This led to (and this list is by no means exhaustive): financial crisis, rising unemployment rates, less access to health care, drops in standards of education … understandably leaving many people in dire straits. In Europe alone there are now currently twenty three million people without a job.

In some ways Malta has been no exception. however, in 2010 it is encouraging to know that Malta (conversely) had the second largest fall in unemployment rates in Europe coming only subsequent to Austria: unemployment figures actually dropped from 7.2% to 6.5%. The number of people employed in Malta has risen since 2009: from 143,827 to 144,575: the biggest increase being within the private sector. For comparison purposes; the country worst hit with regards to rising unemployment as a consequence of the economic crisis highest was Latvia: with an unemployment rate now up from 13.2% to 20%.

The government are adamant that despite this crisis, encouraging signs are continuously being seen: especially as can be observed in the employment sector. However, for the budget 2011 the governmental proposition of recovering 10% of arrears includes a suggestion of cutting one out of every two jobs and a decrease in the number of new employees. Surely, this is undoing the good that has been done in 2010?

An area the government certainly failed in 2010 was health care. 4 million was supposed to have been spent to cut waiting lists in the health sector and only 206,000 euro was actually utilized. However in 2011 many positive proposals have been put forward that can only strengthen this important area and perhaps undo some of the harm caused in 2010: a decrease in the price of medicine, 16 new medicine availabilities (11 of which are cancer treatments), and a further investment of 33 million.

Further positive monetary allocations have been proposed as follows:

• Invest €41 milion on the roads
• Investment of €1 million for environmental studies
• €500,000 for the promotion of tourism in Gozo as a destination
• Investment of a further €32 million towards education
• €1 million in the rent subsidy scheme
• €33 million in the health sector
• Allocation of €250,000 in assistance to attract foreign organizations
• A training programme for all those earning a minimum wage. All
  those who will participate in this training will be given an allowance
  of €25 per week.

Areas in which the budget will increase expenditure for the public:

• Tourism: an increase from 5% to 7% in VAT
• An increase on fuel prices of 3c per liter
• An increase of 3 to 4% in excise duty on tobacco products
• An increase of 13% on tax of spirits and 1c per beer

The budget is quite a complex and specialist area: which many lay people of the general public do not understand. As the changes of 2011 will affect everybody, it is important that the people of Malta try to comprehend and thus take part in ensuring Malta remains an economically viable place to continue to live and the Maltese quality of life.

In 2009, Malta had the fifth-highest electricity prices in the EU but gas prices, although having risen; remain competitive with the rest of Europe. Due to this, it’s worth investing in gas heaters, hobs and ovens, as this works out much cheaper than the electrical equivalent.

There are different electricity prices depending on whether you are classed as a “Domestic”, “Residential” or “Non-Residential”. Domestic rates are the cheapest, but many expats have discovered that they are paying “residential” rates, which are higher. In order to qualify for “Domestic” i.e. preferential rates, you need a certificate of residence, proof that you pay tax and to be able to show that you use this address as your primary (i.e. only) residence. If the bill goes to your landlord and is in their name, you may be paying the more expensive “Residential” rate. It’s worth investigating this as changing tariffs could save you a lot of money.

For 2010, the rates for Domestic and Residential tariffs are as follows:

Domestic Consumption (Prices)
0-2000 (€0.161)
2001-6000 (€0.173)
6001-10000 (€0.189)
10001-20000 (€0.360)
20000+ (€0.620)

Residential Consumption (Prices)
0-2000 (€0.210)
2001-6000 (€0.223)
6001-10000 (€0.238)
10001-20000 (€0.440)
20000+ (€0.700)

There isn’t any piped gas in Malta and domestic gas is delivered in bottles on a weekly basis. These are generally in 10kg and 12kg sizes, and these cost €11.10 and €13.10. The domestic supply is usually an LPG mix.

There are a wide range of properties available for rental, including villas, houses of character, terraced houses, maisonettes and apartments. Apartments are by far the most popular type of rental property in Malta, as they are relatively inexpensive.

Most properties are listed as fully furnished, but unfurnished properties are available too. Property rental prices in Malta depend on three main factors:

• Size of property. Obviously a villa will cost more than an apartment
• Quality of the property. A brand new apartment with quality furnishings, new appliances etc will generally cost more than an older equivalent sized property equipped with older furniture and appliances.
• Location. The south of the island is typically less expensive than the north. A property situated in a lifestyle development such as Portomaso, Tigne Point or Madliena Village will be more expensive than one in a stand alone block.

From scanning the “To Let” section of newspapers, you will get an idea of what’s available, where and at what price. Renting a two-bedroomed furnished apartment will cost around 250 – 350Euros per month in the southern villages, around 350-550Euros elsewhere on Malta, and up to 2,000Euros in a premier lifestyle development. Renting a farmhouse or house of character with three bedrooms and a pool can cost anywhere from 850Euros per month on Gozo, to 3,000Euros per month, depending on location, in Malta. Villas with a pool, especially those situated on the prestigious Santa Marija Estate, are typically rented out for a minimum of 2,000Euros per month.

In addition to the monthly rental, a deposit will be required by the landlord. this is typically one month’s rent, which will be paid back upon vacating the property, as long as nothing is damaged and the property is left in a good condition. Most rental prices are exclusive of water and electricity bills.

Some people have a natural talent to sniff out a good bargain but for those who don’t be aware that few good places still exist in Malta where one can find a good bargain indeed! I am mostly referring to the open markets one finds scattered all over Malta, some on a daily basis and some on a weekly one.

Let us start with the most popular one, where you will find the best Malta bargains! The Valletta market, held from Monday to Friday in Merchant Street (the street parallel to Republic Street) starting early in the morning and lasting till early afternoon. Needless to say the earlier you go the more items you will find. The main items sold at the Valletta market are; Costume jewelery, clothes, CD’s and DVS’s, fabrics, souvenirs, household goods and religious icons. On Sundays Valletta has a flea market, held in the square near the bus terminus. The same types of items can be found along with an interesting collection of bric-a-brac. This market gets very busy so go early!

Marsaxlokk, the small fishing market in the South of Malta also has a daily open-air market. Among the usual bargains one can find in markets, here you can also find a vast array of fresh fish and seafood on sale every day. An early visit is surely recommended to get the freshest catch and a good parking spot. At the Marsaxlokk market you will also be able to find many of the typical Maltese delicacies such as different types of honey and bread among other things.

The open air Market in Mosta is held every Monday morning. Here you can find several Malta bargains too, including many clothes stalls, shoe stalls, jewellery stalls and plenty of household goods. Some Maltese delicacies and fresh vegetables are also available at very low prices.

Other open-air markets include:

Birkirkara – Wednesday and Friday
Luqa – Monday
Naxxar – Thursday
Paola – Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Qormi – Saturday
Rabat – Sunday
Ta’ Qali – Sunday
Victoria Gozo – daily
Vittoriosa/Birgu – Tuesday

Useful tips for bargain shopping at open-air markets:

1. Have a good look around before you buy an item. Usually a particular item will be available at more than one stall at different prices. So shop around for the best bargains.
2. If you are interested in buying an item which is an antique make sure it is authentic. If you know nothing about antiques try do some research before or take someone with you who is knowledgeable in such matters.
3. If you are buying food items make sure that they have been kept at the appropriate temperature.
4. If you’re any good at haggling give it a try.
5. Go as early as possible to any market. The earlier you go the more items you will find. Parking can also be difficult around markets which is another good reason to go early.
6. Take shopping bags with you. Remember you have to pay for plastic bags now.
7. If you are not sure which stalls are the best for certain items have a look around. The stalls with the most local people will usually be the best ones.
8. Some stalls can be very crowded. You will have to push your way to the front if you want to have a look (without hurting anyone possibly).
9. If you have young children be aware that making your way through with pushchairs will be quite a challenge. Maybe carrying them would make more sense.
10. Be aware of fakes and pirated CDs and DVDs. It is illegal to sell such items in Malta but these items can still be found in nearly every market.

St. Paul’s Bay

The area itself is renowned as a fishing village so it’s natural that my ultimate favourite fish and seafood restaurant is located here.

Ta’ Cassia Restaurant

This establishment never fails to transform my evening from a dinner to a true dining experience. Their menu is vast offering only the freshest dishes and ingredients. The surroundings are breath taking and the service is efficient friendly but not overbearing. In winter you can snuggle up inside by their real fireplace while in summer you can dine Al Fresco in their charming garden by the fountain.

Just the thought of their mood is making my mouth water. Try their fish soup (Aljotta) on a cold winters day or their marinated octopus for something a bit fresher. As a main ask what fresh fish is available or try their Grilled Calamari. Bookings are strongly recommended. Ta’ Cassia is open everyday for dinner and for Sunday lunch.

