Digital Helpers for Malta: The Best Apps for International Expats – Digital Tools

Why You Cant Survive Malta Without the Right Apps

Lets be honest: When I first landed in Malta two years ago, I thought I had it all under control. Google Maps, WhatsApp, banking app – what could possibly go wrong? Spoiler alert: a lot.

The first reality check hit me at the bus station in Valletta. According to Google, the next bus to Sliema was due every 15 minutes. Forty-five minutes sweating in the blazing sun later, I realised: Malta plays by its own rules. Without the right digital helpers, youll look just like that stereotypical tourist puzzling over a map held the wrong way round.

Malta might be tiny – just 316 square kilometres (≈122 sq mi) – but the island has its own quirks when it comes to all things digital. It starts with buses that seem to run by the phases of the moon and ends with government apps that can save you hours, if you know the right ones.

The Three Phases of Surviving Malta

Depending on whether youre staying for two weeks, six months or for good, youll need different digital support:

• Phase 1 – Survive (1-4 weeks): Transport, restaurants, WiFi hotspots
• Phase 2 – Settle In (1-6 months): Finding a place to live, connecting with the community, running errands at government offices
• Phase 3 – Live (6+ months): Banking, health system, local services

What does this mean for you? Dont just download every app you see – focus on what you actually need for your current phase. Your iPhone storage will thank you.

Transport & Navigation Apps Malta: When the Bus Leaves You Stranded (Again)

Lets start with the obvious: No car in Malta means you take the bus. And taking the bus in Malta means you need buckets of patience. But with the right apps, the ordeal at least becomes a manageable adventure.

Malta Public Transport App

The official Malta Public Transport app is your digital lifeline. Not because its perfect – its definitely not – but because its the only source with anything close to up-to-date bus times.

What the app does:

• Real-time bus arrivals (usually)
• Route planning from A to B
• Find nearby bus stops
• Show ticket prices

What it doesnt do: Tell you why the bus isnt coming, even though its showing as on the way. Happens more often than you’d think, especially on popular routes to Gozo or St. Julian’s.

Tallinja Card App

The Tallinja Card is your bus ticket in digital form. Without it, you pay cash — and you’ll pay a lot more: single journeys cost €2 instead of €0.75 with the card. The app shows your balance and reminds you to top up.

Insider tip: Always top up online, not at an ATM. The machines are notoriously broken or only take coins — which, of course, you never have.

Moovit Malta

While the official app can be moody, Moovit is often more accurate for arrival times. It combines official data with real-time updates from the community — other users report if buses turn up or don’t.

Taxi and Ride-Sharing Apps

If the bus lets you down yet again (and it will), taxis or ride-sharing are next. The reality: Uber doesn’t exist in Malta. Bolt tried and failed. So what’s left?

eCabs Malta: The biggest local taxi app. Works like Uber but is often pricier, and the wait times can be brutal — especially at night or when it rains.

Cool Travel Malta: Cheaper than eCabs, but fewer drivers around. Good for bookings in advance, not so much for spontaneous trips.

What does this mean for you? Always have a Plan B (and C) for getting around. The bus might show up, the taxi might arrive, but walking always works.

Housing & Community Apps Malta: From Finding a Flatshare to the Neighbourhood WhatsApp Group

Looking for an apartment in Malta is basically a full-time job — just without the pay. If you’re a digital nomad or longer-term expat, you’ll quickly realise: the best flats are never listed online. It’s all about word of mouth, WhatsApp groups, and local connections.

Property24 Malta

Property24 is the Maltese version of Immobilienscout24. Here, you’ll find most of the officially available rentals — or at least the ones that get listed at all.

Reality check: The prices in the app are often bait offers. Expect to pay 20-30% more, especially in hotspots like Sliema or St. Julian’s. A one-bedroom in Sliema realistically costs €800-1,200 (even if the listing claims €600).

Frank Salt & Simon Estates Apps

The big estate agents have their own apps with exclusive offers. Frank Salt is the market leader; Simon Estates is often cheaper but with fewer listings.

Insider tip: Turn on push notifications for new listings. Good apartments are snapped up within hours. I literally viewed my current flat just 20 minutes after it was posted.

Facebook Groups – The Unofficial Housing Market

This is where real Malta expat life happens. These Facebook groups are a must:

• Accommodation in Malta (30,000+ members) – the main marketplace
• Malta Expats – covers all aspects of expat life, not just housing
• Flatshares Malta – specifically for shared apartments
• Germans in Malta – German-speaking community

Key WhatsApp groups:

You’ll find the links for local WhatsApp groups via these Facebook groups. That’s where true insider tips are shared — from soon-to-be-available flats to group supermarket orders.

