Naturally, anyone planning on moving to Malta will want to get connected with phone and internet quickly. It may be a small country, but you will find plenty on offer when it comes to phones and internet in Malta. There is a fibreoptic network, and international phone calls are not too expensive. But before you make any big decisions, read what we have to say on the subject.
Get connected with the right service provider
The main service providers in Malta are Melita and GO, which both offer landlines, internet and mobile phones, and Vodafone, which focuses on mobile communications. You may want to compare prices and offers to see which company suits your needs best, but when it's time to get your services set up, the requirements are the same for all providers.LandlinesAnyone who wants to get a landline set up at home will need to go to a branch of their chosen service provider with a few important documents:
- Official ID (passport or Maltese residence card)
- If you are renting, you will need the landlord's written authorisation
At the branch, you will be able to complete the necessary forms and make the payment. After a few days, your landline should be up and running. Pay close attention to the terms and conditions, which could include hidden fees (administrative or installation), and details about the minimum contract time. If you terminate the contract early, you may be charged.Phone bills can be paid in a number of ways: you can set up a direct debit, make a bank transfer, or pay in cash at one of the provider's branches. Be sure to take a look at what's on offer, as plenty of landline contracts are available bundled with other services like mobile, internet and cable TV.
Mobile phones
Maltese providers offer both pay as you go options and contract phones. For pay as you go, you can buy a SIM card from your provider. This can be topped up quickly and easily online or with prepaid scratch cards that are readily available.Since June 2017, roaming charges for European mobile phones have been abolished, so don't worry if you plan to stay in touch with friends and family in your home country. International texts and calls are significantly cheaper than they used to be.A mobile phone contract may well be part of a bundle including internet and landline. To organise your phone contract, you'll need to go to the nearest branch with the following documents:
- ID (passport or Maltese residence card)
- Proof of address
- A payment card or recent bank statement
Again, read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid unwanted charges.
Internet
Getting internet at home is a similar process to organising a landline. You will need to go to the nearest branch with:
- ID (passport or Maltese residence card)
- Landlord's authorisation if you are renting
It will take a few days to have your networking options get connected. As always when dealing with phones and internet in Malta, take care and read the terms and conditions. If you are only planning to stay in Malta for a short period of time, then you don't want to pay any early termination fees.
