Darrylv
English expat in Malta
Forum posts
61
Contacts
5
About me
English
Lives in Tas-Sliema
Registration: 26 June 2012
Need your real life experience with kids in Sliema area :-) by Eliane20
Hello ! I am Elina from France, considering the idea of spending a year or so in Malta with kid! Does any of you have experience with private schools around Sliema? How is the daily life in this area with kids?: -Transports to get to school ...
Agree with everything Volcane says especially about not trusting the drivers of the school buses, and driving your children to school instead. Read More
Looking for international school by AniMaVaa
My husband and I are planning to relocate to Malta from Denmark in the spring. We have a girl, aged 13. I'm currently doing lots of research into the private and international schools to see which might suit her best. My daughter is not a ...
Can highly recommend QSI, we looked at Verdala and San Anton but opted after our previous experience with another school to avoid the Maltese 鈥榠ndependent鈥� schools. Verdala/San Anton have long waiting lists. Also, keep a look out for ... Read More
Car finance by Pierre Fan Fan
Hello Can anyone advise if its possible to get a car on finance without being Maltese ? How does credit checking work etc ? Thank you much very.
For me it worked like this, visit car showroom, chose a vehicle, and obtain quotes. As new vehicle request finance followed by frown from deflated salesman as he sees the sale fall through but says will speak to head office and see if they will ... Read More
Access to public health system for highly qualified workers & family by Maltapossiblymaybe
Hello! We are about to move to Malta, but we are struggling with the health care solution. Does anyone know if once you are recognized as highly qualified worker, you can have access to the public health system? My husband has a job offer where ...
We have lived in Malta for 6 years and I had the same questions as yourself when moved over in 2013, some we got answers for and others we didn't. I'll drop you a PM. Read More
Food Intolerance Testing
we paid a similar price for our son several years ago - cost was high as they had to send back to a laboratory in the UK. Read More
What are the best state schools in Malta
We've constantly been recommended St Clare's in Pembroke. The only thing that eventually put us off was that we were told that the lessons were primarily taught in Maltese but the teacher might repeat in English. Good luck with what you ... Read More
QSI school and now where to live? by Maltapossiblymaybe
Hello,we are planning to move to Malta. We have decided that most probably our son will go to QSI. Pretty expensive but an investment for his future. Now we are looking for a House to rent. Antes advise on where to live to go easily to QSI every ...
Its frightening enough driving in a car in Malta so not sure I'd have the nerve to go by bike. My colleagues drive in from Mosta and Naxxar and takes 45 minutes to St Julians - worst part Naxxar to San Gwan. As for property think the bigger ... Read More
QSI school and now where to live? by Maltapossiblymaybe
Hello,we are planning to move to Malta. We have decided that most probably our son will go to QSI. Pretty expensive but an investment for his future. Now we are looking for a House to rent. Antes advise on where to live to go easily to QSI every ...
I agree QSI appears to offer from our experience a better education than the Maltese private education and wish we sent our son to QSI earlier - despite the cost. We live in a quiet part of St Julians with outdoor space, the travel to school is ... Read More
English school in Malta by Gloria Cannavo
I need information about enshish spoken school Im Malta , My to 2 kids are at primary school in london , and we are thinking to move to Malta . We need to find a school we鈥檙e the main language is English . Please help Thank you Gloria
We鈥檝e lived on the island for over 5 years and needed to find a new school for our son this year as wasn鈥檛 happy where he was before. All the 鈥榩rivate鈥� schools have waiting lists, and we鈥檝e since heard that bullying is ... Read More
Chiswick House School
For anyone questioning about best schools to go to - am sharing the following email I've had to send to the head of the school of Chiswick School. I've removed peoples names. Why do your staff have to be reminded if this is what you ... Read More
Other international/private school options besides Verdala & QSI by GuestPoster518
Hello, I'm so happy I found this forum. We have a very unexpected move to Malta this coming summer and my top priority is figuring out schooling for my daughter who will be entering 1st grade. We are coming from the States and will be in Malta ...
