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Adjusting to Life in Malta: Tips for Filipino Expats

Adjusting to Life in Malta: Tips for Filipino Expats

25 Apr 2025


Malta, with its stunning Mediterranean coastline, rich cultural history, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, has become a popular destination for Filipino expats. If you're a Filipino moving to Malta for work, studies, or a fresh start, adjusting to life in a new country can seem overwhelming. But don't worry—with the right approach, you’ll soon find yourself at home in this beautiful European country.

In this guide, we’ll explore some useful tips to help you settle into life in Malta, including how to adapt to the local culture, find work, and manage your finances effectively. Plus, we’ll give you information on how you can easily send money to Philippines from Slovakia to support your family back home.

Getting to Know Malta’s Culture and Lifestyle

As a Filipino expat in Malta, adjusting to a new culture is one of the first steps to settling in. While Malta is an English-speaking country, there are still several cultural nuances to understand. Here are some tips to help you ease into the Maltese way of life:

1. Language and Communication

Although Maltese is the national language of Malta, English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas, businesses, and government institutions. Filipinos generally find it easy to communicate since most of us are fluent in English.

Maltese Words to Know

While English is widely spoken, it’s helpful to learn a few common Maltese phrases to show respect and blend in better. Simple words like "grazzi" (thank you) or "bonġu" (good morning) will help you connect with locals.

Polite Communication

Malta’s communication style is friendly and polite. People tend to be formal at first, but they are quick to warm up and be more casual once they get to know you.

2. Cuisine and Eating Habits

Filipinos are known for their love of food, and Malta’s cuisine, influenced by both Italian and North African flavors, can be a delight to explore. As you settle in, you’ll want to try some traditional Maltese dishes such as:

  • Pastizzi: A delicious, flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese or peas.

     
  • Ħobż biż-Żejt: A Maltese bread sandwich filled with tuna, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
  • Lampuki: A local fish dish, often served with potatoes and vegetables.

While adjusting to the food culture in Malta is an exciting part of your expat experience, don’t worry – Filipino food is widely available in many areas, especially in communities with a large expat population. You’ll easily find familiar ingredients to prepare home-cooked meals.

Finding Work in Malta as a Filipino Expat

One of the most important aspects of adjusting to life in Malta is securing a stable job. Fortunately, the country has a variety of industries looking for skilled workers, making it easier for Filipino expats to find employment.

1. Popular Sectors for Filipino Workers

Filipinos are highly regarded for their work ethic, customer service skills, and reliability. This makes Filipinos in Malta well-suited for positions in several key industries:

Tourism and Hospitality

With its vibrant tourism industry, Malta offers numerous job opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

Healthcare and Elderly Care

Filipinos are highly sought after in the healthcare sector, especially in caregiving and nursing positions.

Information Technology and Finance

Malta is home to a growing tech and finance sector, with many international companies looking for skilled workers in IT, finance, and customer support.

2. Work Culture in Malta

The Maltese work culture is generally relaxed but professional. While the pace may be slower than what you might be used to in bigger cities, people are still committed to doing their jobs well. It’s important to maintain a respectful attitude and be patient as you adapt to the new work environment.

Work Hours

The typical workweek in Malta is 40 hours, with a workday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon for lunch (known as "siesta").

Public Holidays

Malta celebrates numerous public holidays, many of which are rooted in religious and cultural traditions. Understanding these holidays will help you adjust to the local work-life balance.

Managing Your Finances in Malta

As a Filipino expat, managing your finances effectively will help you make the most of your life in Malta. Malta has a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, but it’s still important to keep track of your expenses and ensure you can support both your life in Malta and your family back home in the Philippines.

1. Cost of Living in Malta

While Malta is considered affordable compared to many other European countries, the cost of living can vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Some areas, especially those popular with tourists, tend to be more expensive.

Accommodation

Renting a flat in central areas like Valletta or Sliema may cost more than living in quieter areas on the outskirts of the city.

Groceries and Utilities

Malta has a reasonable cost for groceries, and you can easily find stores that cater to Filipino expats, where you can buy familiar ingredients.

2. Remittance Services

As a Filipino expat in Malta, one of the key tasks you’ll need to handle is sending money to the Philippines. Whether it’s for family support, paying bills, or helping out with emergencies, sending money back home is an essential part of your expat life. Thankfully, there are several fast, secure, and affordable ways to send money to the Philippines online.

Online Remittance Services

Using online services with 4.8+ ratings on Trustpilot, like ACE Money Transfer, you can make a money transfer from Slovakia to Philippines with just a few clicks. The process is fast and secure, and you can send money to your family’s bank account, mobile wallet, or even for cash pickup at various locations.

Low Fees and Good Exchange Rates

With online platforms, you’ll often pay lower fees than traditional bank transfers, and you can get better exchange rates.

Convenience

You can send money at any time from your smartphone, ensuring that your family in the Philippines gets the support they need quickly and without hassle.

By using ACE Money Transfer, you can rest assured that your remittances are handled with care, ensuring your loved ones get the best service at competitive rates.

New Beginnings in Malta, Stronger Bonds with the Philippines!

Adjusting to life in Malta as a Filipino expat is a rewarding experience, offering opportunities for work, personal growth, and exploration. Whether you’re settling in Malta for work, studies, or a fresh start, you’ll find that the friendly atmosphere, cultural diversity, and work opportunities make it a great place to call home.

Manage your finances effectively and send money to Philippines online from Malta will help youManaging stay connected with your loved ones while adapting to your new life abroad. Using trusted services like ACE Money Transfer make sending money back home secure, fast, and affordable.

FAQs

How Can I Send Money to the Philippines from Malta?

You can easily send money to the Philippines from Malta using online money transfer services like ACE Money Transfer. Simply choose the amount, recipient, and payment method, and the funds will be transferred quickly and securely.

How Long Does It Take to Send Money to the Philippines?

The time it takes to send money to the Philippines can vary depending on the service you use. With ACE Money Transfer, most transactions are completed within minutes, so your family can receive the funds quickly.

What Are the Fees for Sending Money to the Philippines?

Fees vary depending on the amount you’re sending and the transfer method. ACE Money Transfer offers competitive rates with low fees, ensuring that more of your money reaches your family in the Philippines.

Is Malta Expensive for Filipino Expats?

Malta offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other European destinations. Accommodation, groceries, and utilities are reasonably priced, but central areas may cost more.

Can I Use ACE Money Transfer to Send Money from Malta to the Philippines?

Yes, ACE Money Transfer allows you to send money from Malta to the Philippines easily and securely. You can send funds directly to your family’s bank account or for cash pickup at a local agent.


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