Need cash when I land, best place in Malta? Airport or places in the city?
I once exchanged £100 at the airport in Malta and got a terrible rate. After that, I always stick to Bank of Valletta ATMs. Withdrew €80 and it covered me for buses and food for the first few days. Everywhere else - from restaurants in Valletta to boat trips in Sliema - took cards without issue. The only place I needed coins was for bus tickets. My advice: don’t bother with counters. Bring euros or use ATMs, and you’ll be fine.
Since Malta uses the euro, exchange isn’t needed if you’re already carrying some. If not, skip the airport counters and use ATMs - Bank of Valletta, HSBC, and APS are the main banks. They’re safe and widespread. In tourist areas like Valletta, there are also exchange offices, but they don’t beat ATMs much. Best approach: withdraw €50-100 at the airport ATM for taxis and buses, then rely on cards. Only use counters if your bank card doesn’t work.
I’ve been to Malta twice and never used the exchange desks at the airport. Bank of Valletta and HSBC ATMs are right outside arrivals, and they work perfectly with foreign cards. In Valletta and Sliema, you’ll also find exchange offices, but unless you’re carrying GBP or USD, they’re unnecessary. I usually withdraw €100 on arrival, then pay by card for hotels and restaurants. Keep some coins handy for buses, since they don’t always take cards. Airport counters are overpriced, so I avoid them.
At Malta International Airport there are exchange counters, but the rates aren’t good. I usually withdraw euros straight from ATMs. Bank of Valletta, HSBC, and APS have machines at the airport and all over the island. Malta is eurozone, so if you already bring euros, you don’t need to exchange at all. I keep €40-50 cash for buses and small cafés, but most places accept cards. Don’t waste money at airport counters - stick to ATMs or just bring euros from home.