Useful Info
Congratulations on deciding to choose Malta as your destination and IELS as your English language school! We would like your time with us to be as enjoyable and safe as possible and have therefore listed a few points which we feel will come in handy when at school and also touring the island.​​​​
​
Safety​
Malta is considered very safe for tourists. Crime is rare, though theft from parked cars and handbag snatching can occur. Local driving conditions are poor so exercise caution.
Health Service​
Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or immunisation to enter the Maltese Islands. Visitors from EU member states should make sure that they have a European Health Insurance card. It is advisable that all visitors, irrespective of their nationality, take out a personal medical insurance policy. Malta has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. Nationals of these countries, visiting the Islands for no longer than one month, are entitled to free medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo.
Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor, in case they need to purchase particular medicines.
If you cannot come to your lesson because you are sick, you must advise Welfare Team the same day. You must bring a medical certificate the day when you return to school.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are found throughout the Islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays, chemists open on a roster from 09.00 until 12.30 in Malta and from 07.30 until 11.00 in Gozo.
Sun bathing
You are advised to take precautions to ensure you avoid over exposure to the sun. Even in winter it is advisable to wear a suitable factor sunscreen for your skin type. This is important if you are out walking, or taking part in water sports. A sun hat is a must. Children and especially babies need extra protection from the sun. If you are sunbathing, it is advisable to avoid the strongest sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm in peak summer months.
Electricity
240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin square plugs are used.
Shopping
Sliema, St Julians and Valletta are popular locations for shopping & eating out. The main shopping areas around the school are:
-
Bisazza Street and Tower Road
-
The Point Shopping Complex
-
Plaza Shopping Centre
-
Baystreet
There are a number of food stores, appliance outlets, and pharmacies, as well as a number of souvenir shops. Shops in Sliema are generally open throughout the day.
Nightlife
The neighbouring village of St Julian’s - known locally as Paceville - is Malta’s main nightlife zone. Paceville comes alive at night with its multitude of pubs, a number of night clubs with different themes; and a large cinema complex, showing films in the English language.
Transport
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Malta and Gozo. For more details, please visit www.publictransport.com.mt. You can also download the Tallinja App to plan your bus journey!
Renting a car is a great way to explore the island.
There are also many cab companies in Malta, like Ecabs, Bolt, Uber, etc.
In Malta we drive on the left, so when you cross the road, don’t forget to look left, right, and left again. Use traffic lights and zebra crossing when crossing the road.
Renting scooters, motorbikes or bicycles are also an option, but be aware that bicycle lanes on major roads are rather limited. For a list of bicycle hire companies, go to www.visitmalta.com/en/cycle-hire.
The Law
You must be at least 17 to buy alcohol and 18 to buy tobacco. The use, possession, purchase or sale of any drug is illegal. Do not carry an opened glass container of alcohol on the street, or walk in swim wear as it is forbidden by Maltese law. If you break the law the Police may arrest you, and you may be sent home at your own expense.
Visas
