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A picturesque blue arched door set in a traditional stone facade in Malta's historic streets.

Tourist scams and rip-offs in Malta: how to avoid them

Photo made by The Daphne Lens on Pexels.com

Malta is generally safe and friendly for tourists, with low violent crime and good English spoken widely. The main risks are practical: taxi overcharging, beach and street scams, and price confusion at restaurants. Use official taxi ranks, the Tallinja bus app, and always pay in euros to avoid extra card fees.

Updated September 2026

Fair taxi from the airport

€20 - €30

Single ticket

€2

Fine without a valid ticket

€50

Emergency number

112

Common scams in Malta and how to avoid them

TaxiMalta International Airport arrivals area

1. Unlicensed airport taxi drivers

How it works: Drivers approach arrivals before the official rank and quote inflated flat fares, often without a meter. They bypass the regulated rank and can charge two or three times the fair rate.

How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank outside and use eCabs or Bolt. Agree the price in writing and pay only after the ride.

Restaurants & barsRestaurants in central Valletta, Sliema and St. Julian's

2. Hidden service and cover charges

How it works: Some restaurants in tourist areas add a service charge or an undisclosed cover fee to the bill, sometimes without it being listed on the menu or brought to your attention.

How to avoid it: Ask if service is included before ordering and check the bill line by line. Question any charge that was not disclosed.

Money exchangeExchange booths near City Gate, Sliema ferry and cruise terminal

3. Poor-rate currency exchange booths

How it works: Exchange kiosks near main tourist squares and ferry terminals show wide spreads and add hidden commissions, giving far fewer euros than the real rate for your money.

How to avoid it: Use a local ATM and choose euros at the machine. If you must exchange, compare the effective rate and ask about all fees before committing.

Official tickets for the top sights in Malta

Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.

Mdina Old City St. John's Co-Cathedral

From the airport to the city centre

Malta International Airport (Luqa), serving Valletta and the whole island

Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €20 - €30. Use the official taxi rank or the eCabs and Bolt apps instead of drivers who approach you inside arrivals. Official licensed taxis charge a fair metered or fixed fare about 20 to 30 euros to central Valletta/Sliema. Refuse anyone offering a flat rate before agreeing clearly.

Best alternative: Tallinja express bus X2 (or X1/X3) from outside arrivals, running frequently to Valletta with connections across the island (€2, about 25 min)

Public transport: tickets, validation and fines

Single ticket: €2 (A single Tallinja bus journey, valid for 2 hours with transfers. A one-day Explore card is about 15 euros and covers unlimited buses plus two ferry crossings.)
Validation rules: Validate your paper ticket in the machine on board immediately after boarding. The tap-on, tap-off system with contactless cards works on buses. There is no physical check until inspectors board, but your ticket must be active when they do.
Fine without a valid ticket: €50. Travelling without a valid validated ticket can bring a fine of about 50 euros, issued on the spot by inspectors. Buying a ticket is cheaper than the fine.
Paying by card: Contactless bank cards and mobile wallets work on Tallinja buses with a tap-on, tap-off system that caps daily fares. Tallinja app also sells tickets.

Tipping and service charges

Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up in restaurants or leave 5 to 10 percent. Taxi drivers and tour guides welcome a small tip but do not require it.

Cover and service charges: Some restaurants add a service charge or cover fee to the bill, and it may not appear on the menu. Ask whether service is included before ordering. Be wary of venues that hand menus without prices, the bill then often surprises.

Cards, ATMs and currency exchange

Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals. Prefer bank-attached ATMs over standalone machines. Independent ATMs in tourist areas often charge high fees, check the screen before confirming.

Areas where extra care is advised

Paceville (St. Julian's): Around the club district late at night, keep wallets and phones secure and use licensed taxis; rowdy crowds and occasional pickpocketing are reported.
Valletta bus terminus: At the main station, keep bags closed and close to your body during crowded peak hours, as distraction thefts have been reported.

Emergency number

112

Planning your budget?

See how much a trip to Malta costs Compare hotel prices in Malta

Frequently Asked Questions about Malta

Is Malta safe for tourists?

How much is a taxi from the airport to the centre of Malta?

A fair official daytime fare is about €20 - €30. Use the official taxi rank or the eCabs and Bolt apps instead of drivers who approach you inside arrivals. Official licensed taxis charge a fair metered or fixed fare about 20 to 30 euros to central Valletta/Sliema. Refuse anyone offering a flat rate before agreeing clearly.

Do I need to validate public transport tickets in Malta?

Validate your paper ticket in the machine on board immediately after boarding. The tap-on, tap-off system with contactless cards works on buses. There is no physical check until inspectors board, but your ticket must be active when they do. Fine without a valid ticket: €50.

Is tipping expected in Malta?

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up in restaurants or leave 5 to 10 percent. Taxi drivers and tour guides welcome a small tip but do not require it.

What is the emergency number in Malta?

Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire services.

Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.

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