Is Malta cashless?
Mostly cashless#44 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #26 of 45 in Europe
Short answer: Pay by card, but carry a little local cash for small places.
Most hotels, restaurants and shops take cards. Small pastizzi shops, kiosks and some taxis are cash first.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Malta, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Malta, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Euro (EUR)
How does tipping work?
5-10% in restaurants.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta cashless?
Malta scores 76/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #44 of 197 countries. Most hotels, restaurants and shops take cards. Small pastizzi shops, kiosks and some taxis are cash first.
Do I need cash in Malta?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Malta, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Malta?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Malta, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Malta?
5-10% in restaurants.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Malta?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in Malta.
Compare with Europe
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.