Bolt Food & Wolt for Move-In Day

It might sound strange, but it works: If you’ve just moved in and don’t yet have a fridge, delivery services will save you. Bolt Food and Wolt are the two main players in Malta.

What does this mean for you? Start with the Facebook groups, even if you’re not a fan. Malta’s expat community is small enough that everyone knows everyone, but big enough to help with any problem.

Banking & Authority Apps Malta: Going Digital with Maltas Paperwork

This is where things get interesting — and by interesting I mean: Holy crap, do I really need three different apps just to send money? Yes, Malta loves its bureaucracy, but at least its getting more digital bit by bit.

Banking Apps – The Digital Minefield

Malta has a handful of major banks, each with its own digital quirks. Here are the important players:

Bank of Valletta (BOV) App:
Malta’s biggest bank with — surprisingly — the most solid app. Online banking usually works, transfers are simple, and the app will even show you where to find the nearest ATM (handy, because many are broken).

HSBC Malta App:
If you’re already an HSBC customer in another country, switching over is easy. The app is modern, but opening a local account takes forever. I’m talking 4–6 weeks.

Revolut & N26:
Both work fine for day-to-day use in Malta. Revolut is especially handy for currency exchange, if you’re getting paid from elsewhere in the EU.

Government Apps – Yes, They Actually Exist

MyGov Malta:
The official government app has become genuinely usable. You can:

• File tax returns
• Book appointments at government offices
• Apply for documents (police certificate, apostille, etc.)
• See your social security data

Identity Malta App:
For all things related to your ID card. The Maltese ID card is your key to everything — without it, nothing gets done. The app helps with booking appointments and tracking your status.

Tax Apps and Tools

Inland Revenue (Malta Tax) App:
Filing a tax return is mandatory in Malta, even for EU citizens. The app makes it bearable, even if it looks like something from the early 2000s.

Important: Malta’s tax system is complex, with different rates depending on your residency status. Get professional advice before you do anything — the app is no substitute for an accountant.

Insurance Apps

Mapfre Malta & GasanMamo Apps:
Health insurance is mandatory in Malta. These two providers have the best apps for claims and doctor appointments.

What does this mean for you? Invest the effort to set these apps up as soon as you have your Maltese paperwork. They’ll literally save you days in queues.

Everyday Life & Services Apps Malta: From Online Pharmacies to Food Delivery

Daily life in Malta comes with its own challenges. Supermarkets close on Sundays, pharmacies take siestas, and everything feels smaller and more limited than you’re used to. Luckily, there are apps for that.

Supermarket & Grocery Apps

Lidl Plus Malta:
Yes, Malta has Lidl, and the app works just like back home. Digital coupons, flyers, and — for expats — notification about German weeks in-store.

Greens Supermarket App:
The local “premium” supermarket with online ordering and delivery. More expensive than Lidl, but you’ll find home comforts you’d otherwise miss.

Pavi Supermarket:
Maltas largest supermarket chain. The app is basic, but you can order online and have everything delivered — especially handy for heavy stuff like crates of drinks.

Pharmacies and Health

Pharmacy.mt:
Online pharmacy with delivery service. You cant get prescription meds, but for everything else it’s a lifesaver. Especially when you’ve forgotten all the pharmacies close on Sundays.

Pharmacy On-Call App:
Shows you the nearest open pharmacy. Sounds simple — but its worth its weight in gold if you need painkillers at 10 p.m.

Utilities – Power, Water, Internet

Enemalta App:
State power company. Use the app to pay your bill and — importantly — report and track power cuts. Yes, they really do happen more than you might think.

Water Services Corporation (WSC) App:
For water bills and outage reports. Malta occasionally has water shortages, especially in summer on Gozo.

GO Malta & Melita Apps:
The two major internet/telecom providers. Check your data usage, pay bills, or book a technician directly via app.

Household Helpers and Services

TaskRabbit Malta:
Not officially available yet, but Moovn and FixIt Malta do the same job. Book handymen, cleaners, or assembly services via app.

Zaarly Malta:
Local marketplace for all sorts of services. From house cleaning to dog sitting.

What does this mean for you? Download these apps before you actually need them. When the power cuts out or you’re sick, it’s not the best time to be searching for new apps.

Emergency & Health Apps Malta: When Things Get Serious

The Maltese health system is… lets call it an acquired taste. As an EU citizen, you’re entitled to free care, but waiting times can be brutal. These apps will help when it counts most.

Emergency Apps

112 Malta Emergency App:
The official emergency app. Automatically sends your location and can make silent emergency calls. Works over SMS even if you’re offline.

