Duty Free means that no excise duty is payable to the Government (HM Revenue & Customs) on the items purchased. Items classed as Duty Free must be exported outside of the EU (European Union) and therefore are only sold to passengers flying to non-EU countries.

This Duty Free status applies to all cigarettes, tobacco and selected spirits. Shopping at Tax Free Prices is available at the Malta International Airport Departure Lounge after security. The Tax Free Price is calculated by deducting VAT (which is 20%) from the selling price. Items sold at Tax Free Prices include: fragrances, skincare, cosmetics, sunglasses, watches, jewellery and handbags.

On your way out of Malta, Duty Free allowances for each adult are:

• 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in cigars or tobacco;
• 1 bottle of spirits;
• 1 bottle of wine;
• a reasonable amount of perfumes or aftershaves.

In the duty-free section, you can also find a variety of souvenirs, sportswear, and CDs and other music related items. Leaving the escalator on the first floor and entering the first floor area, one has plenty of opportunity of browsing the Duty Free Shops at the Malta International Airport Departure Lounge. Items for sale in these shops include many popular brand names and exclusive goods.

These shops are a must for last minute shoppers and people who are looking for that elusive item for that friend or relative. They will definitely come across something for their friends and loved ones here. Shopaholics, too, can have a field day by spoiling themselves and buying something personal such as perfume, a scarf, watch etc. Although much of Duty Free Shopping has mellowed due to the fact that it does not exist between EU countries, there is still a thrill when making a purchase from one of these exclusive establishments.

Normally people use wigs to cover up their bald patches but in other cases, a wig is used as an imposition of power, such as judges and magistrates in the UK who still don this rather retrograde type of head dress. In fact, wigs were worn quite frequently in earlier times especially in the 16th to the 18th century when almost everyone of some account, be it a man or a woman donned the wig, usually in long white curly locks.

However by the 19th century, the wig had fallen into decline and today it is used more as a curious instrument than a daily form of attire.

Wigs are usually made from human hair or even horse hair in some cases and there are varying degrees of accuracy so some wigs may appear rather stupid on the person if they arent properly made. In fact the procedure to construct a wig is a fairly complex one and includes several steps which must be properly followed if success is to be achieved with the final product. With several hair treatments around, the use of a wig may seem to be slightly passe’ but there’s no denying the fact that a properly worn wig will probably pass muster as natural hair except for the most eagled eyed of observers.

In malta, wearing a wig does have its negataive connotations – in fact a former Prime Minister was endlessly cajoled for wearing one with a vast number of epithets being used against him. However today’s society has become much more tolerant of this form of cover up for baldness.

Hair Wigs Tips:

• Some shades of whitness in a black or brown coloured wig may make it look more natural;
• Human hair is the best substitute, so wigs should ideally be made from that.

The Point shopping centre was opened on Monday 29th March 2010, by Malta’s Prime Minister, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi. With a central piazza, the shopping centre is on three levels with 14,000 square meters of retail space.

At present there are over 50 retailers with a presence at The Point Malta, including some big international names. The flagship store is international retail giant Debenhams – and The Point is the department store’s first location in Malta. Debenhams now has branches worldwide and is known for excellent fashion, beauty and lifestyle items at very reasonable prices. There is a fantastic cosmetics department selling premium brands and fragrances. The men’s and women’s clothing sections have a wide choice, with a whole range of sizes of underwear, clothing and swimwear. Their special ranges include lingerie and swimsuits for the fuller-busted woman – something that can be difficult to find in Malta, at least at reasonable prices. You can also find the “Designers at Debenhams” collection – specially created lines from designers such as Matthew Williamson and John Rocha, again at low prices. The outlet also sells a good range of children’s clothes.

On the Piazza level, you can find designer and high-street shops such as Guess, Reebok, Sun Lab, Hilfiger Denim, Lacoste and Springfield, as well as a choice of cafes where you can grab a coffee or a snack. Going down one level, outlets include Malta’s first New Look store, Agenda, Franks, Pull and Bear and M&S Simply Food. On the bottom level, you can shop at Benetton, Aldo, Sisley and Adidas amongst others. There’s ample parking at The Point and the mall opens Monday-Saturday from 9.30am to 7.30pm.

Over recent years, they have become more mainstream and you can now find them on the high street and in shopping malls.

A popular chain in the UK is Ann Summers, a hit with women because of its clean and fun image; the company is now expanding into Europe, with a branch in Valencia, Spain.

