TheDarkman
English expat in Malta
Forum posts
72
About me
English
Lives in Qala
Registration: 19 June 2012
Your experience of culture shock in Malta by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Malta. What is ...
as the story was written in the wall street journal and the two reported cases were responding to that - it has nothing to do with the times of malta trying to prove anythingRob. That is naive beyond belief. :| I've got a feeling I'm not ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Malta by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Malta. What is ...
Interesting, hmm. Obviously no culture shock for the two respondents in that article, but I think they're both in need of a reality check. The comment regarding a fear of the country becoming too crowded was hilarious. I think she must currently ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Malta by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Malta. What is ...
I find it interesting how you came to that assumption. I'm glad she made a follow up post. Time to hold your hands up and admit you don't know everything Rob. :) Read More
Maltese cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Malta? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Malta and why not your best recipe. Thank you ...
Well as you asked.......................... It's generally awful. They seem to have taken the worst of English and combined it with the worst of Italian and arrived at the most artery clogging diet I've ever experienced. If you're ... Read More
Request for credit/debit card for online shopping by RASTAVIPER
I make most of my tickets booking or gadgets shopping through internet and I am searching for a credit or debit card that I could use with PayPal. Currently I have a bank account at HSBC , but I am not willing to apply with them for a card as their ...
It may not be relevant for you, but it will be for some......... http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/PayPal-Section75 Read More
Drinking water in Malta by krestrine
Hi All, I have been boiling and then drinking the tap water here in Malta for about a week now. I've recently heard that the water isn't fit to drink? Anyone have any insights? Thanks, Pashala
I'm staggered by the degree of caution being advised here and the numerous comments regarding the water having a bad taste. From day one I've used the tap water in exactly the same way as I would have done in England. Tastes fine, looks fine ... Read More
Should I be worried of racism by bornonthe12th
Hi Guys, I was recently in Malta for a holiday and loved it there and on coming back to the UK I applied for some jobs and feel honoured to have been offered 2 jobs in Malta (Although I have not accepted either offer yet). I have been doing a lot ...
Yes it does feel wrong to be asking this question about an EU State in 2015. But going by the replies I have received on this thread and by PMs. It is a very valid case of concern! and yes they are aware I am black.The reason I asked is because one ... Read More
Should I be worried of racism by bornonthe12th
Hi Guys, I was recently in Malta for a holiday and loved it there and on coming back to the UK I applied for some jobs and feel honoured to have been offered 2 jobs in Malta (Although I have not accepted either offer yet). I have been doing a lot ...
It feels kinda wrong to even be asking this question, but I assume your potential employers are aware that you're black ? Read More
How often is too often? by New Horizonz
Hello everybody and Happy New Year My landlord and landlady are a nice old couple. They aren't used to letting or renting. They lived in this flat for 27 years, raised their children here bla bla bla. All good and fine BUT now they are renting ...
As somebody's already said, I think your situation is somewhat unique. I neither see or hear from my landlord from one month to the next unless I contact him to report a problem. In fact a little more contact would be nice. Read More
recommended heaters in winter? by stef88
Hi 馃槉 can anyone recommend the best type of heater for winter that is least likely to cause any damp /mould and best for if you are asthmatic. Thanks!
Is this only available to Xaghra residents Mick ? Read More
Moving to Malta - this is IT! by Rawbiz
Hello Everyone! I have been a member of this forum on and off for about 2 years, when I first started looking into everything in and around Malta. Now, long story short, I apply for my 265th position and BOOM, out of nowhere I have a contract 2 ...
Thanks a ton for the help all. I think I will have the bank sorted out, according to someone at HR a local bank ref letter (from where I currently live) and passport would do at HSBC.Be VERY careful with this. I'm a poker player and was told by ... Read More
Doubt about abroad income tax by Chaos Orb
I have read that those residing in Malta that aren't domiciled there have to pay abroad income taxes [b]only if that money is sent to Malta[/b]. My question is: what happens if you don't remit that money? For example, you generate income in the ...
Sorry to ask, but are you a born worryer ? I think you're looking for a problem that doesn't exist. Sleep easy on this one. One question though. What made you transfer funds to your Maltese bank account rather than just paying the credit ... Read More
Opening a bank account from the UK - fail story by defectus
I've read here about people opening their bank accounts from abroad using the HSBC overseas account opening service. Trying to get ahead of the game I used that service too - and failed. We relocated a week ago and I started the account opening ...
