Digital Helpers for Malta: The Top Apps for International Expats

Transport Apps Malta: Don’t Get Lost in Bus Chaos

Let me start with the brutal truth: Malta’s public transport is… unique. Buses run when they feel like it, routes change without notice, and drivers often take a coffee break unannounced. That’s why you need apps that can handle this Maltese reality.

Malta Public Transport App – Your Survival Tool for the Bus Jungle

The official Malta Public Transport App is your foundation for all bus rides. Honestly: it isn’t perfect, but it’s the best we’ve got. The app shows you real-time data for buses – theoretically, when the next bus arrives. In practice, “in 3 minutes” may mean “in 15,” but at least you know a bus is actually coming.

What the app can do:

• Plan routes between any locations in Malta
• Real-time data for most bus lines
• Integration with the Tallinja Card (Malta’s transport card)
• Offline timetables for emergencies

My practical tip: Always build in a 20-30 minute buffer, especially for anything important. Sometimes the bus is just full and drives past—you’ll see this more often than you’d like.

Bolt & eCabs – For When the Bus Just Doesn’t Show Up

In any emergency—or if you simply don’t want to play bus roulette—Bolt and eCabs will save the day. Bolt works in Malta just like it does in Berlin or Vienna: open the app, order a car, get in. eCabs is the local alternative and often a bit cheaper, especially for longer rides.

Reality Check: A taxi from the airport to Sliema will set you back 15-25 euros with either app, depending on the time of day. The bus costs 2 euros but takes 45 minutes instead of 20—it’s your call.

Waze Malta – Navigating Roadworks and Lost Tourists

If you drive in Malta (which I still consider an extreme sport after a year), Waze is essential. Google Maps works, but Waze has a more active Maltese community reporting construction, police checks, and closed streets faster.

Why Waze is especially important in Malta:

• Sudden street closures (especially in Valletta)
• Construction sites with no warning
• Festa parades blocking entire villages
• Tourist buses wedged in narrow streets

My experience: I once drove around Mdina for 40 minutes because Google Maps sent me through a Festa. Waze would have warned me—since then I swear by it.

Banking Apps for Malta Expats: Handling Money Without Fee Shock

Banking in Malta can get expensive if you use the wrong apps. I paid more in fees in my first few months than for my apartment – a mistake you wont have to make.

Revolut & Wise – Your Everyday Euro Saviors

Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are your best friends for daily life in Malta. Both offer real exchange rates without hidden markups and work at every Maltese ATM.

Revolut Malta Advantages:

• Free ATM withdrawals up to €200 per month
• Instant notifications for all spending
• Budgeting by category (crucial for Malta’s lifestyle)
• No worries about “suspicious” Malta transactions with your German bank

Wise Malta Experience:

• Better for larger transfers (rent, deposits)
• Multi-currency account with Maltese IBAN possible
• Transparent fee structure with no surprises
• Perfect for freelancers with international clients

Pro tip: Use Revolut for your day-to-day, and Wise for bigger sums. I sent my €2,500 rental deposit to Malta with only a €12 fee—that would’ve been €65 at my German bank.

BOV Mobile & HSBC Malta – The Local Heavyweights

If you stay in Malta long-term, you’ll eventually need a local account. Bank of Valletta (BOV) and HSBC Malta are the major players with the best apps.

Reality Check Opening an Account: Plan for at least 2-3 appointments. You’ll need a rental contract, proof of employment, and sometimes a letter of reference from your German bank. Yes, seriously.

Splitwise – When the Shared Flat Budget Gets Out of Hand

Splitwise is a life-saver for anyone sharing accommodation or splitting group expenses. In Malta’s expat community, sharing is the norm: Uber rides to the airport, grocery runs, restaurant bills.

Why Splitwise is so useful in Malta:

• Handles different currencies (great for visitors from Switzerland/UK)
• Reminds you of unpaid balances
• Integrates with Revolut and other apps
• Works offline (key with bad internet)

My example: Last month, seven of us rented a holiday house in Gozo. Without Splitwise, we’d never have kept track of who advanced what—from rent to groceries to petrol.

Official and Administration Apps: Going Digital with the Paperwork

Maltese bureaucracy has thankfully gone digital in recent years—because office opening times are still a joke. With the right apps, you can handle much of the paperwork from your sofa.

MyIdentity Malta – Your Digital ID Card

The MyIdentity Malta App is your digital ID for all Maltese services. Once set up, you’ll save yourself dozens of official errands and can apply for many things online.

What you can do with MyIdentity:

• Digital signature for applications
• Identity verification for online services
• Access your Maltese official records
• Apply for residency and work permits

Setup warning: First you need a Maltese ID card to activate the app. It’s a classic chicken-and-egg-problem—but there’s no way around it.

eGovernment Malta Portal – Handle Paperwork from Your Sofa

The eGovernment Malta Portal (available as an app) is your central hub for official services. From tax returns to vehicle registration—everything comes together here digitally.