Malta is one of the most religious countries in Europe; one of only two countries worldwide without divorce, for example, and so is rather conservative when compared to the rest of Europe. There are strict laws governing pornography in Malta, so sex shops don’t exist in the more traditional sense. You won’t find sex shops per se, but chemists do sell the Durex “Play” range, including sex toys, lubricant and massage products, however this is fairly tame when compared with what’s available in Europe.

Several online adult shops will deliver to Malta, which means that, essentially, you can buy the “adventurous” products that are available elsewhere. Click here to buy sex toys or lingerie at Ann Summers! (Offering discreet billing, packaging and delivery to Malta)

Strict laws prevent some items being advertised, although one company that embarked on mail-order services to Malta as far back as 1999, managed to advertise ‘toys for girls, toys for boys, lingerie, bondage-related items, condoms, greeting cards, videos, lubricants and catalogues’.

Sex sells, and never more than today when The Internet means that anything is available, to anyone, anywhere. Click on the banner below for latest offers and discounts!

Lidl Supermarket Malta

Since setting up store in Malta a few years back, five stores have already been opened in different localities: St. Venera, San Gwann, Luqa, Safi and the latest addition in Zejtun.

All are immensely popular and busy thanks to their good quality and cheap prices. Their stores are well organised and spacious but we all know that the Maltese do love a bargain (just like everyone else after all) so If you wish to avoid the crowds I would recommend doing your shopping at Lidl during the week in the early afternoon if possible.

List of addresses in Malta:

1. Triq Triq il-Karmnu, Luqa
2. Triq San Gwann, Safi
3. Triq ic-Ciklamini, San Gwann
4. Triq il-Kappillan Mifsud, Santa Venera
5. Tal-Barrani Road Ghaxaq, Zejtun

Opening hours for all Lidl Stores:

Monday to Saturday: 7:30 – 19:00
Fridays: 07:30 – 21:00

Arkadia Supermarket

Arkadia have two supermarkets on the Maltese islands. One is located in the Portomaso area in St. Julians in Malta and the other is the Arkadia Shopping Centre in Victoria Gozo. These supermarkets are synonymous with quality and choice and only offer the best brands and products at fair and reasonable prices. They are also renowned for offering a vast range of products related to foreign cuisines, which are difficult to find anywhere else in the Maltese islands.

Free delivery and complementary two-hour parking is available at their Portomaso store for all customers who spend over €15 in store. Orders can also be done over the phone or by email and free delivery is offered if you spend €70 or more. Loyalty schemes are also available. Ask in store or check their website for more information.

Arkadia supermarkets consist of:

• Butcher
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Fishmonger
• Deli
• Frozen foods
• Car Park

Details:

Arkadia Foodstore, Portomaso Car Park, St Julians, Malta – Tel: 21 382333
Arkadia Foodstore, Arkadia Commercial Centre, Victoria, Gozo – Tel: 22 103316
Email: delivery@arkadiafoodstore.com
Website: arkadia.com.mt

Opening Hours:

Gozo – Monday to Saturday: 08:00 – 19:00
Portomaso – Monday to Saturday: 08:00 – 20:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 13:00

GS Supermarkets

GS is a franchise, which falls under the Carrefour brand, the largest retailer in Europe with over 12,000 stores.

In Malta GS has 9 supermarkets offering high value products throughout at good prices. Each of the nine supermarkets has retained their original names but all fall under the GS brand name. Standard offers can be found in all of these supermarkets.

All GS supermarkets have the same loyalty scheme which can be used in any of the nine supermarkets. More information on their scheme can be found either in store or on their website: http://www.gsmalta.com

Details:

Lasco Discount Store, Triq il-Pres Anton Butti?ie?, ?ejtun – Tel: 21 807667 (7AM – 7PM Mon to Sat)
Park Towers Supermarket, Triq ?or? Bor? Olivier, San ?iljan – Tel: 21 378520 (7.30AM – 7.30PM Mon to Sat)
Park Towers Supermarket, Psaila Street, Santa Venera – Tel: 21 480807 (7.30AM – 7.30PM Mon to Sat)
Shoppers Discount Supermarket, Triq il-Kbira, Mellie?a – Tel: 21 523746 (7.30AM – 7PM Mon to Sat)
Shopwise Discount Store, Triq l-Imdina, Qormi – Tel: 21 466951 (8AM – 7PM Mon to Sat)
Tower Supermarket Complex Ltd, Triq il-Kbira, Sliema – Tel: 21 345586 (8AM – 8PM Mon to Sat)
Trolees Supermarket, Triq il-Merluzz, Qawra – Tel: 21 581772 (7AM – 7PM Mon to Sat)
GS Superstore, Parish Street, Naxxar – Tel: 23 382338 (7.30AM – 7.30PM Daily)