Dunno why you're bothering guys. I guess it all comes down to personal experience, but BOV appear to be a FAR better proposition. Read More
Opening a bank account from the UK - fail story by defectus
I've read here about people opening their bank accounts from abroad using the HSBC overseas account opening service. Trying to get ahead of the game I used that service too - and failed. We relocated a week ago and I started the account opening ...
Oh boy. Are you moving to the wrong country ! This is not a land for the impatient. If you expect ANYTHING to be dealt with efficiently you are going to have a VERY hard time adjusting. The "relaxed attitude" and way of life that most people move ... Read More
Artisan Christmas Village opening in St George聮s Square, Rabat, Gozo
Did you go? If so, were you as disappointed as I was? Maybe there was more going on at the weekend, but there was virtually nothing there on Friday. Major disappointment. Read More
Jewellers
Any advice on where I should be looking for a decent range of Necklaces / Bracelets ? There's very little choice on Gozo and what I've seen seems expensive for what it is. Instinct tells me head to Sliema, but if someone knows ... Read More
Mould mites! by Mawfaw
[left][/left] Hello! I moved to Malta and in with my boyfriend 2 weeks ago. The apartment we live in feels rather humid- even more than I was expecting living on an island. We have been having a lot of trouble keeping everything dry, especially in ...
I haven't come across ACE. The one I use is called HG Mould Spray. Effective, but about four times the price of ACE. A word of warning. Treat this stuff with respect. I gave my bedroom a major treatment a couple of weeks ago and thought I'd be fine ... Read More
Electricity Bill by TheDarkman
I have an "arrangement" with my landlord wherby I pay him a fixed sum for both my electricity and water usage. I know this will have some people shaking their heads, but for a number of reasons I think this is currently cost effective for me. ...
Thanks guys. I knew you wouldn't let me down really. :P Excellent link toon. Bang on mate ! Read More
Electricity Bill by TheDarkman
I have an "arrangement" with my landlord wherby I pay him a fixed sum for both my electricity and water usage. I know this will have some people shaking their heads, but for a number of reasons I think this is currently cost effective for me. ...
I take it that's a no then. Tearnet - I don't want to see "your" bill. I want to see "a" bill. Tear / mik - All the information I want isn't there. If they displayed an "example" bill on their site I wouldn't be asking. But thanks for your ... Read More
Electricity Bill
I have an "arrangement" with my landlord wherby I pay him a fixed sum for both my electricity and water usage. I know this will have some people shaking their heads, but for a number of reasons I think this is currently cost effective for me. ... Read More
TV by TheDarkman
I've never been an avid watcher of television. I consider it a life drainer, diverting you from other more interesting or productive pursuits. However. Now living a long way from "home" I've appreciated being able to watch the news a couple of times ...
Thanks Mick. The very first line at the top of the first page I looked at (inewsmalta) sums up the usefulness of most Maltese websites I've ventured onto. Today's temperatures - Max 29c / Min 22c / UV7 :D So moving on. Managed to get any fishing ... Read More
Timezone
Are anybody else's posts being "timed" incorrectly? Mine still seem to be working on CEST. Read More
TV
I've never been an avid watcher of television. I consider it a life drainer, diverting you from other more interesting or productive pursuits. However. Now living a long way from "home" I've appreciated being able to watch the news a couple of times ... Read More
3 Topics: Poker, work and accomodation by captaindaniel
I am new here and apologise in advance if I have posted this in the wrong section. I am hoping that someone could assist me. I am looking to move to Malta in March/April 2013 and I would like to prepare myself for then. I am a poker player and ...
Thanks Sunshine. Don't want to put you off contributing, but there's barely a serious online player alive that doesn't visit that forum on a regular basis :D Didn't look. Are you in Malta ? Read More
Reciprocal health care by davjones1
I understand there is a reciprocal health care scheme with the UK, if the UK vote to come out of theEU how will this affect matters
If the UK leaves the EU you may no longer have the right to live in MaltaNice one George. Cheer everybody up mate :lol: Read More
Mould
Two questions.............. 1. How do you avoid it? I've been here for almost three months now. I took a years contract on what will hopefully be a nice place in the summer, but at the moment the only way to describe it is HORRIBLE. I made what is ... Read More
Doubt about abroad income tax by Chaos Orb
I have read that those residing in Malta that aren't domiciled there have to pay abroad income taxes [b]only if that money is sent to Malta[/b]. My question is: what happens if you don't remit that money? For example, you generate income in the ...
Thanks Chaos. That's an interesting read, but I don't think it's relevant to what we're doing. However, I don't want to get in deep before finding out that I'm wrong, so I'll be contacting the Maltese Inland Revenue department for clarification. ... Read More
Doubt about abroad income tax by Chaos Orb
I have read that those residing in Malta that aren't domiciled there have to pay abroad income taxes [b]only if that money is sent to Malta[/b]. My question is: what happens if you don't remit that money? For example, you generate income in the ...
By the way, I have found in another forum that possibly if I play poker professionally online in Malta, their government could consider that I'm generating that income in Malta, and therefore I would have to pay 15%-35%.I'd be interested in seeing ... Read More
3 Topics: Poker, work and accomodation by captaindaniel
I am new here and apologise in advance if I have posted this in the wrong section. I am hoping that someone could assist me. I am looking to move to Malta in March/April 2013 and I would like to prepare myself for then. I am a poker player and ...
Well. Daniel hasn't found it necessary to make contact or follow up on his post, but for any other grinders out there looking to get to grips with the live scene I'd recommend joining the facebook group "Malta Poker Fish". All the island's casinos ... Read More
Heating In winter by Toon
an interesting article on the subject worth a read i think. http://www.maltainsideout.com/8991/heating-a-house-in-malta/
George, toon. You offer up a great deal of informaton for which I've already had cause to be in your debt. But not having this subject up as a "sticky" is a major faux pas. People absolutely MUST know about this situation. It's not even about ... Read More
Heating In winter by Toon
an interesting article on the subject worth a read i think. http://www.maltainsideout.com/8991/heating-a-house-in-malta/
It was lovely this morning - Outside. It was quite pleasant until late this evening - Outside. IT'S BLOODY MISERABLE INSIDE ! Read More
Heating In winter by Toon
an interesting article on the subject worth a read i think. http://www.maltainsideout.com/8991/heating-a-house-in-malta/
This is a very timely post. Because my sole reason for logging on tonight was to ask WHY THE BLOODY HELL HAS NOBODY MENTIONED WHAT I'VE EXPERIENCED THIS WEEK ! Quite frankly I've never known anything like it. Probably the closest I can get to ... Read More
gas bottle needed tomorrow by oloofa
Hi, where can i buy a gas bottle for my heater tomorrow. Is there any liquigas shop. i'm ready to go to any place to find one. thanks
Gotcha. Must be the 12 Kilo Cylinder for 聙20.60 that I need then. Roll on Monday. I've rarely been as cold as I've been in the last week :( Read More
Parcel delivery from the UK to Malta by Victoria22
Hello, I'd like to ask what companies you use to send parcels from the UK to Malta and how much it is. Thanks, Jitka
the new maltapost system works well, especially for large (but light) packages, as their charge is based on weight not volume :-)Is this the "SendOn" service George ? Read More
gas bottle needed tomorrow by oloofa
Hi, where can i buy a gas bottle for my heater tomorrow. Is there any liquigas shop. i'm ready to go to any place to find one. thanks
Okay. A little asking around and it seems that the lorry passes my place at 7.30am on Mondays. Everything happens so early in this country :o The RRP for the 25 litre cylinder is shown on the Liquigas website as 聙36.60. However, I can't help ... Read More
Tax avoidance by GuestPoster566
Appropriate to some recent discussions on here, particularly regarding electricity and water charges by some landlords, I found this article interesting. Malta聮s public coffers are losing out on as much as 聙577 million in taxes a year to ...
I got my account at the Bank of Valletta opened this week. "Ah. Not employed. (I'm a poker player) You'll fit in well here" said the advisor :D Read More
gas bottle needed tomorrow by oloofa
Hi, where can i buy a gas bottle for my heater tomorrow. Is there any liquigas shop. i'm ready to go to any place to find one. thanks
Really mate. You gotta give me more credit than to assume I'm asking questions on the forum that I can get a quicker answer to by knocking next door. I have no neighbours. I'm first in ;) Read More
gas bottle needed tomorrow by oloofa
Hi, where can i buy a gas bottle for my heater tomorrow. Is there any liquigas shop. i'm ready to go to any place to find one. thanks
George. As far as I can work out (and as suggested in an earlier post) people just leave their empty cylinders outside their house on delivery day. My problem is that I live in apartment only accessible via an entryphone system. When I find out ... Read More
gas bottle needed tomorrow by oloofa
Hi, where can i buy a gas bottle for my heater tomorrow. Is there any liquigas shop. i'm ready to go to any place to find one. thanks
Cracks me up this. And so typical of what I've found here so far. This is probably one of the most important services for a resident here, yet one of the companies doesn't even have a website (do they really think we want to look at photos of their ... Read More
They love their English and Italian football here ! by TheDarkman
Well that's what I was led to believe. But my experience so far has me doubting the truth of this. Last week I watched the Everton v Liverpool game in The Bucket in Qala. It was like a morgue. The most animated anybody got was to point at the ...
