GPLW
English expat in Malta
Forum posts
50
About me
English
Lives in Gozo
Registration: 11 December 2012
Does a no paid internship need a work permit? by Erin Liu
Hello, I am a student currently study tourism management in the Netherlands. Starting from February, I will have a 20 weeks internship in a tourism company in Malta. It is none financial compensation internship and is included in my study program. ...
I know someone in a similar situation to you who has just started an internship. He is a non-EU student, at university in France, with a three year Schengen visa. He had no problem getting in to Malta. Read More
Leaving Malta- Deregistion? by Lusi888
I am lleaving Malta soon. Anyone knows what should I do?? Just leave Malta or fill in some form?? Thanks a lot.
Maybe get a police conduct certificate if you are going to look for employment elsewhere. Read More
Do you need to tip in Malta?? by Guestposter879
Today a lady at the kebab place gave me a look.... I hesitated to leave a few cents but from my short experience in this island I never seen anyone leaving a tip either. In Spain you don't, in Italy it depends on the area, in France is a federal ...
Before leaving a tip, it may be worth asking who receives the money. In a number of restaurants that I know of, it is the owner that gets the money not the waiter/ress. In such cases I don鈥檛 tip. Where the waiter/ress gets it, I do, usually ... Read More
Property purchase in Malta
This is rumour. You may find the seller asking you to pay most of the price declared to the tax authorities with a small proportion undeclared in cash. This reduces the sellers tax bill. The Maltese are known for the enthusiasm in paying tax, so, if ... Read More
Buying prperty in Malta by ciarano
Hi Im looking to move to Malta ( Im from the EU) and hope to buy a property. However , Im confused as various sites state a minimum price I can buy a property for. They vary from 100000 EUR to 350000. Has anyone any experience in buying property ...
Maybe, maybe not. It is possible this is as a result of an internet search, with English or Maltese not being the first language and therefore a misunderstanding. If you don't ask the right question, you won't get the right answer. Read More
Question about Micro-climates on Malta by Ajdoane1
I am trying to find out about the different micro-climates on Malta and Gozo. I would greatly appreciate any info that you can share. Thank you!
In high winds, which are common in winter, valleys and buildings funnel the wind to make it seem stronger. Predominant winds are from the west. In summer, urban areas and individual buildings trap the heat at night but are cooler during the day. ... Read More
Article on Maltese opinion of silence by felinefine81
I read this article today and it stood out to me because of the issues I'm having while trying to get used to the noise here. ...
I live between two houses which are rented out to holidaymakers. In my experience, the noisiest are the Maltese, with people shouting, barking dogs, late night parties around the pool and loud music. Usually a polite request is sufficient to reduce ... Read More
Malta a threat for summer 2016 by MrCowboyEast
Hi all, I really don't like to post this kind of subject, but was wondering what the situation was and your thoughts and opinions on the matter. I keep coming to some articles online about the threats to Malta and the EU shorelines (beaches) ...
Headlines. Any terrorist activity which involves deaths in Europe will get headlines. Smuggled fuel is big business. Tankers are offloaded at sea into other boats. The most recent article: ... Read More
Malta a threat for summer 2016 by MrCowboyEast
Hi all, I really don't like to post this kind of subject, but was wondering what the situation was and your thoughts and opinions on the matter. I keep coming to some articles online about the threats to Malta and the EU shorelines (beaches) ...
Smuggling between North Africa is big business. Ask why there are so many applications for new fuel stations and why so many of the existing ones demand cash only. Of course not all fuel stations break the law. The recent small plane crash landing ... Read More
Malta a threat for summer 2016 by MrCowboyEast
Hi all, I really don't like to post this kind of subject, but was wondering what the situation was and your thoughts and opinions on the matter. I keep coming to some articles online about the threats to Malta and the EU shorelines (beaches) ...
Terrorists are looking to create fear and make headlines. In my opinion, nowhere is safe and everywhere/everybody can be a target. As security services inrease protection of prime targets (Heathrow, Euro 16, aircraft, etc) terrorists will turn to ... Read More
Britain to leave EU! by F0xgl0ve
1 GBP = 1.2339 EUR The GBP/EUR rate as of 24 Jun 2016 at 7:57 AM Nice to get an automatic cut in income of around 15% - Thank you Boris and Farage. Ray
British fisherman destroyed the fish stocks in the North Sea by overfishing. Fish stocks have recovered as a result of EU policies to the extent that, one example, cod, once almost wiped out in the North Sea are again abundant. If the British ... Read More
Winters in Malta by macaulayrg2003
Hi am I from Glasgow and looking to retire next year and was looking to move to Malta mid 2017. I have seen various threads about the winters in Malta are they really that bad?. Cause we have had 40 days and nights of rain, cold weather etc. etc. ...