Scotts Supermarkets

I am aware that Scotts have quite a few supermarkets in Malta however I have only used their Burmarrad and Attard branches. As I cannot seem to find their website (is it possible that they don’t have one?) I cannot provide you with much information, except what I know through my own personal experiences.
Their prices are relatively cheap and their product range is vast. However it would be nice if a butcher and a fishmonger would also be available in store (I don’t know if any of their other stores have these). Their fruit and vegetables not the freshest produce either which is a shame as I don’t like to hop around from one place to another to get my shopping done. On the whole though shopping at Scotts is pleasant and economic enough.

As far as I know Scotts have supermarkets in; Attard, Burmarrad, Zabbar, Zejtun and Naxxar. Please feel free to post any further information including opening hours and any other available information.

PAVI Shopping Complex Malta

Opened in 2006 and located in Qormi in the centre of Malta it covers 16,000 square meters making it the largest supermarket on the island by far. PAVI offers more than 40, 000 products spread over 9 kilometres of shelving.

All items are located on one floor with a well-planned logical layout and wide isles giving the shoppers the space they need to manoeuvre comfortably and find whatever they are looking for easily. Twenty-five -checkout points facilitate a constant and fast flow of shoppers during busy periods with minimum waiting and queuing times.

At PAVI you can find a Butcher, Fishmonger, Green grocer, Bakery, Health Store, Deli, Car wash and a DIY section.

Other retail facilities include:

• La Castellana Trattoria/Cafeteri
• Agenda Bookshop
• Go Mobile Telecom Outlet
• Heavenscent Perfumery
• Alistair Florist
• Natius Ola – Hair & Beauty Parlour
• Atlas Insurance
• BOV ATM Facilities
• Banif Bank
• Pizza Hut (OPENING SOON)

Situated at the basement level, one can find La Vigna Wine & Gourmet cellar. Offered here are over 1300 wines and gourmet food over an area of 500 square meters. Spirits, tobacco, decanters, stemware, accessories and gifts are also available. La Vigna Wine & Gourmet cellar can also be booked for wine-tasting sessions, seminars and product launches.

Online shopping is available at pavi.com.mt and all major credit cards are accepted along with BOV and APS debit cards. You can choose to pick up your shopping directly from the shop or have it delivered to your doorstep.

In order to be able to shop online one must have a PAVI Bonus Card, which also allows you to gain one point with every Euro spent redeemable against items available at PAVI supermarket and other establishments such as ZARA and more. Instructions on how to apply for PAVI bonus card can be find on their website. Orders can also be taken over the telephone.

PAVI supermarket also offers great prizes on weekly basis, check their website for more info.

Contact details:
PAVI Shopping Complex
Manuel Dimech Street
Qormi
Malta
Tel: 22700227
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 09:00 – 20:00, Friday: 09:00 – 21:00 & Saturday: 08:00 – 19:00

Smart Supermarket

The actual Smart supermarket opened in 1981 after the owner decided to shift his business from the production of shirts to the supermarket business. Smart supermarket was opened in the space previously used as the shirt factory, which meant space was rather limited. In the year 2000 Smart supermarket received a much-needed extension making it one of the largest and cheapest supermarkets in Malta.

Smart supermarket located in the B’kara in the centre of Malta consists of the following facilities:

• Salumeria
• Fish Shop
• BHS Clothes shop
• Butcher
• B R Guest Cafeteria
• Deli
• Oriental foods (produced by Smart supermarket)
• Bakery
• Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
• Frozen foods
• Heaven Scent Perfumery
• Household Goods
• Migmar Clothes & nightwear
• Toymagic Toyshop
• Telecom Electronics
• Car park

Loyalty schemes and online shopping are available and deliveries are made to any location on the island.

Contact details:
Smart Supermarket
Naxxar Road
Birkirkara
Malta
Tel: 21442728
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:00 – 19:00, Friday: 7:00 – 21:00 & Saturday: 7:00 – 18:30

It is also said the Roman Emperor Nero (the guy who had his mother executed) watched gladiator games using an emerald as a corrective lens. However it is not exactly clear who and when came up with the concept of wearing glasses but it is estimated that it was sometime during the 13th century.

