Language
The language of the conference is English.
Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. Street signs in Malta are in both languages. English is widely spoken and most Maltese also master one or two other foreign languages.
Currency
The local currency in Malta is Euro (EUR). All major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Malta.
Most banks have an ATM machine. These 24-hour cashpoint machines are widely available and accept the following international ATM and credit cards: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Visa Electron, EuroCard, MasterCard.
Banks are usually open on weekdays 8.30am–1:30 pm.
Weather
In Malta, the average high-temperature in October is between 20°- 25°C and the average low-temperature is 18°C.
For the latest weather forecast by the Malta Meteorological Office, see website https://www.maltairport.com/weather/7-day-forecast/
Electricity
Voltage: 220–240 Volts. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Malta are the “Type G” three-pin European standard electrical socket types. If you are coming from outside Europe, you can have peace of mind by bringing a universal adaptor that will work on any plug.
Time zone
The time zone in Malta is Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
Emergency number
General Emergency number for police, ambulance and fire department is 112.
Pharmacy and medical care
There are a number of pharmacies around Malta. In case of emergencies the only 24/7 24-hour open pharmacy in Malta is at the International Airport of Malta.
Emergency duty:
You will be relieved to know that both the Mater Dei hospital in Malta and the Gozo General Hospital have an excellent Accident and Emergency Department.
Both offer their services for free. The hospitals are well sign-posted and you will find the place easily.
WiFi
You can connect your laptop or mobile phone to a wireless network in many places throughout Malta e.g. in several cafes, restaurants and libraries.
With a simple search using a WiFi map or WiFi near me, you can quickly locate the closest free WiFi, hotspot to your location. Most hotels offer their guests a free internet connection.
Tax free
Citizens of non-European countries are eligible for tax-free returns. Purchases must be made in shops displaying the Tax Free Shopping sign.
Tipping
Tipping is widely practised in Malta and the Maltese people usually tip about 10% to show appreciation for the good service or delicious food. It is not obligatory to give a tip to the taxi drivers, but tipping is always welcome.
Postal services
TIMES OF OPENING
MaltaPost,
1, Dar Annona,
Castille Square
VALLETTA
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Another MaltaPost office is found in
25, South Street,
VALLETTA
Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9.30am-1.00 p.m
CANCELLATION STAMP
For the first day of the Symposium the Malta Map Society has made arrangements with MaltaPost to use a special cancellation stamp with the words MaltaPost – Philatelic Bureau and IMCoS INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM in a circle and with the logo of The Malta Map Society at the centre. The cancellation stamp will be in use on Wednesday 16 October 2024, the first day of the Symposium, at the philatelic counter of the Central Post Office at Dar Annona, Castille Square Valletta during opening hours from 8.30 a.m. – 3.00p.m.
Stamps can be purchased at post offices, bookstores, newsagents, kiosks and hotels.
Public transport
Buses in Malta can be crowded and may not have very reliable timetables. It is suggested it is quicker and cheaper to get a taxi since the distances are short.
Bolt
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the Bolt app. Available for iOS and Android devices.
Ecab
App available for iOS and Android devices.
Uber
App available for iOS and Android devices.
Getting to/from the Malta International Airport
The Malta International Airport is located approx. 8.3 km from Valletta. Travel time is approx. 15 minutes by car. There is a taxi booth at the airport where fares are paid for in advance. The fare should not exceed 20 euro.
Drinking water
Tap water in Malta is of high quality and is safe to drink. But it is safer to drink bottled water
Malta tourist information
Useful information can be found on the Malta Tourism Authority website.
Safety
Malta is a safe country with little criminality. However, one should always be careful of pickpockets in crowded areas.