No issues elsewhere, but in Gambia, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
I had only minor issues in Malta. An APS Bank ATM declined my card once, but HSBC worked right away. Most restaurants and shops in tourist areas accept plastic, but when exploring places like Gozo or Comino, cash helps for boat rides and snacks. Budget around €60 per day for food, ferries, and local transport. While Malta is fairly modern in payment systems, ATMs aren’t perfect-always keep backup cash. Don’t rely on one card type; bring both Visa and Mastercard.
Card rejection in Malta is rare, but it does happen. My Visa worked at Bank of Valletta ATMs, but a private ATM near the ferry refused it. Stores in Valletta and St. Julian’s took cards, but smaller snack shops in Marsaxlokk fish market wanted cash. If budgeting, €50-60 daily is comfortable for meals, buses, and attractions. I’d advise sticking to well-known banks for withdrawals. Carry a small stash of euros for moments when machines or terminals fail unexpectedly.
In Malta, my Mastercard was rejected at a few ATMs in Valletta, but HSBC always worked. Shops in Mdina and Rabat usually preferred cash for small purchases like coffee or pastries. Larger expenses like ferries to Gozo were fine with cards. Expect to spend €50-70 daily if you’re sightseeing, eating at mid-range restaurants, and taking buses. Don’t panic about card rejection, but do carry cash-especially for local buses and street vendors selling snacks or souvenirs.
I was surprised when some ATMs in Malta rejected my card, especially in Sliema. BOV (Bank of Valletta) and HSBC ATMs worked best, while smaller machines near St. Julian’s sometimes failed. Most large shops and restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard, but kiosks and buses want cash. Keep at least €40-50 daily for food, ferries, and museum entries. Withdraw from bigger bank ATMs to avoid rejection. Malta is mostly card-friendly, but hiccups do happen, so always carry some euros.