The mould problem depends on the house. I don't have a dehumidifier but do use a gas heater in the room I occupy in the day and an elecric blanket on the bed. The gas heater causes no problem in the room where I live but does cause a lot of ... Read More
How safe is Malta considering it's proximity to Libya/Tunisia etc by yoanka1980
I am considering moving to Malta with my husband and our 2 year old (currently living in Ireland). This might sound like a silly question, but I would just like to ask your opinion regarding Malta's safety in terms of terror threats, the ...
A spokesman for ISIS stated that one of their aims was to reconquer Spain as parts of Spain had been a muslim country until the early 1600s. After that conquest maybe Malta will be the next target as Malta was muslim until the early 1000s. Read More
Excessive water bill - possible leak? by blackangelheart
Happy new year everyone! :) I'm hoping some of you might have an idea of what's going on with our excessive water bill. Before we finally moved into our permanent place we stayed in a short let organised by the same estate agent who we ...
If your landlord reduced the charge, based on the general reputation of Maltese landlords (other Maltese landlords are available), there is a scam of one sort or another in operation. Read More
Commuting with scooter, rollerblade, self-balancing scooter? by Soni84
Hi! I'm wondering if the above options are viable in Malta. It can cut a 1 hour walk into half if there is place for that. And my daily sport would also be done with commuting :) I heard cycling is suicidal there, but as the above are mostly ...
There is a facebook page, Bicycling Advocacy Group, for information on cycling on Malta. Read More
Looking for places selling beer
Living on Gozo, I visit Malta occasionally. I would be interested to know about bars that sell bottled beer as opposed to lager or drinks similar to Farsons' Hop Leaf rather than Cisk. I have already found two, both in San Giljan/St Julians. ... Read More
Volunteering in Malta by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Malta? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes have ...
I started about six weeks ago teaching English at one of the centres in Hal Far. I do one session a week, 17.00 - 1900. I find it interesting and enjoyable. Read More
Pint prices in Pubs by rtintle
I just drank 4 pints of Cisk at the Beachhaven in St Pauls Bay. 鈧�16.00!!! Is that record for Malta, or have you paid more? Most Pubs charge 鈧�2.20 to 2.90
When you pay too much, to make it worse, the measure is not a pint but a half litre. (1 L = 1.75975398639 pint UK) 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 ...
I don't think it is as simple as paying every two hours or just paying twice a day. A payment is made for every journey. If it is a journey from A to B, involving changes of bus, then, payment is every two hours and it is the start of the final ... Read More
Vehicle Registration - Arrived as tourist, decided to work and stay by LeoK
Hi to all, I would be really grateful for any assistance on this issue! I arrived in May in Malta, planning to stay a couple of months to visit my girlfriend who is working on the island. During my time here, I decided that I wanted to stay ...
Slightly off topic, but last Tuesday, on the edge of Paceville, I saw two motorbike policemen talking to the driver of a British registered black Jaguar. About 30 minutes later sitting in a bar at the side of the road in St Julians, I saw the same ... 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 ...
There are some lovely comments on the Tallinja facebook page. But Tallinja writes: 'Hi all, all cards have been sent and you should be receiving them shortly. Thanks' and: 'If you have not received your card by the end of today ... 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 ...
It was said higher up the thread that the new system will not start until all the cards have been sent out. 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 ...
My card arrived this morning. All going well for public transport on Gozo. An already good service introduced by Arriva has been improved upon by the new service provider. On the bus route near where I live, the bus is every hour with departures ... 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 ...
The new cards are being delivered by post. There were announcements about this on local news and in the local press. The new timetable was delivered to all houses. It is in a booklet with the title "Your New Bus Routes". If you have ... Read More
Exchanging UK driving license for a Maltese license by Maria00091
Hello, I'm after some information if any one can help, my full clean UK driving license has to be exchanged due to work here in Malta. How long does this process take? Can I speed it up? What correspondence do they have with the DVLA can I ...
