Time Zone
Malta is located within the Central European time zone (CET). GMT +1/UTC +1.

Electricity
Malta uses the 3-pin rectangular plug system (same as in Britain). Adapters can be easily purchased throughout Malta as well as borrowed from the Hilton business center based on availability.

Language
Maltese is the primary language in Malta although English is widely spoken.

Currency
The legal tender in Malta is the Euro. For the latest exchange rates, please visit www.xe.com

ATMS
**Updated** Automatic Teller Machines (ATMS) can be found throughout the city and at the Malta International Airport (MLA). MLA has two ATM machines and the Bank of Valletta located in the arrivals exit. However, please be advised that if either machine is out of order and the bank is closed, you will NOT be able to get cash. Taxi service is €20 and they will only accept cash. Please be sure to have some Euro with you prior to your arrival into Malta.

Area Code
Malta's country code is +356

Climate
Malta's weather and climate are strongly influenced by the sea and have a very characteristic Mediterranean flavour, similar to that found in southern Italy or southern Greece. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall. Nearly three-fourths of the total annual rainfall of about 600 millimetres (24 inches) falls between October and March; June, July, and August are normally quite dry.

The average temperature in June ranges from 18.4-27.5°C (65.1-81.5°F).

Attendees, please be sure to bring some light layers as the conference meeting rooms will be kept at cooler temperatures.

Tipping
It is customary to tip in Malta. The recommended percentage is 5-10%.

Medical
Pharmacies: All pharmacies keep normal shopping hours. Should you require a pharmacy on a Sunday there is a list printed in the Maltese Sunday Times each week of pharmacies that are open.

Doctors: There are a number of poly-clinics dotted around the island should you need a doctor. Most hotels provide their own doctor too so ask at your hotel reception for more information.

Emergencies
FIRST has been gratefully provided an on-call physician in case of any emergencies:

Dr. Kevin Navarro Gera M.D.
Home #: +356 21 3744389 / +356 21 314972
Mobile #: +356 9949 4115

Ambulance Telephone: 112
Doctor Inquiries: 1182
Hospital Malta: 25450000
Euro Emergency Telephone: 112
Police: 21224001-7

Tax Information
All visitors residing outside the EU are entitled to a value-added tax (VAT) refund. Visit the gov.mt site for more information on VAT.