10 Things Tourists should never do in Malta

Just like anywhere in the world, there are certain things you should never do in certain countries. Not only will you come across as rude, but it could potentially be dangerous for you and your party. For example, if you are in Dubai, don’t drink alcohol or do public displays of affection out in public. In other countries, there are similar rules and regulations that will make you not only appear as an ignorant tourist, but could lead to some unwanted consequences.

Let’s see a few things that you should never do while visiting Malta. Although The Maltese are known for being extremely nice people, you still want to be respectful!

Complaining about the church bells

Grote Kerk (“Great Church”) or St.-Bavokerk (“Church of St. Bavo”) on the Grote Markt, Haarlem’s central square – By Fryslan0109 – Wikipedia

The bells from the churches are known for being loud and famous — but don’t complain about the church bells, or you will find yourself in some trouble. Churches scattered around the island of Malta are known for their intricate architecture, beautiful sculptures, amazing paintings, and long-lasting history. If you seem to be complaining about the Maltese religion or culture, this can lead to problems with the locals. 

Don’t complain about being in a hurry

Golden Bay Malta – By Freddyolsson – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55895335

If you need to get somewhere fast, it may not happen. Just be aware. Instead of leaving everything to the last minute, make sure you give yourself plenty of time during the day without being in a rush. The Maltese people are very relaxed and have that quintessential “Southern European” lifestyle of being “chilled out.” The last thing you want to do is offend someone because you are rushing them, whether it be a taxi driver, hotel owner, or restaurant server.

Confirm the price before buying

Shopping souk – By matthew Hunt – originally posted to Flickr as 89 Tunis 06 171, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3826613

Don’t complain about being overcharged with an item if you bought something without a price tag – -the best thing to do is check beforehand to make sure you are paying the correct price. Many small stores, even grocers, will avoid putting prices on their products. 

Don’t complain about the traffic

Traffic control – By No machine-readable author provided. J.P.Lon~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1666284

If you are driving around malta, or you are sitting on one of the buses, then you may find that people often leave their cars parked in the middle of the road, pull over their car mid-journey to get food from the side of the road, or ask the bus to stop so they can stop at a local kiosk. Don’t get annoyed — just wait and enjoy the slower-paced style of life. 

Be careful while driving

Convertible Mercedes – By DWS MontagZen – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54028695

If you hit someone while driving, or vice versa, just take it with a grain of salt. You want to be careful and wary while driving in Malta, as the Southern European Style of driving is different from where you might be from. People may not use their blinkers, or they could immediately pull out from their parking spot without looking — it’s just the way it is here. Either don’t rent a car or be vigilant while behind the wheel. 

Stick to the cycle path

Trail path paved – By Green Lane Project credit Adam Coppola Photography. – https://www.flickr.com/photos/greenlaneproject/22729190195/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45096827

If you are renting a bike to cycle along one of the many coastal routes that have been established in recent years, make sure you stick to the cycle path. Forget swerving out in front of cars on the roads — this will only lead to road rage and angry locals who are confused as to why you are avoiding the new bike lanes.

Don’t pick the fruits

Plum tree with fruit – By Fir0002 – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Hekerui., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25592935

There are many fruits common in Malta. Due to hot weather, fruit is a main staple in their diet, including prickly pear and olives for oils, eating plain, and using in baked dishes. Avoid picking the fruits, vegetables, and crops if you walk by a delectable treat — this is usually the job of farmers or locals who know the safest and best way to pick the fruit for immediate consumption. 

Make an effort with the language

A group of men chatting – By Alan Kotok – https://www.flickr.com/photos/runneralan/4156719702/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92284479

Instead of just assuming everyone speaks perfect English, make an effort to learn at least a few Maltese words. Learn a few ways of pronouncing words before doing so, however, so you can avoid unintentionally insulting a local by saying the wrong slang word! 

It’s okay if your child is misbehaving 

Family eating meal – By National Cancer Institute – This image was released by the National Cancer Institute, an agency part of the National Institutes of Health, with the ID 2716 (image) (next)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24036618

Although you may be embarrassed if your child starts crying at the dinner table or complaining, don’t worry — the Malates are very understanding and super forgiving when it comes to families in public. Just try and quiet your child the best way you know how and continue on with your meal. 

Don’t complain about public transport

Public transport Bus – By Geof Sheppard – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107420620

Public transportation is only perfectly on time in certain countries, like the schedule-oriented Germany or the super-modern Scandinavian metro system.s in other countries, especially in the more relaxed areas, you will find that a bus schedule is more of a guideline — not an end-all, be-all solution. If you need to get somewhere ASAP, it is best to hire a taxi. For a more relaxed way of traveling, an extremely cheap method, we recommend using the buses around Malta.