Navigating roaming charges in Malta can be a critical aspect of your Mediterranean adventure. As a popular destination for both EU and non-EU travelers, Malta presents a unique landscape of mobile connectivity options and potential costs. This guide delves into the intricacies of Malta's roaming fees, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your mobile usage while exploring this island nation.

Are There Roaming Charges in Malta?

Yes, roaming charges can apply in Malta, particularly for travelers from non-EU countries. While EU residents benefit from the "Roam Like at Home" initiative, which allows them to use their domestic plans in other EU countries, visitors from outside the EU may face significant charges when using their home network in Malta. These charges can vary widely depending on your home country and mobile provider, potentially leading to unexpectedly high bills if not managed carefully.

When Do Roaming Charges Apply in Malta?

Roaming charges typically apply as soon as your device connects to a Maltese network. This happens automatically when you arrive in Malta unless you've disabled data roaming on your device. For non-EU visitors, charges may include fees for incoming and outgoing calls, text messages, and data usage. EU residents generally won't incur extra charges for using their phones as they would at home, but it's always wise to check with your provider about any fair usage policies or limitations.

Roaming Fees and Charges in Malta

Disclaimer: Prices and plans are subject to change. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

We've compiled an overview of roaming and carrier fees/plans for Malta:

EE (UK): [1]

• It costs 70p a minute and 30p a text to use your device in the EE Europe zone without an add-on. You also need to buy a 500MB data add-on for £3.

Joi (India): [2]

• Local call: 10 RS per Min

• Call to India: 10 RS per Min

• Call to rest of the world: 100 RS per Min

• Incoming call: 10 RS per Min

• SMS: 10 RS per Min

• Internet: .02 RS per 10 KB

• Europe Pack: ₹ 2899 - 200 mins voice, 100 SMS, 5 GB valid for 30 days

Turkcell (Turkey): [3]

• Use your own plan for 250 TL per day

• 250 TL per week for 1 GB, 200 mins, 100 SMS

• 400 TL for 2 weeks for 2 GB, 200 mins, 100 SMS

Vodafone (Turkey): [4]

• Use your own plan for 299 TL per day

• 469 TL per 30 days for 3 GB, 30 Mins, 15 SMS

Turk Telekom (Turkey): [5]

• 540 TL per month for 3 GB, 100 Mins, 1000 SMS

Orange: [6]

Holiday Malta 1GB package limited to 7 days for €4.99:

• 1 GB in 4G/LTE

• Calls NOT included

• Messages NOT included

Holiday Malta 12GB package limited to 14 days for €19.99:

• 12 GB in 4G/LTE

• Unlimited calls

• 30 mins to the rest of the world

Rogers (Canada): [7]

• $15.00 per 20 MB

• $0.75 per text

• $2.00 per min

• or $15.00 per day - Pay the daily fee and use your own plan (Maximum 20 days per billing cycle)

Verizon (USA): [8]

• $2.05 per MB

• $1.79 per min

• Travel Pass: $10 per day to use your own plan

T-Mobile (USA): [9]

• $5 per day: 512MB data, unlimited calling

• $35 for 10 days: 5GB data, unlimited calling

• $50 for 30 days: 15GB data, unlimited calling

  
  

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Malta

You can also read our guide on how to avoid roaming charges for more details. Here are some tips:

• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Many hotels, cafes, and public spaces in Malta offer free Wi-Fi.

• Turn off data roaming: Disable this feature in your phone settings to prevent accidental usage.

• Download offline maps and content: Prepare your device with necessary information before your trip.

• Use messaging apps over Wi-Fi: Apps like WhatsApp or Skype can be used for calls and texts when connected to Wi-Fi.

• Consider a Global eSIM like Roamless that offers flexible data options without the need for a physical SIM swap.

Roamless eSIM for Malta Travel

Roamless eSIM offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for travelers to Malta:

• No speed throttling: Enjoy full-speed data access across Malta's networks.

• Pay-as-you-go flexibility: Only pay for the data you actually use.

• Non-expiring funds: Your balance remains valid for future trips.

• Multi-country compatibility: Use the same eSIM across multiple destinations without country-specific plans.

• Local network speeds: Connect at the same speeds as local users.

• Easy activation: Set up your eSIM before you even land in Malta.

• No physical SIM required: Keep your home SIM for incoming calls while using Roamless data.

Visit our eSIM Malta page or read our guide on the best eSIM for Malta before planning your travel. By leveraging these features, Roamless eSIM provides a cost-effective and convenient solution for staying connected in Malta, eliminating the complexity of traditional roaming charges and offering a truly flexible travel connectivity option.

Sources:

[1] https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/countries/malta

[2] https://www.jio.com/selfcare/plans/mobility/ir-plans-details/?selectedCountries=MT

[3] https://www.turkcell.com.tr/paket-ve-tarifeler/yurt-disinda-kullanim

[4] https://www.vodafone.com.tr/tarifeler/ek-paketler/yurt-disi-kullanim

[5] https://bireysel.turktelekom.com.tr/mobil/yurt-disi

[6] https://travel.orange.com/en/buy-a-sim/offers/malta/esim

[7] https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming#searchbar

[8] https://www.verizon.com/support/international-services-pricing/

[9] https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass