Don't move to Malta!!!
#61
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Cyprus. great weather and the tax situation is BETTER than anywhere else. Just about every Cypriot speaks English. been here since 2004.
#62
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2011
Location: Malta
Posts: 105
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Enjoy your time with the sardine munchers, much more healthy than pastizies.
#63
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 470
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
I found this thread fascinating. The OP's Malta experiences and perspective quite eye-opening and a bit shocking.
But as an alternative for those preferring island life, how about Iceland? Completely opposite from Malta. Remote, peaceful, quiet (except Reykjavik), and with vast expanses of unpopulated wilderness yet with social services and health care provided for permanent residents.
Sure, not lush like Mediterranean or Caribbean island escapes, but definitely not overcrowded. Food variety is limited and expensive. But it is an EEA country open to Brits and quite a different experience in itself.
But as an alternative for those preferring island life, how about Iceland? Completely opposite from Malta. Remote, peaceful, quiet (except Reykjavik), and with vast expanses of unpopulated wilderness yet with social services and health care provided for permanent residents.
Sure, not lush like Mediterranean or Caribbean island escapes, but definitely not overcrowded. Food variety is limited and expensive. But it is an EEA country open to Brits and quite a different experience in itself.
#64
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
....................and is almost completely devoid of Englishmen with the colonial mentality !
#66
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
No escape huh ?
#67
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Is that possible anywhere else?
#68
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Read somewhere that an over 65 retired couple could live on €1000/mth in Malta, everything all in .... furnished rental, utlities, TV/Internet/phone, transportation, medical, groceries, some amount of entertainment/eating out/takeaway - excludes travel outside of Malta/Gozo
Is that possible anywhere else?
Is that possible anywhere else?
#69
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
In Bulgaria that is certainly possible.
#70
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Read somewhere that an over 65 retired couple could live on €1000/mth in Malta, everything all in .... furnished rental, utlities, TV/Internet/phone, transportation, medical, groceries, some amount of entertainment/eating out/takeaway - excludes travel outside of Malta/Gozo
Is that possible anywhere else?
Is that possible anywhere else?
You won't afford a car or car insurance and the public transport is crap in Malta, food from the supermarket is fairly expensive, and in the summer you won't afford to put the air con on.
Most of the people I know in Malta are taking out loans to give their children a proper upbringing and live their lives whilst working multiple jobs.
I would say to live comfortably you'd need at the bare minimum 1500 EUR/month, I wouldn't move down for anything less than 2000/month net ie after tax.
Not2old - did your kids ever figure out the Maltese citizenship thing and did they end up in Malta for a while? What did they do for work and such while they were there?
#71
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Well we shall be putting this to test soon. It does really depend on ones lifestyle. We won't need a car, will be on Gozo and don't eat out very often.
Ray
Ray
#72
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 470
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Wondering if the Malta and Cyprus members here (or upcoming) are living near the beaches and sea? In addition to the warm weather, is it the coastal scenery and lower cost of living? Do you feel isolated at all (culturally or physically) or is that part of the enjoyment? Is language an issue or are you living near/with fellow Brits?
#73
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Here from Sunny Cyprus our view. From our balcony and also the banana transport.
#74
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Wondering if the Malta and Cyprus members here (or upcoming) are living near the beaches and sea? In addition to the warm weather, is it the coastal scenery and lower cost of living? Do you feel isolated at all (culturally or physically) or is that part of the enjoyment? Is language an issue or are you living near/with fellow Brits?
Cost of living as I covered above isn't really as low as people say it is, especially when you are trying to work and support yourself. I don't feel isolated but that's because Malta is rather like home to me. (I'm a Maltese national living abroad, my grandparents are Maltese) Culturally I fit in fine even though for all intents and purposes i'm "Canadian" - I fit in more with Maltese culture than I do with Canadian culture.
Language is not an issue - I don't speak Maltese. Most everyone speaks English and I understand enough Maltese to know when people are talking about me - although I am trying to learn the language it is a difficult thing to do abroad, and it is a difficult language to begin with.
Little bit O/T and maybe some not applicable to anyone's situation here because i'm not a Brit, i'm not retired, and I have a personal connection to the islands. But cheers anyway
#75
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 470
Re: Don't move to Malta!!!
Thanks themajor (nice views!) and Gozit. Sounds very interesting and am intrigued.
Last edited by Richard8655; Sep 20th 2016 at 2:43 pm.