Malta car rental secrets: Save money and avoid problems

Renting a car in Malta sounds simple until you get to the counter and face unexpected fees, confusing insurance terms, or a queue that eats into your first day. This guide covers what most tourists find out too late.

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What You Actually Need to Rent a Car in Malta

Most companies ask for a valid driving licence held for at least one year, a passport or EU ID, and a credit card for the deposit. However, some operators now offer options to rent without a deposit or without a credit card at all. This is worth searching for in advance, especially if you travel with a debit card only.

Malta Road Rules You Must Know Before Driving

• Drive on the left side of the road (British system)
• Speed limit in towns: 50 km/h
• Outside towns: 80 km/h
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
• Mobile phone use while driving is heavily fined
• Parking in Valletta requires a paid permit or a specific parking zone

Hidden Costs to Watch Before You Sign

Extra Charge	Typical Cost	How to Avoid
Young driver fee (under 25)	8-15 EUR/day	Book with companies that waive it
Airport pickup surcharge	10-25 EUR	Pick up car off-airport
Full insurance upgrade	10-20 EUR/day	Check if your bank card covers CDW
Fuel policy (full-to-empty)	Variable	Always choose full-to-full policy
GPS or child seat add-on	5-10 EUR/day	Bring your own or use phone navigation

Best Time and Places to Pick Up a Car

Malta International Airport is the most convenient pickup point, but it comes with a surcharge. If you fly in and plan to spend your first night in a hotel near the airport, consider picking up the car the next morning in a town location. This alone can save 20-30 EUR on a week rental.

Peak season runs from June to September. Prices jump sharply in July and August. Booking 3-4 weeks ahead in summer is not optional, it is necessary if you want a decent car class at a reasonable rate.

Insurance: The Part Everyone Gets Wrong

Basic rental always includes third-party liability. What it does not include is damage to the rental car itself. That is what Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers. Without it, you may be liable for the full value of the vehicle in case of an accident. Check your credit card benefits before assuming you are covered.

Where to Compare and Book

For a fast and straightforward search across multiple suppliers, Malta Car Rental on RentCarFy lets you filter options including no-deposit and no-credit-card deals, which is useful if you want to skip the standard deposit hold on your card.

Practical Tips from Frequent Malta Visitors

• Roads in Gozo are narrow and poorly lit. Book a small car if you plan to use the ferry.
• Fuel stations close early outside Valletta. Fill up before 8 PM.
• Photograph the car thoroughly before driving off the lot. Send the photos to yourself with a timestamp.
• Parking in Mdina is restricted. Use the public car park at the gate and walk in.

If you travel quite often and visit different countries, we recommend using the FindYCar service. Through it, you can rent a car without a deposit and credit card in 165 countries around the world.

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