Deborah Taggart - Expat in St Paul’s Bay, Malta

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: United Kingdom (Peterborough)

Q: In which city are you currently residing?
A: St Paul’s Bay, Malta – not a city!

Q: What do you do in your new city?
A: HR Manager for an I-Gaming company.

Q: How is the quality of life in your new city in comparison to that of your home city?
A: Better, cleaner, fantastic climate, cheaper, more relaxed

Q: How would you rate the healthcare system in which you are currently enrolled?
A: Adequate – it helps to pay for private though (much the same as the UK)

Q: How does the cost of living compare to that of your home city?
A: Generally cheaper except for shopping as everything is imported so costs added

Q: Did you use a relocation company to help you with your move?
A: No

Q: How easy or difficult was the relocation process?
A: Fairly easy, but we already had a home in Malta so it was topping up rather than starting from scratch.

Q: Did you move here with any family members?
A: Me and my husband.

Q: Did your spouse and children find it difficult to adapt to their new job and schools? 
A: Just my husband and he is retired so no problem!

Q: How did the family, including you, do in acclimating to the new culture and surroundings?
A: We knew Malta well before we lived here, had made many friends and were aware of the differences between Malta and the UK so it was ok – but it is important to know your territory and do your homework – don’t move somewhere blind!

Q: What is your favourite mobile app which you use to aid you in your expat life?
A: Use many apps but none specifically needed or used for the above – maybe the exchange rate ones though!

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer a new expat in your new city?
A: Research your territory first, don’t be complacent and don’t assume that your new location is going to be the same as the one that you have come from – many do and fall over because of it. Accept everything as part of the new country and embrace it.