Ours is at CHS. No policy on bullying let alone zero tolerance. I can say so much more about it but as a public forum would prefer to just say we've had a terrible experience - thankfully all documented by email. Read More
Other international/private school options besides Verdala & QSI by GuestPoster518
Hello, I'm so happy I found this forum. We have a very unexpected move to Malta this coming summer and my top priority is figuring out schooling for my daughter who will be entering 1st grade. We are coming from the States and will be in Malta ...
Having had ours in private school for the past 4 years, am desperate to move out of the private school and put in a Government school. Whilst had a couple of good years, had 2 terrible years. I鈥檓 totally appalled by the response from the ... Read More
Private/International Schooling - Up to Date Info Please!! by LexyL
Hi My husband has just accepted a job in Malta and we're hoping to relocate there from the UK in the next couple of months. We have 3 kids, aged 9, 7 and 3 and I'm currently doing lots of research into the private and international schools ...
can only report on CHS - we were initially impressed but sadly now experiencing issues with bullying that have been previously reported on this forum. I'd strongly suggest reading things reported previously as things haven't changed. Read More
BOV credit cards by johnpaul.mer
Hi, has anyone managed to get either the Skypass credit card or the green American express card from BOV? If yes, can you kindly share what you were asked to do please? Thanks :)
I was told if I wanted either they would block EUR 5,000 in my account in return for EUR 5,000 credit limit Read More
Raising kids in Malta by Priscilla
Hello everyone, How is raising kids in Malta different from raising kids in your home country? What are the activities that your kids seem to enjoy the most in Malta? Do you feel that the country is "family-friendly"? Do you recommend ...
For us certain aspects are better in Malta than the UK: 1. family life is better as no lengthy commute can have breakfast with my son and get home to spend time in the evening together and still work relatively long hours which I couldn鈥檛 do ... Read More
Issues with Banif/BNF by JV321
Does anyone here use Banif? I've banked with them for 12 months now. I opened an account understanding that for the first 12 months, they would put 500 euros into a term deposit, and 50 euros per month. After 12 months, the term deposit would ...
Had the same issue from St Julians branch 鈥� both had accounts at Banif, and despite a decent amount being paid in the account each month and saved they still wanted EUR 50 a month from each of us. I was fine with this until the end of the 12 ... Read More
cheapest, most reliable taxi service & car rental companies by andy5m
Please advise. Any answers highly appreciated.
a few months ago would say eCabs - but now frequently use the taxify app - St Julians-Valletta in peak hours EUR 10.50 cheapest 13.50 most expensive so far. Read More
Meeting expat parents with children around 7-10 years old
sorry missed your post as otherwise would have been happy to help. Read More
Buying a piano
As long as you have a Malta residence card you just send off the form that the shop gives you (or the one that has already been posted on this topic) along with a receipt to the IRD and a few months later you'll receive a cheque for the VAT ... Read More
Buying a piano
Would highly recommend http://www.olimpusmusic.com/ very helpful. Also they will advise you how to reclaim the VAT and complete the relevant paperwork for you. Read More
Employer Pension Contributions by felinefine81
So... do employer pension contributions just not exist in Malta? And by that I don't mean the equivalent to UK National Insurance payments (by employee and employer) that lead to you getting a state pension. I mean where an employer will match ...
I've looked into the whole pension thing for myself and found that private pension is an unknown concept in Malta. If your employer did make a contribution into 'a pension' this would be a taxable benefit unlike in the UK where its paid ... Read More
What about Dragonara in paceville? by DavideM
Hi all I'm coming there the 11th of march. Since i've understood that to find a room/house from abroad is quite hard i need to stay a couple of days in a b&b. Does anyone know if Dragonara apartments is a bad place even in low ...
I'm sure its lovely in March - I expect the reviews were just written by people staying April - February. Read More
What about Dragonara in paceville? by DavideM
Hi all I'm coming there the 11th of march. Since i've understood that to find a room/house from abroad is quite hard i need to stay a couple of days in a b&b. Does anyone know if Dragonara apartments is a bad place even in low ...