As mentioned above, the time taken relies on a reply from DVLA. Don't fall into the trap that many on here seem to do, of blaming Maltese inefficiency, when the problem is elsewhere. 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 ...
All seems to be going well on the launch of the new bus routes and ticket system. Cards due to be delivered by post soon and new routes and timetable to be introduced on Gozo next week, with the changes on Malta happening later. Also special cards ... 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 ...
Just applied for mine. Where the form requires an id card number, the residence document number was deemed to be not valid. Instead I used my old id card number (the number printed on the back of the card) and that was accepted. I received an ... Read More
Expats vs. Immigrants: what's in a name? by nilonilonilo
Interesting piece in the Guardian :) http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/mar/13/white-people-expats-immigrants-migration?CMP=fb_gu
I agree with you on that redmik. Praise in public but keep criticism to yourself. Read More
Expats vs. Immigrants: what's in a name? by nilonilonilo
Interesting piece in the Guardian :) http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/mar/13/white-people-expats-immigrants-migration?CMP=fb_gu
Some time ago, I wrote a letter to The Times of Malta on the topic of water bills and ARMS. I referred to myself as an 'immigrant' and referred to 'my fellow immigrants'. This letter was published, but had been edited. The word ... Read More
Property: Buying vs Renting by New Horizonz
I'd like to collect in one place people's sentiments, emotions, eperience and especially information on the subject. Many people are against buying a property in Malta, but exactly for what reason? Are there people already bought or ...
The last earthquakes to affect Malta were on the 19th and 20th November last year. The last earthquake to cause significant damage, particularly on Gozo, was in 1911. (The last major earthquake in San Francisco, 1906) There is some eveidence to ... Read More
Property: Buying vs Renting by New Horizonz
I'd like to collect in one place people's sentiments, emotions, eperience and especially information on the subject. Many people are against buying a property in Malta, but exactly for what reason? Are there people already bought or ...
I own. No mortgage. No regrets; No desire to sell. 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!
The best heater that does not cause damp or mould is your own body heat. Wear an extra layer of clothing to conserve more of it. I know nothing about asthma. For an arthritis sufferer, Malta, having such high levels of humidity, is probably not ... Read More
working as a waiter in Malta, do you get tips? by mauro1975
Hi everyone, just wondering if anybody here has any experience in the restaurant industry, do you get any tips on top of your salary??Obviously provided that you are giving good service ;-) Thanks in advance..
I work occasional shifts in a restaurant on Gozo where tips are not shared with staff, but are kept by the owners. The only exception is if the money is given directly to the waiter, in which case he/she is allowed to keep the tip. I know of three ... Read More
Renting direct from owner website by maximusm03
Hi everyone. Does anybody know of a good and updated website where one can find properties let directly by owners? I am aware of Malta Park, but it seems like 95% of content goes through letting agencies. I also know that the newspaper Times of ...
Try airbnb.com and search Malta. Many may be only short term, but you may get a long let if you ask. Read More
Grocery supermarkets in Xlendi by GavinGillard
Post removed by user.
There is a mobile shop that visits Xlendi, but I do not know which days or at what time. The nearest supemarket is in Munxar, just up the hill. Read More
bank accounts by houseboxboy7zdb
I have had a bank account with the bank of Valletta now for over 20 years but I have not used it for at least 15 of those years, does anyone know how long an inactive account is kept open by the banks. I am coming over to Malta this Saturday for a ...
I was in similar circumstances. I moved here permanently two years ago but had a Bank of Valletta account that I had opened in the 80s and then not used from the early 1990s to 2012. There was a small amount of money in it, approximately 聙50. I had ... Read More
Cockroaches by stevies
Greetings to all in Malta, Just curious to know if there is infestation of COCKROACHES in the residential blocks. Or of other pests so to speak. Thanks in advance.
Where I used to live it was said that if you had cockroaches in the house, you did not have mice. If you had mice in the house, you did not have snakes. If you had snakes in the house, you did not have .... So, count your blessings, you don't have ... Read More
Sauerkraut or Pickled Cabbage by GPLW
Does anybody know if it is possible to make sauerkraut or pickled cabbage in the Mediterranean climate? My garden has produced a surfeit of cabbages and I am wondering what to do with them. I have obtained recipes but can find no advice on whether ...
