No issues elsewhere, but in Malta, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
I wouldn’t say Malta is difficult for cards, but issues do crop up. My Visa worked almost everywhere, but one Coop store in Gozo rejected it. Most restaurants and big attractions accept cards without issues. For budgeting, €55-70 daily is plenty for transport, meals, and museum entry. Still, keep some euros for buses and kiosks. ATMs from HSBC or Bank of Valletta are the most dependable. Carrying some backup cash will keep you worry-free during your trip.
In Malta, I faced a few rejections at APS Bank ATMs, but Bank of Valletta never failed. Tourist areas like St. Julian’s and Sliema were card-friendly, but in Marsaxlokk’s fish market, many stalls insisted on cash. A daily budget of €50-60 works well for local transport, cafés, and entry to historical sites. My tip: withdraw from major banks, as their ATMs are less likely to reject foreign cards. Always carry backup euros for smaller shops.
On my trip, HSBC Malta ATMs always worked, but private ATMs near the ferry sometimes rejected my card. Stores in Mdina and Gozo often asked for cash, especially for small purchases like snacks. Larger supermarkets and hotels were fine with cards. Budget €60 per day if you’re combining sightseeing with dining out. Malta is fairly card-friendly, but I’d suggest having €30-40 cash on hand daily to cover buses, markets, and unexpected card refusals.
Malta is mostly modern with payments, but I had a few ATMs reject my card in Valletta. HSBC and Bank of Valletta were the most reliable. Big shops and restaurants generally accept Visa and Mastercard, but kiosks, buses, and small cafés often prefer cash. Expect €50-70 daily if you’re paying for food, ferries, and museum tickets. My advice: stick to well-known bank ATMs, avoid the standalone ones, and carry at least some euros in case your card fails.