Malta, a Mediterranean gem rich in history, sun-soaked beaches, and ancient fortresses, blends European sophistication with island charm. Whether you’re exploring the walled city of Mdina, diving in Gozo, or strolling through Valletta’s vibrant streets, knowing how to manage your money is important. As part of the Eurozone, Malta uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted in most establishments. However, cash can still be useful for local markets, small cafés, and public transport. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Malta, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared visit.
Where to find ATMs in Malta?
Malta has excellent ATM coverage, particularly in Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, Birkirkara, and Mosta. ATMs are widely available at bank branches, shopping centers, along major bus routes, and at ferry terminals. Major banks include Bank of Valletta (BOV), HSBC Malta, APS Bank, and Lombard Bank. ATMs dispense euros and generally accept Visa, Mastercard, and other international cards.
Tourist Spots:
Popular coastal areas like Mellieħa, Marsaxlokk, and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) all have ATMs near promenades, beaches, and tourist services. Machines are also available in Gozo (Victoria and Marsalforn) and on Comino near the Blue Lagoon during peak season via portable units or resort-connected facilities.
Rural Areas:
Even in Malta’s smaller villages – such as Mdina, Rabat, or Żebbuġ – ATMs are easy to find, though options may be limited to one or two banks. While card usage is widespread, it’s still practical to carry some cash when visiting local markets, small bakeries, or village festas.
Best ATMs to use in Malta for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Malta are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Bank of Valletta,
- Lombard, and
- HSBC.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Malta.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Malta, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in EUR).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Malta?
Some ATMs in Malta commonly majority of the internaltional cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, Maestro, CUP and American Express cards. Some however accept only Visa, Mastercard and Maestro cards. Others such as JCB, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in Malta are open 24/7, especially those in Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, and major tourist zones. Machines inside shops or bank lobbies may follow limited business hours.
What are ATMs called in Malta?
They are simply referred to as “ATMs” in Malta. Signage is straightforward, often showing “ATM” alongside the bank’s name – such as BOV, HSBC, or APS Bank.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Malta typically offer English and Maltese.
You can use Google Translate App’s camera function to translate the ATM screen if you don’t understand these languages, but be cautious as the translations may not be entirely accurate.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Malta?
ATMs in Malta dispense only euros (EUR). As a Eurozone country, Maltese ATMs do not offer alternative currency options like Euros or GBP.
ATM withdrawal limits in Malta?
ATMs in Malta have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of as much as your card’s limit. Banks also usually do not limit the number of transactions per day or impose any daily withdrawal limits. So you can withdraw as much as your bank card allows.
ATM Fees in Malta
There are many fee-free ATMs in Malta. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Malta do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Malta. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Malta
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Malta?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Malta. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Malta. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Malta is a safe and traveler-friendly destination with low crime rates. ATMs are plentiful and generally secure, especially those located in Valletta, Sliema, and tourist hubs. While ATM-related crime is rare, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas. For added safety, use ATMs attached to bank branches or located in shopping malls and avoid isolated machines late at night. Shield your PIN during transactions, avoid displaying large amounts of cash, and keep an eye on your account activity throughout your stay.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Malta takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Malta?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Malta. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Malta do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Malta?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Malta and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Malta. While Malta previously installed its first two-way Bitcoin ATM in 2023, current listings confirm that none are active in Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Malta
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Malta.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain consumer ATMs in Malta.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered is not present in Malta.
