Money & Payments in St. Julian's

Description

Variable depending on home bank and card issuer

Coverage

Excellent ATM coverage in St. Julian's, with multiple ATMs on major streets throughout the area. Part of broader network of around 400 ATMs across Malta.

Operating Hours

Most ATMs open 24/7, especially those in St. Julian's and major tourist zones. Machines inside shops or bank lobbies may follow limited business hours.

Taxis

Not typically tipped; rounding up is optional.

Bars Casual

Tipping is less common; small change or rounding up is sufficient if desired.

Tour Guides

Group tours often include tips transparently in the advertised price; verify before booking.

Cash Tip Preference

Cash tips reach servers faster than card tips; if paying by card, staff may prefer a separate cash tip to avoid payment delays through payroll.

Restaurants Full Service

Not obligatory. Tipping is not the norm in Malta as strongly as in UK/US, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated, especially for wait staff.

General Context

Malta has lower tipping culture than UK/US. Tips are appreciated but never obligatory.

Contactless Mobile

Increasingly accepted in 2026 (Apple Pay, Google Pay) in majority of restaurants, bars, and shops in tourist areas.

Cash Still Needed For

• Small village bars outside tourist zones
• Local markets (e.g., Marsaxlokk early morning markets)
• Some street vendors and beach vendors
• Bus tickets if Tallinja card not pre-loaded
• Small kiosks and informal vendors

Deposits Insured

Deposits up to €100,000 are insured against bank bankruptcy; can increase to €500,000 for certain funds.

Location Advantage

St. Julian's and Sliema area has multiple bank branches and ATMs, with English-speaking staff assistance readily available.

Required Documents

Valid passport/ID, proof of address (utility bill or rental contract), bank reference letter (for non-EU citizens, typically required; some banks now accept employer reference), completed application form.

In Person Requirement

Account opening must be completed in person (except MeDirect Bank, which is digital-only).

Appointment Requirement

Most banks require appointments; book online or by phone. Walk-ins possible but may face delays.

Digital Banking Alternatives

Many nomads successfully use digital banks like Revolut or Wise instead of opening a local account, though some landlords require a Maltese IBAN.

Account Opening Process Summary

Opening a personal bank account in Malta typically takes 1-2 weeks from appointment to completion, though compliance review can extend this. Non-residents may experience longer processing.

EU Citizen Note

EU/EEA citizens find the process more straightforward than non-EU citizens, though all face strict compliance checks.