@pgl: Thanks. The fridge would be the sensible option but I am too mean to turn it on. I presume in the days before fridges and electricity, sauerkraut was kept in a cellar or other cool room. That brings me back to my original question. Read More
Sauerkraut or Pickled Cabbage by GPLW
Does anybody know if it is possible to make sauerkraut or pickled cabbage in the Mediterranean climate? My garden has produced a surfeit of cabbages and I am wondering what to do with them. I have obtained recipes but can find no advice on whether ...
@ ECS Thanks for the link. Your search was more fruitful than mine. I will shred, crush, salt and add carraway seeds this morning and then leave to ferment. At this time of year, I don't think keeping the temperature down is too much of a problem as ... Read More
Sauerkraut or Pickled Cabbage by GPLW
Does anybody know if it is possible to make sauerkraut or pickled cabbage in the Mediterranean climate? My garden has produced a surfeit of cabbages and I am wondering what to do with them. I have obtained recipes but can find no advice on whether ...
@ pgl I think they are the same thing, but sauerkraut is specifically a German word while pickled cabbage is more general. I would agree, making it is easy, but does it keep in the Maltese climate? Read More
Sauerkraut or Pickled Cabbage
Does anybody know if it is possible to make sauerkraut or pickled cabbage in the Mediterranean climate? My garden has produced a surfeit of cabbages and I am wondering what to do with them. I have obtained recipes but can find no advice on whether ... 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
I received my RHA Card this morning. You can apply by post with certified (by the police) copies of passport and residence certificate or visit the office. If you haven't got a residence certificate, you get a provisional entitlement certificate ... Read More
New I.D. card rules by tearnet
This should boost income tax revenues.:D The Government of Malta intends to review the current process for the issue of the ID Cards to foreigners. The new format of residence document applies to EU/EEA/Swiss and Non-EU nationals. The Changes ...
Incidentally, the e-mail I received also had the following, although I have added the highlight. "In the case of EU nationals who are already registered with the Department and who were issued with a stand alone registration document according to ... Read More
New I.D. card rules by tearnet
This should boost income tax revenues.:D The Government of Malta intends to review the current process for the issue of the ID Cards to foreigners. The new format of residence document applies to EU/EEA/Swiss and Non-EU nationals. The Changes ...
Today I picked up my "Registration Certification" (or "Residence Documentation for a European Union National") from the Dept. for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs (in Melita Street) which I applied for beginning of December. It says "Valid Until: ... Read More
What docs are required for Residency Card? by sarah101
Hi, We are heading tomorrow to Valetta to apply for our Residency Cards. Can someone tell me what docs they would require us to take with us? We have signed for an apartment in St Julian's which we move into on the 15th so have an address. We are ...
Sorry, it is my way of differentiating between id card and residence certificate and also because the id card comes from the electoral register office. Read More
What docs are required for Residency Card? by sarah101
Hi, We are heading tomorrow to Valetta to apply for our Residency Cards. Can someone tell me what docs they would require us to take with us? We have signed for an apartment in St Julian's which we move into on the 15th so have an address. We are ...
I wrote about my application for a residence certificate earlier. It was very straightforward. Maybe applying by post made it easier. For the health cover. Either have private medical insurance or, if a UK citizen, go to the 'Entitlement Unit', 23 ... Read More
What docs are required for Residency Card? by sarah101
Hi, We are heading tomorrow to Valetta to apply for our Residency Cards. Can someone tell me what docs they would require us to take with us? We have signed for an apartment in St Julian's which we move into on the 15th so have an address. We are ...
For redmik: I used form CEA 21, downloaded and printed from a govt. website. (This link may work: www.mfa.gov.mt/.../CEA21-%20EU%20National or try searching for CEA 21 Malta.) I arrived in January and only got round to filling in the form late ... Read More
What docs are required for Residency Card? by sarah101
Hi, We are heading tomorrow to Valetta to apply for our Residency Cards. Can someone tell me what docs they would require us to take with us? We have signed for an apartment in St Julian's which we move into on the 15th so have an address. We are ...
Picked up my residence certificate yesterday. The documents required are clearly explained in the notes on the application form. I applied by post which seemed to have been a good choice as the queue at the office was very long. From posting the ... Read More