Key services for expats:

• Income tax returns (file online)
• Social security contributions
• Vehicle registration
• Marriage certificates
• Police clearance certificate

My practical tip: Upload all your important documents as PDFs before you need them. That way, when you submit an application, everything’s ready and you won’t be switching between the app and your scanner.

Residency Malta App – For Anyone Planning a Big Move

If you’re interested in permanent residency in Malta, the Residency Malta App is your starting point. It provides an overview of all current programmes from the Malta Residence and Visa Agency (MRVA).

Current residency programmes (as of 2025):

• Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
• Nomad Residence Permit
• Global Residence Programme
• Malta Retirement Programme

Reality Check: Minimum investment for most programmes starts at €300,000. The app helps with initial checks, but you won’t get far without a lawyer and a tax advisor.

Lifestyle Apps Malta: From Lunch to After-Work Drinks

Living in Malta isn’t just about paperwork and transport chaos. The island has a surprisingly vibrant scene—if you know where to look.

Zomato & Wolt – Food Delivery Without a Language Barrier

Zomato and Wolt have revolutionised the food delivery scene in Malta. Especially for newcomers, who don’t know all the local restaurants yet, these apps are absolute gold.

Zomato Malta Highlights:

• Extensive restaurant reviews
• Photos of every dish
• Price categories and opening hours
• Table booking option

Wolt Malta Experience:

• Fast delivery (usually under 30 minutes)
• Also grocery deliveries
• Transparent delivery fees
• Works in smaller towns too

Insider tip: Order Maltese classics like Pastizzi or Lampuki on Wolt if you want to try them before venturing into local bakeries. Some things are… an acquired taste.

MaltaToday & Times of Malta – News You Actually Need

As an expat, you need local news that goes beyond “today the sun is shining.” MaltaToday and Times of Malta apps keep you up to date on issues that actually affect your life.

What to follow:

• Changes to residency programmes
• Tax laws affecting foreigners
• Public transport disruptions
• Festa calendar (crucial for route planning)
• Real estate market shifts

Why this matters: When I heard about the changes to the Non-Dom Tax three months late, it nearly cost me €2,000. Reading local news is a must for expat life.

Eventbrite Malta – Find Community Beyond the Expat Bubble

Eventbrite Malta is your gateway into the local community. Here you’ll find not just the usual expat meetups, but Maltese events where you’ll really get to know locals.

Event categories that work:

• Professional networking (especially gaming and fintech)
• Language exchange (Maltese, Italian, Arabic)
• Startup events and pitch nights
• Cultural happenings and art exhibitions
• Outdoor activities (hiking, diving, sailing)

My personal tip: Attend events promoted mainly in Maltese. That’s where you experience the real Malta, not just the expat crowd in Sliema.

Health and Emergency Apps: When Things Get Serious

The Maltese healthcare system is… an adventure. With the right apps, you can handle doctor’s appointments, emergencies, and find English-speaking doctors more easily.

myHealth Malta – Your Digital Doctor’s Appointment

The myHealth Malta App is your direct link to the state healthcare system. Book appointments, access your health records, and manage your prescriptions all in one place.

App features for expats:

• Book appointments with public doctors
• Access lab results
• Vaccination record and medication history
• Referrals to specialists

Reality Check: Waiting times for specialists can be 6-8 months. A private insurance policy isn’t optional if you don’t want to wait forever.

What3Words – So the Ambulance Actually Finds You

What3Words is a literal lifesaver in Malta. Many streets have no clear house numbers, and emergency services don’t understand GPS coordinates over the phone.

Why What3Words is critical in Malta:

• Unclear house numbering, especially in older districts
• Many apartments with no official address
• Emergency services officially use What3Words
• Works offline (handy if you have poor signal)

Practical example: When my neighbor had a heart attack, I was able to direct the ambulance straight to our apartment block with the three words “tables.golden.crisp.” Without What3Words, it would have taken them 15 minutes longer to find us.

SOS Malta Emergency – All the Important Numbers at a Glance

The SOS Malta App collects all essential emergency numbers and services in one place. As an expat, you won’t know all the local numbers by heart—but this app does.

Key numbers for Malta expats:

• 112 – General emergency number
• 196 – Police (direct)
• 199 – Fire and rescue
• 2545 0000 – Mater Dei Hospital
• 2133 7333 – Poison center
• 116 117 – Medical on-call service

Extra features: The app also includes numbers for animal emergencies, mental health support, and diplomatic services—stuff you hopefully never need, but it’s good to have them handy.

Communication Apps: Stay in Touch Without Roaming Shock

Staying connected in Malta can get expensive if you’re not careful. These are the apps that will keep you in touch with the world and the local community—without blowing your budget.

WhatsApp Business – For Contacting Maltese Services

WhatsApp Business isn’t just for companies in Malta—nearly all service providers use WhatsApp for customer contact. From car repair to hairdressers, everyone messages you on WhatsApp.

