Time Zone During the period of the conference, the Time Zone in Malta is CET – Central European Time (UTC+1h) Los Angeles, U.S.A.: +9h
New York, U.S.A.: +6h
London, U.K.: +1h
Lisbon, Portugal: +1h
Berlin, Germany: =
Paris, France: =
Madrid, Spain: =
Rome, Italy: =
Helsinki, Finland: -1h
Ankara, Turkey: -2h
Hong Kong, China: -7h
Tokyo, Japan: -8h Currency Since the 1st of January 2008, the currency used in Malta is the Euro. Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Summer and winter opening hours may differ. Exchange bureaus 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 bureaus can be found all over the Islands. The majority of hotels, larger shops and restaurants also accept payment in the main international currencies. Conversion charges may be applied where outlets opt to accept payment in currencies other than the euro. Additional and up-to-date information regarding exchange rates can be found at xe.com Climate Malta's climate is typical of the Mediterranean and is strongly influenced by the sea. The Maltese Islands have a pleasantly sunny climate with a daily average of around 12 hours sunshine in summer going down to 5 to 6 hours in mid-winter. Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes. Spring and autumn are cooler, except when the occasional Scirocco wind from Africa brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity. Winters are mild, with the occasional short cold spells brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe. Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year. Bathing in the sea is quite possible well into the ‘winter' months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October. Electricity The electrical supply is 230 volts /- 10%. The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find. Useful Phone Numbers: The following is a list of useful telephone numbers when you are visiting the Maltese Islands: Ambulance: 112
Emergency: 112
Emergency Rescue by Helicopter: 21244371
Emergency Rescue by Patrol Boat: 21238797
Fire Brigade: 112
Police: 21224001-7 Hospital - Gozo: 21561600
Hospital - Malta: 25450000
International Code (to make an overseas call): 00 Flight Information: 52302000 (rate per call €1.00) *
Consumer Protection: 21250221
Direct Dialing Code (Malta): 356
Directory Enquiries: 1182
Directory Enquiries: (Go Mobile) 1187
Directory Enquiries: (Vodafone) 1189
Emergency Vet Services: 50043888
Government Information Service: 153
Gozo Ferry: 21556114
Lost Property: 21224781
Overseas Operator: 1152
Passport Office - Gozo: 21560770
Passport Office - Malta: 21222286
Time Check: 195
Weather Information (basic): 52302021 (rate per call €1.00)*
Weather Information (detailed): 52502002 (rate per call €5.00)* *Flight and Weather information services are also available, free of charge, on www.maltairport.com or the Information Channels on local TV networks. Language The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. Maltese, a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script, is the national language of Malta. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French. Italian is also widely spoken. Some useful words and expressions in Maltese: Hello: Merħba ( Mair ha ba )
How are you?: Kif inti ? ( Keef in tee ?)
Good morning: Bonġu ( Bon Jew )
Good evening: Lejl it-tajjeb (Lay-l it tie-ebb)
Good Bye: Saħħa (Sah Ha, H as in How)
Please: Jekk Jogħġbok (yekk Yoj Bok)
Thank you: Grazzi ( Grutzi )
That one: Dak ( Duuck)
How much?: Kemm? (K as in back ..mm)
Yes: Iva ( ee vah )
No: Le
I’m sorry: Jiddispjaċini
Don't understand: Ma nifhimx
Cheers: Saħħa
Do you speak English?: Titkellem bl-Ingliż?
What's your name?: X'jismek
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