Several major supermarket and hypermarket chains are present in Malta, providing residents and visitors with a wide range of products.
PAVI: a large hypermarket located in Qormi, in the central part of Malta. Known for its wide range of food products and home goods.
Scotts: a supermarket chain represented in various cities, including resort areas. Offers a variety of food and household products.
Tower Supermarket: a supermarket located in Sliema, one of the popular tourist areas. Known for quality service and a wide selection of goods.
Arkadia: a shopping center with a supermarket located in Paceville. In addition to the grocery section, it offers clothing, accessories, and other goods.
SMART: one of the largest and most affordable supermarkets, located in Birkirkara. Offers a wide range of food and home goods.
The Point Shopping Mall: a large shopping center in Sliema, including a supermarket and numerous clothing, accessories, and other stores.
The Plaza Shopping Centre: another shopping center in Sliema with a variety of stores and a supermarket.
Bay Street Shopping Complex: a shopping complex in St. Julian's, offering a wide selection of stores, including a supermarket.
Embassy Shopping Complex: a shopping center in Valletta with a variety of stores and a supermarket.
Main Street Shopping Complex: a shopping center on the island of Gozo with a supermarket and other stores.
Several major online stores operate in Malta, offering a wide range of products with delivery throughout the country. The most well-known include:
Malta Virtual Mall (MVM): an aggregator that combines over 700 local online stores in more than 50 categories. Here you can find various products, from groceries to electronics.
Amazon: although not a local store, Amazon delivers to Malta. Delivery times usually range from 5 to 15 days, depending on the chosen rate.
Please note that the assortment and delivery conditions may vary depending on the specific store or service. It is recommended to review delivery and payment terms in advance on the respective websites.
Postal services in Malta are provided by MaltaPost p.l.c., which is the national operator and the only licensed provider of universal postal services in the Maltese islands. The company collects and delivers mail to every address on the islands six days a week and manages a wide network of post offices. Additional services are offered at post offices, such as bill payments, money transfers, and the sale of stationery and philatelic products.
Besides MaltaPost, international and private courier services also operate.
International courier services:
DHL Express: One of the largest international courier companies; express delivery of documents and packages.
FedEx: Specializes in international shipments with the possibility of express delivery to most countries worldwide.
UPS: A wide range of services, including parcel delivery, freight, and logistics solutions.
TNT Express: Serves business and private clients, offering fast delivery.
GLS: A European delivery network focused on shipments between EU countries.
Local courier services:
Gozo Express: Specializes in delivery between the islands of Malta and Gozo.
Time Express: A local provider focused on urgent deliveries in Malta.
APS Courier: A local delivery service offering both domestic and international deliveries.
Courier service features in Malta
Malta is a small country, so local services often compete with international ones in terms of delivery speed.
International services offer reliable solutions for sending shipments abroad.
Domestic delivery, especially between the islands of Malta and Gozo, is quick and inexpensive.
Main telecommunications companies
GO plc: The largest operator providing fixed and mobile communication services, broadband internet, and digital television. The company offers various packages, including combined offers for home and business.
Epic Communications Limited: Provides mobile communication and internet services. The company is known for its competitive rates on mobile internet and international calls.
Melita Ltd: An operator offering cable television services, broadband internet, and mobile communication. Melita is known for its high-speed internet packages and diverse TV channels.
Service Features
Television: Operators offer a wide selection of channels, including local and international, with the option to choose thematic packages. Some companies provide access to online cinemas and video libraries.
Internet: Broadband internet is available through fiber-optic networks with high-speed data transmission. Operators offer various tariff plans depending on user needs, including unlimited packages.
Mobile Communication: All major operators provide mobile communication services with 4G coverage and plans for implementing 5G. Prepaid and postpaid tariffs with different packages of minutes, messages, and data are available.
Connection and Service
Service Connection: To connect to services, you need to visit the office of the selected operator or use online services. You must have an ID with you.
Customer Service: All operators provide customer support through call centers, online chats, and physical offices. Information and service are available in English and Maltese.
Additional Services
Combined Packages: Many operators offer advantageous combined packages including television, internet, and phone services, allowing for savings on the total cost of services.
Mobile Applications: For convenience in managing services and bills, operators provide mobile applications with multi-language support.
Main Delivery Services
Wolt: an international platform providing food delivery services from restaurants and shops. Operates in cities like Birkirkara, Cormi, Mosta, Valletta, Gozo, and Comino. Offers a wide selection of cuisines: American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and others.
Bolt Food: specializes in delivering food from restaurants. Ensures fast delivery and a variety of partner restaurants.
Time to Eat: a local platform offering food delivery from various restaurants in Malta. Provides a convenient interface for ordering and tracking deliveries.
Delivify: a local delivery service specializing in delivering food and goods from various restaurants and stores. Offers a convenient app for ordering and tracking deliveries.
Service Features
Cuisine Variety: delivery services offer dishes from various world cuisines to satisfy diverse customer tastes.
Delivery Time: delivery usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the restaurant's workload and client's distance.
Geographical Coverage: main services operate in major cities and tourist areas of Malta; service availability may vary depending on the region.
Regular Stores
Operating Hours: Usually open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, with a siesta break at lunchtime.
Saturday: Many stores are open until 20:00.
Sunday and Holidays: Most stores are closed, but in tourist areas, some shops may be open until 22:00 on weekdays and until 12:00 on Sundays.
Shopping Centers and Supermarkets
Operating Hours: Large shopping centers and supermarkets often operate without a lunch break, usually from 9:00 to 22:00.