To think that till around 50 years ago most people would rather walk around half blind than be caught wearing glasses. My own mother (who is as blind as a bat without her glasses) admits that when she was a young child her mother would not allow her to wear her glasses outside of the house as this was considered a taboo. People who wore glasses were frowned upon for some reason, which I cannot quite grasp. Thankfully such taboos have been kicked out and we can now walk around without bumping and tripping on everything in our way.

Not only are people not ashamed to wear eyeglasses anymore but they have now also become a stylish fashion item and a highly profitable industry with most renowned fashion designers branching into this industry. They have become such a fashion icon that some people wear glasses even though they don’t need to. Maybe it gives a person the impression that they look more professional or more intellectual. Actress Katherine Heigl, who plays Dr Izzie Stevens in the hit TV show Grey’s anatomy, admits that she wore eyeglasses for her audition in an attempt to make herself look more intelligent. I’m guessing it worked!

Since prescription glasses have gained popularity all major designer houses such as Gucci, Armani, Chanel, Dolce e Gabbana, Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Rayban and many more have all launched their own glasses line with new models being released constantly.

Prescription eyeglasses, as well as designer sunglasses are not just a fashion statement. Looking after one’s eyes is something that should be on everyone’s agenda. Have your eyesight tested regularly, at least once a year. This can be done by appointment in most optical shops in Malta or at your local pharmacy. However to check your eyes properly to ensure that they are in good health you should visit an Ophthalmologist. These doctors will not only check your eyesight but the overall condition of your eyes. Ask your GP for more information on this.

If you do need to wear prescription glasses, the doctor will give you a prescription, which states how strong your lenses need to be. Once you choose the glasses you would like to purchase, the optical shop will fit in the correct lenses for you, usually within a few days. Prices will range depending on the strength and type of the lenses. For one’s convenience, cheap sunglasses are usually for sale at same shops too.

If you are looking for designer prescription glasses in Malta here are a few optical shops you should visit:

K-Optics Opticians – 5, Rocklands, Windson Street, Sliema
Mario Dispensing Opticians – 57, Main Gate Street, Victoria, Gozo
O’Hea Opticians – 191, The Strand, Gzira
Optika Opticians – 17, The Strand, Sliema
P. Muscat Opticians – 38, Republic Street, Valletta
Tanti Opticians – Valletta, Birkirara, Paola and Sliema

All major known brands such as DELL, IBM, Apple and Sony among many others are available. Most distributors also provide all types of accessories and software to go with your computer plus an array of services to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

Scan Computers Malta

Scan is the largest computer shop in the Maltese islands and a Microsoft certified partner. It consists of two large shops, one in Iklin in the centre of Malta and the other in Marsa in the Harbour district. They sell a vast array of computers and computer related products.

They pride themselves in constantly providing the latest brands and products at reasonable prices while also providing excellent customer care during and after a sale. Choosing the right computer can be a daunting task as there are so many different variations, however their down to earth well-trained team will ensure that you make the right purchase.

This computer shop in Malta offers brands such as Acer, Nintendo, HP, Apple, Lexma and Sony among many others. They also offer a vast array of products such as: webcams, DVD players, gaming consoles, TFT monitors, notebooks, scanners and printers.

Scan’s main showroom is in Marsa in Aldo Moro Street. You can contact them by phone:

• Sales: (+356) 23 315555
• Servicing: (+356) 23 315115
• Accounts: (+356) 23 315112

Opening hours:

• Marsa/Iklin Showroom
  Monday to Friday: 09.00-13.00 & 14.00-19.00
  Saturday: 09.00-12.30
• Servicing (Marsa)
  Monday to Friday: 09.00-12.30 & 14.00-17.00
  Saturday: 09.00-12.30

Scan computers accept all major credit cards and also the Student Smart Card. Parking is also provided.

Merlin Computer Shop Malta

Merlin computers are a Fujitsu Siemens computers certified partner and one of the most established IT solution providers in Malta. They specialize in the supply and installation of stand-alone systems, networks, CAD applications and offices systems. Merlin Computers also provide tailor-made software packages.

They offer a vast range of products which include Fujitsu-Siemens PC’s Notebooks and Servers, Fujitsu Printers, Scanners and Hard Disks, Schneider Computer Systems, Emerson UPS Units from Liebert Europe, Plotters and Cutters from Mutoh, Modems from Zoltrix, Scanners and Digital cameras from Mustek, Novell Network Operating Systems and workflow packages, Network Equipment from Micronet and Allied Telesyn, Filers and Net Cache from Network Appliance, as well as various other products such as drives, monitors, peripherals and consumables from reputable suppliers.