we did try the local footy club Xaghra United club bar on a three day visit recently and that was quite lively, with a decent set of viewing patrons.....although not a lot of drinking being done more eating of ice cream.Yeah. I heard that as well ... Read More
They love their English and Italian football here ! by TheDarkman
Well that's what I was led to believe. But my experience so far has me doubting the truth of this. Last week I watched the Everton v Liverpool game in The Bucket in Qala. It was like a morgue. The most animated anybody got was to point at the ...
Thanks George. Funny enough, somebody else told me about those two just five minutes ago. He also suggested that the footbll club venue was very "pro" Liverpool :) Read More
They love their English and Italian football here ! by TheDarkman
Well that's what I was led to believe. But my experience so far has me doubting the truth of this. Last week I watched the Everton v Liverpool game in The Bucket in Qala. It was like a morgue. The most animated anybody got was to point at the ...
Thanks guys. Looks like I'll have to make a day of it and jump on the ferry then. I guess you can't have peace and quiet AND rowdy pubs :D Read More
They love their English and Italian football here !
Well that's what I was led to believe. But my experience so far has me doubting the truth of this. Last week I watched the Everton v Liverpool game in The Bucket in Qala. It was like a morgue. The most animated anybody got was to point at the ... Read More
Letting Agents - It's VERY different here ! by TheDarkman
So. I've been here for a whole week now. And what stands out so far is the difference between the role that a UK letting agency plays as compared to a local one. I should say that this is currently only confirmed with one, but I believe they are all ...
whats important redmik is not that its your own meters we all have our own (well rented from ARMs) meters allocated to the proprties we rent. the important bit is how the calculations for the bills are made and whether you are registered consumers ... Read More
Letting Agents - It's VERY different here !
So. I've been here for a whole week now. And what stands out so far is the difference between the role that a UK letting agency plays as compared to a local one. I should say that this is currently only confirmed with one, but I believe they are all ... Read More
Any shore anglers here?
Hi Red, I'm no sea fisherman, but from what I've seen here in my first week, pretty basic coarse fishing tactics will get you a decent catch for the BBQ. I won't be fishing until December, as I have another trip back to the UK to organise before I ... Read More
3 Topics: Poker, work and accomodation by captaindaniel
I am new here and apologise in advance if I have posted this in the wrong section. I am hoping that someone could assist me. I am looking to move to Malta in March/April 2013 and I would like to prepare myself for then. I am a poker player and ...
Hi daniel, I'm in exactly the same situation as you. I'll be arriving in Gozo in just over three weeks time to commence house hunting and familiarising myself with the realities of day to day life. If you want to pm me your contact details (Skype ... Read More
Reverse Engineering
Okay. Thanks in part (mostly actually) to this forum, another similar site and a good number of independant enquiries, I think I'm now well versed in all aspects of how to obtain residency and what life in Gozo / Malta entails. However, I'm a "small ... Read More
Gozo - Detailed Road Map
Does anybody have one / know where I can get one ? Read More
The Music Thread !
Well. No forum's complete without one :) Gozo may be quiet at the moment. But this is what I'll be bringing to town :o vevo.com/watch/azari-iii/reckless-with-your-love/GBUV71102040#/watch/azari-iii/reckless-with-your-love/GBUV71102040 Read More
Moving to Malta by Seyedo
Hi I am a single doctor and I've been offered a job in Malta and I am supposed to start work in July. I have some questions and I hope you guys can help me. My salary would be around 2000 euros. Is that enough to live comfortably and would I be ...
I thought it was that temperature every day in Australia. Shows how little I know :D Read More
Moving to Malta by Seyedo
Hi I am a single doctor and I've been offered a job in Malta and I am supposed to start work in July. I have some questions and I hope you guys can help me. My salary would be around 2000 euros. Is that enough to live comfortably and would I be ...