Contact details:
Ta’ Cassia Salina Restaurant
Triq il-Katakombi
Salina
Tel: 21 571435
E-mail: tacassia@mol.net.mt
Website: tacassia.com

Blue Grotto, Wied iz-Zurrieq Restaurants Malta

Located in the far south of the island of Malta there are plenty of restaurants in this locality to choose from. They all have thing in common; all specialize in fresh fish and seafood.

This locality may be a bit out of the way especially for people who don’t drive, but the food and the scenery are well worth the trip. It simply is one of the best (if not the best) locality for fresh fish and seafood without breaking the bank.

My personal favourite is the Congreve Channel Bar and Restaurant

I have been there plenty of times and I have never come out disappointed. Their dishes are all mouth watering and the surrounding views leave you speechless. The service is fast and efficient and the bill won’t give you heart palpitations at the end.

I recommend booking a table if you wish to go there during the weekend especially for Sunday lunch. Ask for a table by a window upstairs. You will get the best views!! Food wise I would recommend their shellfish platter. Ask the waiter what it consists of, as this will vary according to what is available and in season. It usually includes a variety of mussels and clams, prawns, octopus, and can include crab and oysters among other things.

Their contact details are:
Congreve Channel Bar and Restaurant
Congreve Street
Wied iz-Zurrieq
Qrendi
Tel: 21 647928

Malta Cigarette Prices

Cigarette prices in Malta, like almost every other country, are expensive mainly because of the high taxes governments impose on them. As it stands currently one can buy locally a packet of cigarettes for €3.70 to a maximum of €4.00 depending the brand.

Although Malta cigarette prices are increasing on a yearly basis, many Maltese people especially women keep consuming tobacco on regular basis.

The European Commission is doing its utmost to discourage people from consuming cigarettes and is planning to force such increase in prices regularly, hoping to achieve its aims.

Studies and statistics do indicate that people are less like to smoke, if Malta cigarette prices keep increasing.

Smoking in indoor public places was banned in Malta some years ago. This has led to an increase in demand for outdoor restaurants and bars. Having said that, the EU is considering banning such venues too. Will tobacco prices and more restrictions discourage locals from smoking? Some people might simply not afford the costs and will be forced to smoke less or even quit.

Malta tobacco prices are not the only costs which are effecting the cost of living. Fuel prices for example are increasing substantially too. Petrol prices in Malta where relatively cheap when compared to other countries in Europe, but things are changing pretty fast now. Unleaded and diesel fuel prices are now €1.24 per liter, whilst LRP petrol is slightly more expensive at €1.30 per liter.

As a consequence of the increase in fuel prices, Malta taxi prices are bound to increase too. Compared to the public bus transport, taxi costs have always been very expensive and such difference will more likely be even more noticeable in the near future.

Food prices in Malta

Malta food prices can vary a lot, depending the cuisine being served at the particular restaurant, it’s ambience and most definitely the location. The cheapest option will obviously be to buy food and drinks from supermarkets.

Maltese bread for example cost only around €0.50 and you can buy a packet of six 2 liter bottles for less than €2.50.

In take-aways or restaurants, food prices in Malta are more expensive than from a supermarket. One can find various small take-away outlets spread throughout the cities, mainly selling local products as well as imported food and drinks.

Some of the most popular ones are those selling cheesecakes (pastizzi in Maltese), pizza and lamb or chicken kebabs. Cheesecakes are sold for at least €0.35, small squares of pizza for around €0.70 and kebabs in the bread start from €5.50, from such outlets.

Malta restaurant prices (seated) are more expensive. A two course meal (starter and main dish) for 1 person will cost a minimum of €12 and a maximum of €40. One will find a variety of restaurants in Malta, offering Mediterranean, Maltese, French, Italian, Indian and many other different types of cuisines. Just to give you an idea, a whole 12 inch pizza will cost around €8, whilst a beef fillet taken as a main course can cost anything between €15 to €30, depending the restaurant. You will find more information about food in Malta, by using the search box above.

The price of beer in Malta is €1, i.e. for a half pint of local or imported beer. Prices are slightly cheaper when buying in bulk, especially from supermarkets. A pint of beer will cost around €1.50 the most from a bar in a touristic location. As regarding other Malta drinks prices such as alcohol, it’s usually sold for €1 a tot from random bars but cost can go up to even €3 a glass, from the most exclusive night clubs in Malta.