This computer shop can be found at Merlin House, Mountbatten Street, Hamrun or you can phone them on telephone number is (+356) 21 222388.

Merlin computers accept major credit card and Student Smart Card.

A-Z Electronics

A-Z electronics is one of the most popular computer shops Malta, it’s a 7-storey building which includes an IT Supermarket, Audio Video Centre, service on the spot workshop and a car park.

Among the many brands one can find Cooler Master, Gigabyte, HP, Epson, Canon, Intel, AMD, Seagate, Microsoft and many more at A-Z electronics. Among their numerous clients they provide services and equipment to many government departments.

Their contact details are A to Z Electronics Ltd, Mompalao Building, Tower Road, Msida and can be reached by phone on (+356) 21 319555 too.

Malta’s warm climate aids the growth of many beautiful flowers such as Alstroemeria, which is available all year round and comes in wide variety of colours. Gerbera also grow all year round and come in a spectacular range or colours, from white to Italian Pink.

The Iris grows locally from December to April while the Tulips grow from December to March. Other locally grown flowers include Lilium, Lisianthus and Carnations.

Many florists, such as Flower Power Malta, also offer many imported flowers and usually will take specific orders on demand.

If you are not sure what flowers to get and have little time available to visit premises to purchase them worry not! Most florists in Malta now offer an online service. Their websites not only give you ideas on what types of flowers are appropriate for what occasion, but online purchase is also possible. Payment is also very simple and secure. Most florists accept payment online by either Credit Card, Debit Card and some even accept payment by PayPal.

Most florists will deliver the flowers you order by the next day, however this may vary slightly according to which florist you use. Therefore it is important that you always check the florists delivery policy on their website or call them to ask.

It is also important to remember that if you’re ordering flowers for certain occasions such as Valentine’s day or Mothers day (among others) it may be prudent to order the flowers as early as possible, since these occasions are the busiest periods for florists. They usually recommend you make your order at least one week before you want it to be delivered.

Also remember that the flowers you order may vary slightly according to availability and season and that it is very important that the correct address and contact details are given. If you want the flowers delivered to a place of work you must also let the florist know the working/opening hours of the establishment.

Some florists may charge a small delivery fee however there are florists, which make free deliveries. Certain florists may also have a minimum quantity order for online orders.

Hereunder you can find a list of florists in Malta:

• Central Flower Shop – 160, The Strand, Gzira – Tel: (+356) 21 311963
• F. Zammit Garden Centre Co Ltd – 22, Valletta Road, Qormi – Tel: (+356) 21 487188
• Flower Power Malta – Ta’ Qali, Balzan – Tel: (+356) 21 436181
• Flowerzone – Dun Luqa Street, Sannat, Gozo – Tel: (+356) 21 550110
• Il-Qronfla Flower Shop – 253, Main Street, Balzan – Tel: (+356) 21 442600
• Romano Cassar Ltd – 24, Hammieri Road, Qormi – Tel: (+356) 21 441264

Do leave a comment below if you know of more florists which as not included already, thanks.

PC’s powered by Microsoft’s operating system are to-date dominating the market, however there is an ever increasing demand even locally for Apple computers too.

Although there are few Mac shops in Malta, prices are nevertheless quite competitive.

A popular Apple shop in Malta is iCentre by SG Solutions. This store is located in Pieta, a town close to Valletta, the capital city of Malta. They don’t have a website yet, but I understand it will be available very shortly too. Having said that, I suggest you shop around for prices, because you will find very interesting offers online for MacBooks, iPhone, iPod, etc. I will be listing on this page the best Mac prices I find too.

If you’re looking for an Apple laptop, you should take a look at the MacBook range. The new MacBook Pro is awesome and is said to be the world’s lightest and thinnest 17-inch notebook available on the market today. It comes standard with 4GB of memory, 320GB hard disk space, Nvidia GeForce 9600M with 512MB and an impressive built-in 8 hour battery. You can buy all Apple laptops, even the latest models, from any Mac shop in Malta.

The latest iPhone 3G or iPod Touch are available at reasonable prices locally too. You will also find good offers from all authorized Malta Apple shops for the iPod shuffle, nano or classic as well as many accessories such as in-ear headphones, leather cases, armband, universal dock and even for the Apple TV. If you need more information about Macs, you can visit the blog of my friend, he’s crazy about them! Feel free to leave below your reviews or comments of any Apple product.

If you know about the cheapest Apple store online which can ship to Malta, kindly let us know!