Well it is -2c here in Perth western Australia so I am envious of the warm weather!Only vaguely related to what's being discussed, but I think the above quote highlights the importance of thoroughly researching your destination. I don't know anybody ... Read More
Sharks in Malta by VaitkusTom
I recently found out there are 15 aggresive shark species in Malta waters among them Great white :o. Damn, it is no fun! How do you live with that? Are the main beaches netted? I love the beach, but I want to come out from water in one piece.
They are not normally referred to in the media as sharks, but "big fish", so as not to scare the touristsIt seems that even "Big Fish" is now considered alarming. Here's an extract from a conversation currently taking place on a fishing forum where ... Read More
Anyone looking for an apartment share? by ckeat1
I am looking for accommodation and would ideally like a house share in a 2 / 3 bed house / apartment...with the rent being as cheap as possible! I can support myself for two months, but ideally before those two months run out, I would like to of ...
I might, but I think our timing and preferred locations might be at odds. I'm not coming out until the end of October and I'll be putting down roots in Gozo rather than Malta. Read More
Idea on bringing stuff in.
I sure is. Won't be before November though. If you're still looking to share a load / cost by then it'll be worth having a chat. Read More
Idea on bringing stuff in.
Long time ago I know, but did you ever proceed with this ? Read More
Psychotic episodes by me3512
So we all help each other out here, give and take advice and generally joke and have fun in here. Now I am currious of any horror stories of living in Malta or in dealing with locals etc... suggestions for topics.... Driving ( always a good ...
I think you may have misunderstood me toon. I'm very much a proponent of "buyer beware". If you get mugged it's invariably your own fault. I just didn't see how the newspaper article tied into the complaint about "tiered" pricing. Read More
Internet, no limit downloads etc when in a rental apartment? by SummerRaine
We are moving to Malta in 5 weeks time and are wondering about internet usage. We currently have broadband and unlimited download in the UK. We surf the internet a lot and play XBox 360 online. My question is, how would I go about setting this up if ...
TV :rolleyes: No thanks. I rarely watch the life draining box in England. I'm damn sure I'm not gonna start once I join you guys :D I can't avoid being in front of the laptop. Pays the bills. But when I'm not working I intend spending every ... Read More
Psychotic episodes by me3512
So we all help each other out here, give and take advice and generally joke and have fun in here. Now I am currious of any horror stories of living in Malta or in dealing with locals etc... suggestions for topics.... Driving ( always a good ...
I think this article from the Times: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111016/local/Malta-has-one-of-the-worst-black-economies-in-eurozone.389281 goes some way to explaining the overall mentality of the indigenous population. I am, in ... Read More
Internet, no limit downloads etc when in a rental apartment? by SummerRaine
We are moving to Malta in 5 weeks time and are wondering about internet usage. We currently have broadband and unlimited download in the UK. We surf the internet a lot and play XBox 360 online. My question is, how would I go about setting this up if ...
Are Melitas and Go the only options at the moment ? Read More
Dog Gate/Litter Box
He also needs a dog size litter box (you can get them online in the UK)I suspect that Maltese internet services extend a little further than the island, so why not try online ? Just a suggestion :D Read More
taxation of Internet based work for non-dom ordinary residents by petr1029
I am going mad about trying to pinpoint tax authority聮s stand on someone working on the Internet, getting paid outside Malta. All done in the name of Intenation Business Company established outside of Malta. Shareholder (myself) would be non-dom ...
The reference to online poker players caught my attention here. In the UK this activity is considered plain old gambling rather than a job and therefore not subject to income tax. Is the situation different in Malta ? My apologies if I've failed to ... Read More
Looking for some advice and guidance as we want to move to Malta by julesandyorkie
Hi my name is Jules and we are looking to move to Malta in approx 3 months. My husband will be away working therefore I will be moving out alone although hopefully I will have many friends and family visiting from Plymouth and also my husband will ...
Thanks George. That's stopped me having a little panic. I'll see you in Gleneagles in October to buy you a drink ;) Read More
Looking for some advice and guidance as we want to move to Malta by julesandyorkie
Hi my name is Jules and we are looking to move to Malta in approx 3 months. My husband will be away working therefore I will be moving out alone although hopefully I will have many friends and family visiting from Plymouth and also my husband will ...
show that you can support youself financially and that you have health insurance coverage while in Malta.The second part of this answer worries me. Does this mean that if you can't obtain private medical insurance you won't be granted residency ? Read More