Non Diving Information for divers about about Marsalforn, Gozo, Malta
To follow is some basic information which may help to answer questions you may have about Gozo and Malta.
Language
The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script. Over the centuries it has incorporated words derived from English, and other Southern European countries.
Electricity
This is the similar to the UK, 230Volts 50Hz AC using the same three pin rectangular plug system. Visitors from the UK won't need to bring adaptors, other visitors will. Adaptors can be purchased from various shops on the island.
Water
The tap water across Malta and Gozo is safe to drink, and clean your teeth in, although some people react to the higher levels of minerals, local people use it all the time. Bottled mineral water, local and foreign, is available from supermarkets.
Currency
The currency of Gozo and Malta is the Euro.
Banking
Banks in Malta are open Monday to Friday until early afternoon, and midday on Saturday. There are ATM's outside many banks. In Marsalforn there is now only one ATM and no branch of any bank. Therefore to exchange money, or for any other banking activity, a visit to Victoria is needed, which means potentially losing valuable diving time. You are recommended to bring a debit/credit card for use in a ATM for your Euros, or one of the preloaded cash cards available from banks, money exchanges and travel agents. Most restaurants have credit card machines, but not all use chip and pin, there may be a surcharge for the use of some cards.
Medical
There is a fully equipped General Hospital in Victoria, Gozo, this includes a modern decompression facility. General Practitioners are private and hold daily surgeries. There is a Poly Clinic in Victoria, which is the equivalent of a UK Minor Injuries Unit, but with a Government General Practitioner included. If you have a non urgent medical problem when you are here we will help you decide on the best course of action. For diving medical requirements we use the self certification system (see what to bring & Maltese diving regulations).
Transport
There is a route bus service network, one runs between Marsalforn and Victoria several times daily, although the evening service is only in high summer at present. Taxis are available from stands in Marsalforn and Victoria, or by telephone.
Driving
The rules of the road are similar to the UK, including that in Malta you drive on the Left. Speed limits and details of the Malta highway code are available on governmant websites. If any accident occurs you must not move any vehicle until either the police or a Warden have attended and agreed you can.
Communications
Communcications from Marsalforn are good, Malta has several fibre optic connections to Europe and beyond. There are two mobile phone networks with good coverage throughout Malta and Gozo. WiFi is available in some bars, restaurants and hotels. There is at least one Internet Cafe in Marsalforn, with a printer and WiFi. There are two providers of television services, one cable, the other terrestrial digital, these are used extensively in bars and restaurants. One bar specialises in showing UK football matches live. There is a radio service on FM with 10 local stations, also a digital radio service using the DAB+ standard so UK radios DAB will not work unless they have the updated software. BBC World Service is carried on the digital network, and overnight on Campus FM. Any Radio Amateurs should note that a visitors licence/callsign is needed in Malta, the CEPT reciprocal agreement is not valid.
Newspapers
Local and foreign newspapers can be purchased from the Lantern Guest House in Marsalforn, in several shops in Victoria, and in specific shops in each village (such as the petrol station in Xaghra). Some UK papers are printed in Malta so that it is possible to purchase them on the morning of issue.
If anyone has any more useful hints and tips to add to this page - please feel free to email them to us.
Please Note
This page of information is provided as a guide only for information to help your stay, the list is by no means definitive.