Short answer: Malta uses British-style three-pin plugs (Type G), the same as the UK and Ireland. If you’re coming from anywhere else in Europe, North America, Asia or Australia, you’ll need a travel adapter. This guide covers exactly what malta plug sockets look like, what voltage runs through them, whether you actually need an adapter, where to buy one, and how to charge your phone, laptop, hair straightener and everything else without frying them.
Malta Plug Sockets — What Type Are They?
The malta plug socket is Type G — the British three-pin rectangular plug, standard BS 1363. It’s the same socket used in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Hong Kong and Singapore. If you’re asking what plug sockets are used in malta, that’s your answer: three flat rectangular pins arranged in a triangle, with a fuse inside the plug itself.
Every plug socket in malta is Type G — no exceptions. No Type C, no Type E, no Type F (Schuko), no Type A. Just Type G, everywhere on the island, in hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants and shops alike.
This is a direct legacy of Malta’s time as a British colony (1814-1964). When the island modernised its electrical grid, it kept the British system. So today, every plug socket malta you’ll encounter is the same chunky three-pin design you’d find in London or Dublin.
Quick identification checklist for malta plug socket type:
- 3 rectangular flat pins forming a triangle
- Top pin is longer (the earth pin)
- Built-in fuse (usually 3A or 13A)
- Large rectangular design, bigger than most European sockets
What Type of Plug Does Malta Use?
Malta plug type is Type G (BS 1363). This is the definitive answer to what type of plug is used in malta, what type of plug does malta use, and what type of plug sockets in malta — they are all the same thing: the British three-pin rectangular plug.
For anyone Googling what plug do they use in malta or what plugs are used in malta — it’s Type G. Always Type G. The malta plug same as uk is a fact, not a coincidence — it’s the exact same standard, the exact same dimensions, the exact same fuse rating system.
The plug type in malta has never changed since independence in 1964, and there are no plans to switch to the European standard. Malta is surrounded by Type C/E/F countries (Italy, France, etc.) but uses Type G domestically.
Malta Voltage & Frequency
Malta voltage is 230V at 50Hz — identical to the UK, France, Germany and every other EU country. This matters because most modern electronics are dual-voltage (100-240V), meaning no voltage converter is needed — just a physical plug adapter to match the socket shape.
How to check: look at the label on your charger or device. If it reads “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz” — you’re fine with just an adapter. If it reads “120V only” (common with US hair dryers, curling irons, some older appliances) — you need a voltage converter too, or better yet, buy a cheap dual-voltage replacement.
Electric Plug Sockets in Malta — Do You Need an Adapter?
Whether you need a malta plug adapter depends entirely on where you’re travelling from. Here’s the breakdown for electric sockets in malta:
From the UK & Ireland — No Adapter Needed
Does malta use uk plugs? Yes, exactly. The plugs in malta same as uk is one of those rare travel wins — British and Irish travellers can plug their chargers, hair dryers and laptops straight into any malta power socket without any adapter. Malta plugs same as uk in every sense: same physical shape, same voltage, same fuse system. A uk plug in malta works perfectly.
From Continental Europe — Adapter Needed
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Austria, Switzerland — all use Type C, E or F (two round pins). A european plug in malta simply does not fit the socket. You need a Europe-to-UK adapter. The voltage is the same (230V), so it’s only the physical plug shape you need to handle — no voltage converter required. This applies to all electric plug sockets malta — there are no “European-friendly” sockets anywhere on the island.
From the US & Canada — Adapter + Check Voltage
US and Canadian plugs are Type A or B (flat pins, 120V grid). You need both a physical adapter and to check your devices for dual voltage. Most phone chargers and laptop bricks handle 100-240V fine. High-power items (hair dryers, curling irons, electric kettles) rated at 120V only will burn out on Malta’s 230V — leave them at home or buy a dual-voltage replacement.
From Australia & New Zealand — Adapter Needed
Australian and NZ plugs are Type I (three flat pins in a V shape) — different from Type G. You need an adapter. The voltage is 230V in Australia, so no converter needed — just the physical adapter to match sockets in malta.
| Coming from | Your plug type | Adapter needed? | Voltage converter? |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK, Ireland | Type G | No | No |
| France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland… | Type C/E/F | Yes | No |
| USA, Canada | Type A/B | Yes | Sometimes (check device) |
| Japan | Type A | Yes | Often (100V grid) |
| Australia, NZ | Type I | Yes | No |
| China | Type A/I | Yes | No |
| South Africa | Type M/N | Yes | No (230V) |
Malta Electrical Sockets in Hotels — What to Expect
The malta electrical sockets situation in hotels varies by property age and star rating:
- 4-star and 5-star hotels (Corinthia, Westin, Hilton, Hyatt, newer Sliema and Valletta boutiques) — almost always have built-in USB and USB-C ports on wall sockets and bedside tables alongside standard Type G malta power sockets
- 3-star hotels and older properties — standard Type G only, no USB ports built in. Bring an adapter
- Airbnbs and apartments — completely varies. Type G throughout, but USB charging ports rare
- Hotel bathrooms — typically have a shaver socket (two-pin universal) for electric razors and toothbrushes, but this is low-power only (not for hair dryers)
Pro tip: many hotel reception desks keep spare Type G adapters to lend guests for free during their stay. Always worth asking when you check in if you’ve forgotten yours.
Malta Power Outlet — How Many Sockets Per Room?
