I am not maltese but go often to Ghawdex ( Gozo) and I can tell you what are the first phrases I learned in maltese wich are very usefull ones !)
The first was : Flouz bill odim (usefull everywhere )
Second : Timbutax ( very usefull in the buses )
Third : Bill mod ( usefull everywhere )
Easy to learn, because people will be glad to teach you anything.
Saha.