My office is opposite - the apartments don't look great at all, reviews on trip advisor pretty much sum it up and the area generally, don't expect much if looking for accommodation in the area ... Read More
Deloitte Malta
No idea about Deloitte but the team at RSM are very professional 鈥� if the invoices I get every month are anything to go by, accountants and especially the tax team seem to work long hours so doubt you鈥檒l find that work/life balance. Read More
Options for Christmas
Yes we are a family of 3 and have always opted for the hotel Christmas day lunch 鈥� usually the Excelsior although have tried the Palace Hotel and the Phonecia . Prefer the Excelsior, the Palace was just one big queue and so as we had a young ... Read More
Moving to Sliema in October by Maltabound
My husband & I (no kids) are moving to Malta next month from Dublin. We are hoping to live in Sliema. Any tips you can give us would be greatly appreciated.
We're currently in Fort Cambridge having lived in Tigne Point for 2 years prior and moved out earlier this year as liked the idea of Fort Cambridge being more modern. Personally we can't wait until the end of our tenancy and move back to ... Read More
Banif Bank by iamharibo
I would love to hear from anyone who is using or has used Banif bank. I've been using them since January and have had nothing but problems. * They take 4-5 working days to clear a payment that most other banks would do in 3 days. * When I pay for ...
From personal experience I have had once up and running an entirely different experience. I tried banking with BoV and HSBC but returned to BANIF - the internet banking is easier and more reliable from my own experience than BoV. I've had ... Read More
New bus fares and cards by F0xgl0ve
If you have not seen the article in the 'Times of Malta' the link below will take you to the new ticket/fares/card system for the ...
cards are being sent out to the address on your e-residence card even if you've recently changed address and used another address on the application form. Read More
Will I have enough? by martinaw
It's that old cost of living chestnut once more. I know it's done to death, but it can be hard to translate others' experiences Into my own. My wife is keen to move but is worried about the finances. I feel we would be OK, but i was ...
around EUR 3,000 per annum for Chiswick is about right - probably slightly more as this is based on kindergarten (age 5). Read More
Recommendations of Gozo Hotels by Sam4321
We're hoping to spend a weekend exploring Gozo for my husband's 40th birthday, so we'd like a really nice hotel with a family friendly pool if possible. Can anybody living there give a recommendation?
I went last month via Trip Advisor. http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g1096300-d7766397-Holiday_maisonette_in_Fort_Chambray_Gozo_Malta-Ghajnsielem_Island_of_Gozo. Twice we've been to Gozo now and we much preferred our stay in ... Read More
Recommendations of Gozo Hotels by Sam4321
We're hoping to spend a weekend exploring Gozo for my husband's 40th birthday, so we'd like a really nice hotel with a family friendly pool if possible. Can anybody living there give a recommendation?
We did something similar last year and stayed at the Kempinski. However have just returned from Gozo having stayed in a duplex apartment at Fort Chambray - would highly recommend this. Read More
Is Portomaso a nice area to live by mattb1982
Hey, I'm going to be moving to Malta with my girlfriend and 6 month old son in a couple of weeks. I visited much earlier this year and loved Portomaso. I'm a little concerned that for the entire summer the area is totally full of drunken ...
Laura Harron at Perry's or Michaela Tabone at Remax both based at Spinola Bay branch were both really helpful. Read More
Is Portomaso a nice area to live by mattb1982
Hey, I'm going to be moving to Malta with my girlfriend and 6 month old son in a couple of weeks. I visited much earlier this year and loved Portomaso. I'm a little concerned that for the entire summer the area is totally full of drunken ...
I looked at Portomaso 2 years ago for the same reason and so glad we didn't move there. Don鈥檛 get me wrong it鈥檚 a nice place to go for an evening meal or nice walk at weekends from Sliema to St Julians but for us it wasn鈥檛 the ... Read More
Banif Bank by iamharibo
I would love to hear from anyone who is using or has used Banif bank. I've been using them since January and have had nothing but problems. * They take 4-5 working days to clear a payment that most other banks would do in 3 days. * When I pay for ...
