What Plugs Are Used in Malta? Shipping UK Appliances Guide

Relocating to Malta from the UK? One of the most common concerns for movers is whether their electrical appliances will still work abroad, especially without the hassle of adapters or voltage converters. The good news is that Malta makes this part of the move incredibly easy.

Malta uses the same Type G plugs as the UK, along with the same voltage (230V) and frequency (50Hz). That means your UK appliances are fully compatible and ready to use from day one, with no need to use adapters, converters, or any rewiring. This guide will look at what plugs are used in Malta, how to ship your items, and the associated costs.

Our team of customs and shipping experts at 1st Move International are on hand to help ship your electrical appliances to Malta. We run guaranteed weekly shipments to Malta and have been for over 25 years. Get settled in your new home faster, safer, and smarter with 1st Move.

Can I Use UK Plugs in Malta?

Yes! Your UK electrical items are fully compatible with Malta’s electrical system. They share the same voltage of 230V, frequency of 50Hz, and amperage limit of up to 13, so you won’t need to use voltage converters. Both plugs are also identical, with 3 pins, so there is no need to use an adapter.

It’s essential that the voltage and frequency match; if they don’t, your items may not function properly, underperform, or overheat. The compatibility of plugs makes Malta one of the easiest countries to move to from the UK. Here are the similarities in plugs in the UK and Malta:

Feature	UK	Malta
Plug Type	Type G (3-pin)	Type G (3-pin)
Voltage	230V	230V
Frequency	50Hz	50Hz
Amperage Limit	Up to 13A	Up to 13A
Adapter Needed?	No	No
Voltage Converter?	No	No

What UK Appliances Can I Use in Malta?

You can use most UK electrical appliances in Malta as long as they are marked 230V / 50Hz and are under 13 amps. This includes everyday items like:

Small, everyday items

These are typically low-wattage and travel well:

• Phone chargers
• Laptops
• Hairdryers
• Kettles
• Toasters 

Larger kitchen appliances

These bulkier items are also fully compatible, provided they are in good condition and CE marked:

• Fridges
• Freezers
• Ovens
• Microwaves
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Tumble dryers

Will I Need an Adapter or Converter?

No, you won’t need to use an adapter or a voltage converter to use your UK appliances in Malta. Any item that is marked 230V / 50Hz and under 13 amps will work right away in Malta.

Items to Be Cautious With or Leave Behind 

Certain high-powered items should be used with caution in Malta to avoid your items overheating or tripping the circuit.

• High-wattage items: Any of your UK appliances that use over 3000 watts are too powerful for Malta plugs. This includes large electric heaters or power tools. These items shouldn’t be used in the same socket or extension lead as other high-power items.
• Old and non-compliant items: Electrical items that are safe to use will be marked with a CE certificate. Items that are usually over 15 years old won’t meet modern safety standards in Malta, so it’s important to always check.
• Extension leads with multiple sockets: Plugging multiple high-power items into the same extension lead can cause overheating and potentially fire hazards.

What is a CE Mark?

A CE (Conformité Européenne) mark on electrical items means the item is up to EU safety, health, and environmental standards. You can typically find this on the label of your item. Your items may be checked for the CE mark, especially large kitchen appliances, like fridges and freezers. If the item fails to have the mark, they may be denied entry at Malta customs and pose a safety threat.

Can I Ship My Kitchen Appliances to Malta?

Yes, it’s often worthwhile to ship your large kitchen appliances, like white goods, to Malta if they are in good condition and CE certified. They will work right away without the need for an adapter or converter. Shipping your appliances can save you money compared to replacing everything new in Malta, where prices for larger appliances can be higher and selection may be more limited.

When it’s worth bringing: 

• If your appliances are fairly new or high-value
• They are branded and can buy replacement parts in Malta
• You are shipping a full container of items already 

When to think twice:

• Your items are old and on the way out 
• High-wattage and energy items
• Any small everyday appliances, like toasters, that are high-powered can easily be replaced in Malta 

Will My UK TV and Entertainment Systems Work in Malta?

Most UK TV and entertainment systems will work in Malta, thanks to the electrical compatibility. Some UK-specific apps or devices may not be compatible, so we have put together this table detailing what will work and what you should be cautious of.

Device	Does it work in Malta?
Modern Flat-Screen TVs	Yes
Streaming Devices	Yes – Fire Sticks, Roku, Chromecast, etc, will work with an internet connection
Game Consoles	Yes
DVD / Blu-ray Players	Maybe – Check for Region 2 compatibility as Malta uses the same region as the UK
Freeview TVs	Most support DVB-T, but some older models may not work
Smart TV Apps	Varies, some UK apps might be blocked due to location
Analogue TVs	No
Sky/Virgin Built-in Boxes	No

How to Ship Electrical Appliances to Malta?

Yes, with 1st Move International, you’ll have a choice of shipping options to get your electronics quickly and safely moved to Malta. You can ship your appliances as part of a full household move, using a 20ft or 40ft container, or as part of a shared container service if you’re only taking a few items.

Customs Preparation

You can bring your personal used appliances to Malta duty-free as long as you’ve used and owned them personally for 6 or more months, your permanent residence is Malta, and you can provide proof of your address change. All items should be clean and dry before they are packed, which is especially important for items like fridges and freezers that might have traces of food. These won’t pass customs checks and will delay your move if not prepared properly. Ensure any loose parts are removed or secured in place. Rest assured, the packing team at 1st Move will make sure everything is prepared for a smooth customs experience. You can learn more about the Malta customs process in our detailed blog.

How Can 1st Move Help?

1st Move International offer weekly shipping to Malta with our fast, secure shipping service that uses a unique palletised packing system. This also means your shipment qualifies for free Fast Track customs clearance, getting you moved and settled in Malta in no time. Our customs experts and your Move Manager help you prepare the necessary customs documents to sail through Malta customs. We offer door-to-door delivery, arranging final delivery to your new home in Malta with our agents there.

What is the Cost of Shipping Electrical Items to Malta?

Your shipping costs for your move to Malta will depend on the volume of items you need to move. Costs start from approximately £865 for a shared container move. This will see your items shipped alongside other customers’ items, making it a cost-effective way to move if you only have a few items. 

Most customers typically move the contents of a 3-bedroom move, which will cost around £3,015 for sole use of a 20ft shipping container. For a 4-bedroom plus move to Malta, it’ll cost around £5,829 for a 40ft shipping container.

For a free tailored quote for shipping your electrical appliances to Malta, complete our easy form and our experts will give you a personalised and accurate cost. You can also use our international removals costs calculator to get an estimated figure for your move.