Malta.

Mobile payment

Popular digital wallet apps like Apple Pay, Google Wallet and PayPal are also available in Malta. However, both cards and digital wallets can have a minimum spending amount of around €5-€10. If you plan on using these apps during your trip, make sure you update them before you leave to avoid any issues.¹⁰

For an additional layer of security, you could add your Wise virtual card to your wallet. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, too.

What is the best way to pay in Malta: cash or card?

Cash is certainly the answer to the question ‘Cash or card in Malta?’. It’s still the most popular payment method, even though both cards and digital payments are also used. If you don’t want to entirely rely on cash, you could also bring your cards with you or make sure your digital wallet apps are up-to-date.

However, the best solution for spending in Malta is combining the safety and convenience of cards and the popularity of cash. Cards can be a good backup option, while cash could be your primary payment and tipping method.

Spend like a local in Malta with the Wise card

Want to spend like a local in Malta without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees? The Wise card might be just the option you were looking for.

The Wise card can be used for international payments, from your accommodation costs to daily expenses. It automatically converts your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

You can also use it to easily withdraw cash from the ATMs in Malta. Each month, you can make 2 withdrawals of up to 200 GBP for free. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP. Keep in mind, however, that additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

Spend like a local with Wise 💳

Cash or card in Malta - FAQs

Here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in Malta:

Can I use my UK debit card in Malta?

Yes, you can use your UK-issued debit card across Malta, as long as the business you’re paying at accepts cards.

Can I use a contactless card in Malta?

Most likely yes, but check with the vendor first.

Do taxis in Malta take debit or credit cards?⁴

Taxis in Malta most likely won’t take cards, but you could pay via card through the app when booking a ride.

Are ATMs free in Malta?

Like everywhere else, using ATMs in Malta can come with a foreign card fee.

Can I use British pounds in Malta?

Since the official currency in Malta is the euro, you’ll likely only be using that while spending time there.

Is it worth bringing cash to Malta?

Yes, cash is the primary payment method in Malta, so it’s a good idea to bring it.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

1. Cash Essentials - cash use across Euro-area countries
2. Business Today - Malta had the highest percentage of cash payments in the Eurozone
3. Visit Malta - tipping in Malta
4. Smarttraveller.gov.au - Malta travel advice & safety
5. Malta Public Transport - public transport in Malta
6. Central Bank of Malta - ATM cash withdrawals in Malta
7. Times of Malta - details on what MaltaPost accepts card payments for
8. Finder - using a credit card in Malta
9. Malta Financial Services Authority - contactless cards in Malta
10. Adyen - payment methods in Malta

Sources last checked on date: 17-Oct-2024