BANIF will open without the e-residence card but will require a Malta Tax registration number. They might also ask for a 鈧�150 deposit, and agreement to pay 鈧�50 a month into a savings account which they release after the first 12 months. Read More
Chemist Direct
Many thanks for the link (and 拢5 off) managed to order paediatric movicol sachets which are not available in Malta and only usually available in the UK with a prescription. Read More
Renting a flat with a dog by terrapin68
Hi My family and I will be moving to Malta at the end of February/beginning of March and had a flat all organised, with help from a Maltese friend. Our UK home is sold (just waiting to exchange contracts) and half the house is packed or stored. We ...
We were warned our options would be extremely limited and this is neither because we hadn't put in the effort nor had commons sense just what we found out when we asked around (letting agents who we had a good relationship with and landlords we ... Read More
Renting a flat with a dog by terrapin68
Hi My family and I will be moving to Malta at the end of February/beginning of March and had a flat all organised, with help from a Maltese friend. Our UK home is sold (just waiting to exchange contracts) and half the house is packed or stored. We ...
I have recently been looking for a new apartment and mentioned that we wanted the option to have a small dog. Out of 8 properties viewed, all except 1 rejected the idea immediately. We were warned that if we wanted the landlord to accept a dog we ... 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 ...
When I read the original post I agreed with everyone that once a month is too intrusive, but this week we're just trying to finalise a contract where the original lease stated access for inspection at a minimum twice a month - we pushed back so ... Read More
Location To Live With These Requirements by reggietarrent
Hi all, First post here. The forum seems very active and helpful so hopefully i can get some clarity. I am relocating to Malta in January/February and am looking to rent a very modern, contemporary (high end?) two bedroom apartment (penthouse ...
Sliema is a great place to live and we鈥檙e glad we chose the area as our first location for 2 years. Now that we鈥檙e more settled and have a routine I鈥檒l happily consider other locations such as staying in Sliema but moving closer ... Read More
Location To Live With These Requirements by reggietarrent
Hi all, First post here. The forum seems very active and helpful so hopefully i can get some clarity. I am relocating to Malta in January/February and am looking to rent a very modern, contemporary (high end?) two bedroom apartment (penthouse ...
Sounds like a very similar situation to myself a couple of years ago. I live in sliema and opted for st julians (Aragon House Business Centre) for offices although also had looked at ta xbiex, and sliema for office space and very limited quality ... Read More
Legal advice on employment contract termination by Dingles
Hi Expats :-) I was recently terminated from my position, and am now struggling to get my notice pay from my employer. I am aware that the minimum notice period set by law is 1 week, but my employment contract has a very bold clause that states ...
I agree with Ricky but can add from my personal experience in a similar position earlier this year but as the employer which might help. Here鈥檚 a copy of the legislation I was referring ... Read More
LOOKING FOR A JOB! by allyrose1234
Hey! Im ally, i moved to malta last month form the uk and I'm looking for a job!!! But i can't seem to find anything in shops or bars even though i have handed out a load of cv's!!!! I really need a job, so i can make friends and not ...
Not sure if any use but Nine West in the Point at Sliema are advertising and new shop Buttlers in Sliema (opposite Next) are recruiting (Agenda at The Plazza are advertising the role). Read More
HR Manager salary in Malta by Tajci
Hi, Can anyone point out of average salary of HR Manager for International company in Malta. The position is middle management. I am having second interview with the employer and need to do my homework before asking any salary. Been trying to ...
Depends on the industry - a number of agencies issue salary surveys each year. 2013 benchmark for Financial Services for a HR Manager mean 41,000 and top 50,000 with 8-10 years experience. Sorry can't comment on other industries but guess ... Read More
recruitment agencies malta? by dingdangdoo
Generally is there alot of chasing up needed with recruitment agencies there? are they slow in geting back etc? Is there a large tendancy to hire locally as opposed to applying from ireland. Anything i need to know regarding protocol with ...
Just to add from an employer prospective recruiting using agencies is just as frustrating on the island. Read More
Learning Maltese? by RoyR5085
I am just curious but as expat learnt the Maltese language since moving to Malta or using the language in every day life...do the Maltese people have an expectation that you should do?
