Valletta - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are fairly widely accepted and completely safe to use. ATMs are also widely available and safe to use. - May 2023
Yes, almost all are fine to use. Be careful in Paceville. - Oct 2018
Yes. If they ask whether you want to pay in USD or Euro, always choose Euro to get the better exchange rate from your bank. If you choose dollar, you get a locally cooked up exchange rate through the local banks (HSBC, Bank of Valletta) that will easily add 3+ percent to your purchase. Chip/pin cards are nice to have and faster. Can't get a local bank account without a letter from the Embassy (if you want one, but since switch from LQA, most don't need them and don't bother). With all the banking secrecy laws the US has passed, most banks in Malta don't even want American business. Too many reporting requirements. HSBC closed many American expat accounts. - Sep 2016
We only use HSBC and BOV (Bank of Valletta) ATMs. We had been declined at some smaller bank ATMs. Credit card use is widely acceptable, but you will pay your card's foreign transaction fee. - Jan 2014
Requires waiting in long lines. - Feb 2010
Abundant and safe although there have been reports of ATM fraud on the island. - Feb 2010
Credit cards and ATMs are easy to use. Local banks do not charge ATM fees at this time (although of course you will pay your own bank's fees). - Jul 2009
