Do most places in Malta accept Euros now?

Question

I am wondering if I should change my Canadian dollars to Euros or Maltese Liri. As of Jan 08, they will be strictly Euros but Im willing to bet most places accept Euros already. Can anyone definitively advise me which is better?
Thanks

Answer 1

Hi,

The Maltese lira(Lm), often referred to as the Maltese pound, is divided into 100 cents. Exchange controls have been totally liberalized. However, in line with regulations in force and ahead of the issue of EU Regulations on controls of cash entering or leaving the Community, any person entering or leaving Malta carrying cash or other monetary value of which is equal to or in excess of Lm5000 (11647 Euros) or equivalent is obliged to fill in the appropriate declaration form available from the Customs.

Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Some banks/branches work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.

Exchange bureaux at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the Islands.
Although the Maltese lira is the legal tender currency the majority of hotels, larger shops and restaurants also accept payment in the main international currencies. Outlets which opt to accept payment in euro cannot impose any conversion charges. Conversion charges may be applied where outlets opt to accept payment in currencies other than the euro.

Regards

Answer 2

Having just returned from Malta last week I can tell you that they take euros, Lira and Sterling. Your change will almost certainly be in Lira and as they are changing to the Euro next year you will have to make sure you convert all your money back into either Sterling or Euros.