Why WhatsApp Business is different in Malta:

• Official communication with authorities partially possible
• Tradespeople and services reply faster than to calls
• Voice messages help with language barriers
• Exchange documents for applications and contracts

My daily life: My landlord, electrician, accountant, and even my dentist—everyone communicates primarily via WhatsApp. Takes getting used to, but it’s practical.

Telegram – The Expat Community Hub

Telegram is the unofficial platform for Malta’s expat community. You’ll find the most active groups here, from apartment hunting to networking.

The top Malta Telegram groups:

• Malta Expats Housing – apartment and flatshare listings
• Malta Digital Nomads – remote workers’ community
• Malta Cars for Sale – used cars, no dealership fees
• Malta Jobs & Networking – job listings and business contacts
• Malta Events & Social – spontaneous meetups and activities

Telegram etiquette tip: Read the group rules, and don’t post the same thing in five groups. Malta’s expat community is smaller than you think—bad reputation spreads quickly.

Skype Malta Number – Local Number Without Living in Malta

With a Skype Malta Number, you’ll get a local number before even moving to Malta. This helps with official appointments and saves money on calls.

Advantages of a Maltese Skype Number:

• Local calls are free for Maltese contacts
• Authorities take you more seriously with a local number
• Works everywhere via internet
• Cheaper than international rates

Setup tip: Order your number from Germany and use it on forms and applications for Malta. This way offices and services have a number to reach you—before you even move.

Weather and Climate Apps: Between Sunburn and Winter Rain

Malta’s weather is even less predictable than the bus schedule. Standard weather apps cant handle the local quirks—you need Malta-specific solutions.

Malta Weather App – More Local Than Any International App

The Malta Weather App from the national weather service is way more accurate than international ones. Especially during those infamous winter storms, it makes all the difference.

Why local weather apps matter in Malta:

• Microclimates between the north and south coast taken into account
• Wind warnings (Mistral and Scirocco can get wild)
• Sea conditions for boating or diving plans
• UV index tailored for Mediterranean strength

Personal experience: Google Weather told me “some clouds” in January. The Malta Weather App warned of wind gusts up to 80 km/h. I stayed home—smart move.

Windy App – For Mistral and Scirocco Weather Watchers

Windy is a must if you really want to understand Malta. It shows not just wind speeds, but directions and forecasts for the coming days.

Malta-specific winds and app relevance:

• Mistral: cold north wind, can stop ferries to Gozo
• Scirocco: hot south wind, brings Saharan dust
• Levante: east wind, high humidity
• Ponente: west wind, breezy and pleasant

Practical use: I always check Windy before heading to Gozo. If winds are over 25 km/h, the ferry often gets canceled—and you’re stuck at the port, annoyed.

Bonus tip: Windy also shows air quality. When the Scirocco brings Saharan dust, you’ll barely see Malta through the haze—best to stay inside or at least keep the windows shut.

Frequently Asked Questions about Malta Apps

Do German apps work in Malta?

Most German apps work fine in Malta since both countries are EU members. Exceptions are banking apps with strict geo-blocking and some streaming services. Revolut, Netflix, and Spotify continue as usual.

Do I need a Maltese SIM card for local apps?

No, most apps work with any EU SIM card. Only for SMS-based verifications for some Maltese services might you need a local number. Epic and Vodafone Malta offer cheap prepaid options.

Are Malta apps available in German?

Very few Maltese apps have a German version. Most are in English, some also in Maltese. Your English will definitely improve in Malta—like it or not.

Which apps do I need for moving to Malta?

For moving to Malta, these apps are essential: Malta Public Transport (mobility), Revolut (banking), MyIdentity Malta (official business), Telegram (community), Malta Weather (weather), and What3Words (emergencies). You can install other apps later.

Do Uber and Lyft work in Malta?

No, neither Uber nor Lyft operate in Malta. Instead, you’ll use Bolt and eCabs for taxi services. Both work a lot like Uber, but have local drivers who know their way around Maltese quirks.

Can I keep using German banking apps in Malta?

Yes, German banking apps work in Malta without issues. However, some banks may send security checks if you make many transactions from Malta. That’s why Revolut and Wise are often more convenient for daily life here.

Are there dating apps just for Malta?

Malta uses the same international dating apps as the rest of Europe: Tinder, Bumble, Hinge. Locally, Badoo is surprisingly popular. The dating pool is tiny—after a month you’ll have seen every profile.

Which language apps help with Maltese?

Honestly, there’s no need to learn Maltese—almost all locals speak perfect English. If you want to try, “Learn Maltese” and “Maltese Dictionary” are the only half-decent apps. Sadly, Duolingo doesn’t offer Maltese.

Do I need VPN apps in Malta?

There are no internet restrictions in Malta, so VPN isn’t necessary for access. Some people use VPN for German streaming content or for privacy reasons. ExpressVPN and NordVPN work smoothly.

Are there apps for Malta-specific services, like Festa calendars?

Yes, “Malta Festa Calendar” lists all religious festivals and processions in advance. This is crucial for route planning, as Festas can block entire towns. The app is free and maintained by local communities.