What3Words:
Malta is tiny, but addresses can be confusing. What3Words divides the world into 3x3m squares with unique three-word codes. The emergency services know it and will find you faster.

Health System Apps

myHealth Malta:
The official app for Malta’s public health system. Book appointments at clinics and access your medical records. Warning: Appointments are often 3–6 months out.

Private Healthcare Apps:

• St. James Hospital App: Private clinic with short wait times, but pricey

On-Call Pharmacy

Duty Pharmacy Malta:
Shows you the nearest on-duty pharmacy. Malta runs a rotating system — every day, a different pharmacy stays open late.

Mental Health

Richmond Foundation Malta:
Local mental health charity with hotline and chat support. Adjusting as an expat can be tough — don’t hesitate to seek help.

BetterHelp & Headspace:
International platforms that work in Malta. If youd rather speak German or your own language.

Insurance Apps for Emergencies

EHIC App (European Health Insurance Card):
Displays your EHIC number digitally in case you forget your physical card. Works in all EU countries.

What does this mean for you? Hopefully youll never need these apps. But if you do, youll be glad you installed and set them up in advance.

Entertainment & Social Apps Malta: Malta Off the Tourist Track

Malta isn’t just about red tape and paperwork. The island has a surprisingly lively scene — if you know where to look. Here are the apps that reveal the real Malta.

Event and Nightlife Apps

Whats On Malta:
The best app for all kinds of events: from underground parties in abandoned forts to classical concerts in Valletta. Mostly used by locals, so you’ll actually discover cool things.

TimeOut Malta:
A bit more touristy, but reliable for bigger events. Perfect when you’re just getting started and still finding your feet.

Dating and Social

Tinder/Bumble Malta:
Works exactly like anywhere else, but Malta is so small that you’ll run out of people within two weeks. Still, great for meeting other expats.

Meetup Malta:
This is where real social networking happens. Groups like “Malta Digital Nomads,” “Germans in Malta,” or “Malta Hikers” meet up all the time.

Sports and Leisure

Malta Football Association (MFA) App:
If you’re into local football. Malta’s league is amateur, but the atmosphere is authentic.

Strava:
Malta is perfect for running and cycling. There’s an active Strava community organising group runs regularly.

Culture and History

Heritage Malta App:
Digital tours of all historic sites. Malta has 7,000 years of history — this app makes sure you don’t miss out.

Malta Tourism Authority App:
Touristy, but helpful for hidden beaches and hiking trails — even most locals don’t know some of these.

Food and Restaurants

Zomato Malta:
Reviews and bookings for restaurants. Especially handy: you can see which places are open right now (Malta opening hours are unpredictable).

TheFork Malta:
Book restaurants with discounts. Lots of top places offer 20–50% off through the app.

Local Insider Apps

Lovin Malta:
Local online magazine with an app. Find out what’s really happening — from political scandals to new beach clubs.

MaltaToday:
Straight news from Malta. As an expat, you need to know what’s going on — Malta’s small, and politics affects everyone.

What does this mean for you? Social media is even more important in Malta. It’s a small island, everyone knows everyone, and without the right connections, you’ll miss out on the good stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malta Apps

Do German/European apps work in Malta?

Yes, almost all EU apps work without problems. Especially handy: German banking apps (N26, DKB), Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime. The only exception: some streaming services have different content libraries.

Which apps do I need in my first 48 hours?

The absolute essentials: Malta Public Transport, Tallinja Card, eCabs, Bolt Food, 112 Malta Emergency, and a banking app. Youll survive your first few days, guaranteed.

Are Maltese apps in English?

Yes, practically all apps are in English. Malta is officially bilingual (Maltese and English), but all digital services run in English.

Are apps more expensive in Malta than in Germany?

No, app prices are standard across the EU. Only the services behind them might cost more — taxi apps, for example, as taxis are generally pricier in Malta than in Germany.

Does my German online banking work in Malta?

Yes, but you should inform your bank you’re moving. Otherwise, you might run into security blocks if you suddenly log in from Malta.

Which apps help with finding an apartment?

Property24 Malta is the main marketplace, but the best deals are found in Facebook groups like Accommodation in Malta. WhatsApp groups are essential for insider tips.

Is there Uber or Lyft in Malta?

No, neither service is available. eCabs Malta is the local alternative, but its pricier and often not available. Always have backup plans.

Do I need special apps for Gozo?

Most Malta apps also work on Gozo, but with restrictions. Especially delivery and taxis are limited on Gozo. Make sure to get the Gozo Channel App for ferry timetables.