Can highly recommend the Maltese for Foreigners series by C. D. Saliba which were first published end of last year. Level 1 My First 750 Words in Maltese Maltese for Foreigners: Speaking Maltese Available in Agenda Bookshops or amazon. Read More
Is there a gym around st Julians? by Katia_88
Hi, Can anyone recommend a gym in the area of Julians, Swieqi, or Sliema? I don't have a car so I need something within a walking distance from Pacaville. Also, can you give me some indication in regards to the prices? Cheers ;)
I joined last year the Hilton gym - around EUR 70 a month but just cancelled and signed up recently at Hotel Intercontinental gym - was impressed with the gym/facilities/people and convenience (can access opposite FIM Bank offices rather than going ... Read More
Banif Bank by iamharibo
I would love to hear from anyone who is using or has used Banif bank. I've been using them since January and have had nothing but problems. * They take 4-5 working days to clear a payment that most other banks would do in 3 days. * When I pay for ...
unfortunately a big negative from me so far - took 4 weeks before they sent out debit card to a wrong address then insisted they couldn't waive the fee to reissue a new card. Currently in a standoff with them on the point and threatening to close ... 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 ...
The small print on the account opening form I signed when opening my BANIF account last week stated in return for a free debit card and internet banking they would also open a savings account of which EUR 100 or the 150 initial deposit would be ... Read More
long term car lease by Corrin
Hiya, does anyone lease a car? How much does it cost you for a family sized car and where would you recommend hiring from? Corrin x
If still considering leasing then worth speaking to Mizzi Motors who have a leasing department (Godfrey Mangion +356 23264524) - he was very honest and upfront and can give you some options - although it would more than likely be a new car he ... Read More
long term car lease by Corrin
Hiya, does anyone lease a car? How much does it cost you for a family sized car and where would you recommend hiring from? Corrin x
Our car was 1 year and 50 weeks when we moved over 聳 I held on to it in the UK to keep our options open but the import tax was too high. In hindsight had I known how difficult it was to get a decent long lease car I would have delayed moving to ... Read More
long term car lease by Corrin
Hiya, does anyone lease a car? How much does it cost you for a family sized car and where would you recommend hiring from? Corrin x
I looked at the long lease option last year and found it to be one of the hardest things to sort out 聳 I specifically wanted an automatic which probably didn聮t help but the options presented to me by various companies was extremely limited and poor ... Read More
Moving to Malta with 3 1/2 year old twins by famproe94
Hi everyone! We will be moving to Malta from Cyprus within the next couple of months with our twin girls (3 1/2 years of age). We have been following the conversations on the topic of private kindergartens in the forum and based on what we read we ...
Not sure if any help but we came across last year with our son who was also 3 陆 and chose Sliema. We were highly recommended Nikkis Nursery in Sliema by a Maltese friend although we never looked into this option but were assured it was a good ... Read More
Private Health Insurance
Possibly Global Capital who sells BUPA? Read More
Christmas tree by pgl
Does anyone know where to get a Christmas tree - fake or real?
another one for the christmas store at Piazza Tigne - tree similar quality to John Lewis. Read More
Remax/Frank Salt by maltaangel
Does anyone have a contact or actual person recommendation for either of these property companies, or indeed any other company recommendations. I am very disappointed with the lack of (basically no) communication from 3 weeks of wish lists, ...
on the commercial side I found Frank Salt to be extremely helpful both when I was in London enquiring about office space in Malta and since being on the island dealing with them by email/telephone and face to face. Joseph Pace is the Manager of ... Read More
where is the good hairdresser in sliema area? by Lorraine81
hi everyone, My husband and I move here in Malta recenlty and I would like to know where is the good hairdresser in sliema area? Thanks
Morning I'm fortunate that Dean cuts my hair, I believe he only works in that salon a few days a week, working at his other salons at Corinthia Palace Hotel the others. My Partner has her hair styled by someone else in the salon and was equally as ... Read More
where is the good hairdresser in sliema area? by Lorraine81
hi everyone, My husband and I move here in Malta recenlty and I would like to know where is the good hairdresser in sliema area? Thanks
Highly recommend Dean Gera at The Point for both women and mens hair Read More