The currency in Malta is the euro (EUR, €). It has been the country’s official currency since January 1, 2008, so if you’re coming from another eurozone country, there’s no need to exchange money at all.
This is where the value of a common European currency becomes crystal clear for the average traveler: if you’ve paid with euros elsewhere on your trip, you’ll be perfectly fine using them in Malta too.
Card and Mobile Payments
Card payments are widely accepted throughout Malta. Visa and Mastercard work just about everywhere, and contactless payment terminals are standard. Honestly, you could easily enjoy your entire vacation here without needing cash at all.
For example, we even paid for a €20 boat trip to Comino – at this tiny kiosk – using a credit card. So yes, feel free to explore Malta without worrying about carrying cash.
That said, small family-owned shops, market stalls, or kiosks may still only take cash. So if you plan to hunt for local specialties or souvenirs in off-the-beaten-path spots, it’s smart to carry a little change just in case.
Cash and Currency Exchange in Malta
Euro Denominations
Malta uses standard euro denominations, same as the rest of the eurozone.
- Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50 (you’ll rarely come across €100 or €200 bills, and €500 notes are practically nonexistent)
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, €1, and €2
ATMs and Cash Withdrawals
You’ll find ATMs easily in tourist areas and populated parts of the island. Withdrawal fees depend on your bank, but if your account is not in euros – and especially in touristy locations – expect higher fees.
Check with your home bank ahead of time to understand your international withdrawal charges, and when using an ATM, always check the fee on screen before confirming. If the ATM asks whether you want to be charged in your home currency instead of euros (“with conversion”), always choose euros — it almost always gives you a better exchange rate.
Currency Exchange
If you need to exchange money, you can do so at banks or licensed exchange offices in Malta. Keep in mind that exchange rates at airports and hotels are typically less favorable.
If you’re already carrying euros, you’re all set. If you have another currency, it’s usually easiest to use a card or withdraw euros directly from an ATM.
But if you’re someone who prefers using cash, we recommend exchanging your money before your trip. That way, you have time to compare rates, avoid expensive tourist exchange booths, and potentially get a better deal — for instance, through a travel agency.
Malta Currency – Quick FAQs
The euro (EUR, €) is Malta’s official currency.
Only the euro. Other currencies are not accepted.
Both work. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keep some cash on you for smaller, local vendors.
Yes — they generally work just fine.
No — as long as you’re spending or withdrawing in euros, you’re good to go.