Sunday and Holidays: Some may be open but with reduced hours.
Features
Siesta: A lunch break known as siesta is a tradition in Malta. Many stores close at lunchtime, especially during the hot months.
Tourist Areas: In popular tourist areas, such as Sliema and Valletta, stores may operate without a break and have extended hours, especially in the tourist season.
Note: Operating hours may vary depending on the specific store or service, so it's always useful to check in advance.
International Brands
In major cities like Valletta and Sliema, you can find boutiques and stores of well-known global brands. On Republic Street in Valletta, prestigious designer salons offer products from brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Armani.
In Sliema, particularly in the area of Bisazza Street and the ferry port, shops representing most major international brands, including Zara, Debenhams, Oasis, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Promod, and Aldo, can be found.
Notably, Malta is home to factories of brands such as Hugo Boss and Cerruti, making their products more affordable compared to other countries.
Local Brands
Malta is proud of its local designers and manufacturers, offering unique high-quality products. In shopping centers like The Savoy and Embassy, you can find products from local brands, including Moods, Flic Kers, Diosa, Fel2, Noa, and Isterika.
Local designers are known for their originality and creativity, creating feminine models with the use of lace and vibrant details. Stores like Darmanin offer shoes with unusual design solutions and high quality.
Shopping Centers and Markets
There are several large shopping centers in Malta where both international and local brands are represented. For example, The Point Shopping Mall in Sliema and Bay Street Shopping Complex in St. Julian's offer a wide selection of stores and boutiques.
Additionally, markets such as Il-Monti in Valletta are popular on the island, where a variety of goods can be purchased at competitive prices.
Greetings and Communication: Maltese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. When entering a store or market, it is customary to greet the seller with a friendly "Hello" or "Bonġu" (good morning in Maltese). Politeness and respect are highly valued, so maintaining direct eye contact and using formal titles when addressing elders or unfamiliar people is the norm.
Price Negotiations: In most modern shops and shopping centers, prices are fixed, and bargaining is uncommon. However, in traditional markets, such as craft or farmer's markets, it is appropriate to negotiate the price. It is important to do so respectfully and with a smile, understanding that excessive price reduction might be perceived as disrespect for the seller's work.
Queues and Service: Maltese people are generally patient and expect the same from others. When waiting for service, observe the queue and avoid trying to skip ahead of other customers. If you need help, politely ask the staff, and they will be happy to assist you.
Cultural Aspects of Shopping
Traditional Markets: Visiting local markets like the "Il-Monti" market in Valletta offers an authentic experience where you can purchase local crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs. These markets are not only shopping venues but also centers of social interaction where you can learn more about Maltese culture and traditions.
Local Crafts: Malta is renowned for its artisanal items, such as lace, glass, and silver jewelry. Purchasing these goods supports local craftsmen and preserves traditional crafts. By acquiring such items, you not only obtain a unique souvenir but also contribute to preserving the island's cultural heritage.
Business Hours: Many shops in Malta close for a siesta at lunchtime, typically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, especially during summer months. However, in tourist areas, shops may operate without breaks and close later. Plan your shopping considering this schedule to avoid inconvenience.
Shopping Recommendations
Respect for Local Customs: Maltese people take pride in their culture and traditions. Show respect for local customs, especially when attending religious or cultural events. For example, dress modestly and behave discreetly when visiting churches.
Using the Local Language: Although English is widely spoken, attempting to use a few phrases in Maltese, such as "Grazzi" (thank you) or "Jekk jogħġbok" (please), can be positively received and demonstrate your respect for the local culture.
Aware of Local Holidays: During local holidays, known as "festa," some shops might be closed or operate on a reduced schedule. Festas are accompanied by processions, music, and fireworks, and attending such events can enrich your cultural experience in Malta.
Understanding and respecting the local etiquette and shopping culture in Malta will not only enhance your shopping experience but also help establish positive relationships with the locals, making your stay on the island more enjoyable and memorable.
Winter sale season
Period: starts right after Christmas and lasts until March.
Discounts: during this period, prices on clothes and footwear can drop by up to 70%, and in some cases even up to 80%.
Summer sale season
Period: usually takes place from June to August, however, exact dates can vary depending on the store.
Discounts: in the summer season, discounts reach up to 70%, and some stores may offer even more significant discounts.
Features of sales in Malta
Flexibility of dates: the exact start and end dates of sales can vary between stores, especially in the summer period when sales are held at the discretion of each store.
Additional discounts: in small shops, when paying with cash, you can ask for an additional discount of 10–20%. Such discounts are not always provided but are frequent enough.
Waste collection organization
Separate collection: Since April 14, 2023, compulsory separate waste collection has been introduced in Malta and Gozo. All households, businesses, and organizations are required to sort waste and place it in the appropriate bins.
Color-coded bags
White bag: for mixed recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal.
Grey bag: for non-recyclable waste.
Brown bag: for organic waste, including food leftovers.
Glass containers: glass bottles and jars are collected separately in designated containers.
Waste collection schedule
Local councils set the schedule for the collection of various types of waste. Typically, organic waste is collected several times a week, recyclable materials once a week, and non-recyclable waste once a week. The exact days and times of collection may vary depending on the region, so it is recommended to familiarize yourself with your local council’s schedule.
Waste reception points
Civic Amenity Sites: Malta has special centers, known as Civic Amenity Sites, where residents can freely dispose of bulky waste, electronics, small quantities of construction materials, and hazardous household waste, such as chemicals, paint, and batteries.
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