A typical malta power outlet situation in hotel rooms: 2-4 Type G sockets total, usually near the desk, one bedside, one near the TV. In older properties this can feel limited if you’re travelling with multiple devices. Solutions:
- Bring a UK-style extension cable with multiple sockets (or buy one in Malta at any hardware store for €8-15)
- Use a multi-port USB wall charger with a Type G plug — charges phone, tablet and earbuds from a single socket
- A travel adapter with multiple USB ports lets you run several devices from one malta plug socket
Malta Electrical Plug — Adapters for Malta
Where to buy your adaptors for malta or malta adapter, depending on when you realise you need one:
Before you fly (cheapest):
- Amazon / Amazon EU — universal travel adapter €10-20, delivered in 2 days. Search “Type G travel adapter” or “UK travel adapter”
- FNAC, Darty, MediaMarkt, Saturn (continental Europe) — €10-15 in-store
- Any supermarket or electronics shop — basic UK adapters from €5-8
At the airport:
- Duty-free electronics shops — €15-25, convenient but overpriced
- Vending machines in some terminals — €10-15 for a basic adapter
After landing in Malta:
- Malta Airport shops — €15-20, available in the arrivals area
- Welbee’s, Lidl, Greens supermarkets (Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta) — €8-12 for basic adapters
- Scotts, Tower Supermarket, local hardware stores — €6-10, also sell UK-style extension leads
- Your hotel reception — free loaner adapters at most hotels
If you travel regularly, invest €20-30 in a quality universal adapter with USB-A and USB-C ports built in. Brands like Skross, Zendure and Mu One work globally. The malta electrical plug situation is easily handled with one of these — and you’ll use the same adapter in Singapore, Hong Kong and Cyprus.
Will Your Devices Work in Malta?
A device-by-device check for plugs in malta compatibility:
- Smartphones (iPhone, Android) — always dual voltage (5V DC output). Just need the right malta plug adapter. Always work
- Laptops (MacBook, Windows, Chromebook) — always dual voltage. Just adapter. Always work
- iPad and tablets — dual voltage, just adapter
- Camera battery chargers — dual voltage on all modern cameras. Just adapter
- Electric toothbrushes — usually dual voltage. The charging base typically works with a simple adapter, or use the bathroom shaver socket
- CPAP machines — most modern units are dual voltage (check your manual). Just adapter
- Hair dryers (UK/EU) — 230V, fine. Just a physical adapter from continental Europe, nothing needed from UK
- Hair dryers (US 120V only) — will burn out or blow immediately. Do not use on Malta’s 230V. Buy a cheap dual-voltage travel dryer instead
- Hair straighteners and curling irons — check the voltage label. If it says 100-240V, fine. If 120V only, leave it at home
- Electric kettles — UK/EU rated 220-240V kettles work fine. US 120V kettles do not
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox) — modern units (PS5, Xbox Series X) are dual voltage. Older ones may not be — check the power brick label
General rule: any device with a small external power brick (phones, laptops, cameras) is almost certainly dual voltage. Any device that generates heat and plugs directly into the wall (hair tools, kettles, irons) — check the label before packing.
FAQ — Malta Plug & Power Socket Questions
What plug sockets does Malta use?
Malta plug sockets are Type G — the British three-pin rectangular plug. What plug sockets do they use in Malta? Type G everywhere, in every building on the island. What plug sockets do Malta use? Same answer: Type G, 230V, 50Hz.
Are plug sockets in Malta the same as the UK?
Yes — plug sockets in malta same as uk is correct. Malta plug sockets same as uk in every way: same physical shape, same voltage (230V), same frequency (50Hz), same fuse rating system. British travellers need no adapter at all.
What type of plug is used in Malta?
What type of plug is used in Malta? Type G (BS 1363). What type of electrical plug is used in Malta? Same answer. What type of electric plugs in Malta? Type G. Always Type G.
Do I need a plug adapter for Malta?
Yes, unless you’re coming from the UK or Ireland. Adaptors for Malta are needed for everyone else — continental Europeans (Type C/E/F), Americans (Type A/B), Australians (Type I). Buy one before you travel — they cost €5-15 online or in any electronics shop.
What voltage is used in Malta?
Malta voltage is 230V at 50Hz — standard European voltage. Most modern electronics handle this automatically. Check your device label for “100-240V” to confirm dual voltage.
Can I use a UK plug in Malta?
Yes — a uk plug in malta works perfectly with zero issues. Same plug, same voltage, same system. No adapter, no converter needed.
Can I use a European plug in Malta?
No — a european plug in malta will not physically fit the socket. You need a Europe-to-UK Type G adapter. The voltage (230V) is the same so no voltage converter needed — just the physical adapter.
What are the plug sockets in Malta like?
What are the plug sockets in Malta? Large, rectangular, three-pin British-style sockets with individual on/off switches on each socket. The switch next to the socket needs to be in the ON position before the socket delivers power — a common source of confusion for first-time visitors expecting the plug to just work when inserted.
Do Malta hotels have USB charging?
Newer 4-star and 5-star hotels often have built-in USB and USB-C ports alongside standard malta plug sockets. Older properties and most Airbnbs don’t. Bring a USB wall charger with a Type G plug as backup.
Where can I buy an adapter in Malta?
Airport shops (€15-20), supermarkets like Welbee’s or Lidl (€8-12), hardware stores (€6-10), or ask your hotel for a loaner. Cheapest option is buying before you fly — Amazon has Type G adapters from €8-15.
→ Planning the rest of your trip? Check our complete Malta holidays guide for everything from airports to nightlife
