Send money to Malta using an international money transfer service and you could beat the bank’s rates.
With a growing number of Australian expats living in Malta and over 200,000 Maltese descendants in Australia, online money transfer services offer competitive rates for sending money between the countries.
The Maltese-Australian community counts around 200 000 members, including descendants as well as those born in Malta.It seems unlikely that such a significant number of Maltese would make Australia home, but the first Maltese people were brought as slaves or convicts in the mid-1800s. After the First World War, Maltese people arrived as immigrants. Currently, the Maltese community is concentrated in Victoria, particularly certain suburbs of Melbourne.
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Thanks to the fact that English is widely spoken in Malta, there is a sizeable Australian community settled in Malta.
As far as trade and diplomatic relations are concerned, the two countries have a lot in common thanks to their membership to the Commonwealth. Despite the distance between them, Australia and Malta continue to work on their economic relationship via the Australian-Maltese Chamber of Commerce based in Sydney.
Banks versus money transfer companies
Antonio’s parents have decided to move back to their native Malta after 35 years in Melbourne. They still own their house in La Vallette, but they’ll need help with a few renovations once resettled. Antonio will be sending money to his parents regularly, so he needs to find a cheap, effective transfer service.
| Australian Bank | Money transfer service | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | $1 = 0.6068 | $1 = 0.62€ |
| Transfer fee | $22 | $10 |
| Amount received for $500 | 290.05€ | 304€ |
| Transfer time | 3 business days | 1 to 3 business days |
| Transfer options | Bank, phone or online | Online or phone |
| Difference | + €246 |
Should Antonio choose an international money transfer service, his recipient could get an extra €246.
Back to topHow do I compare transfer companies when transferring and receiving money via Malta?
- Exchange rates. Ideally, money transfer companies charge a fee for a quicker delivery. When comparing services, the best combination is a service that provides a competitive exchange rate, little or no fees for the transfer and conversion, and quick delivery.
- Pick-up methods. These include direct deposits into your recipient’s bank account or collection in person at the service’s agency.
- Fees. Depending on the service, you may be charged for the transfer as well as the cost of converting your dollars to Euro. The service might also levy charges for transfers below a threshold amount.
- Same-bank transfers. If your recipient holds an account with the same bank in Malta - HSBC, for example - sending money between accounts is free.
- Turnaround time. Your choice depends on how urgently your recipient needs the money. Deposits can be received within minutes or up to three business days.
- Transfer methods. This depends on what works best for you. Most services allow online transfers as long as you sign up for an account. Otherwise you can effect a transfer over the phone or in person.
- Transfer options. Different services offer different sending options. Your choice depends on how often you’ll be making transfers, as well as how much and to whom. Choose between regular payments, once-off transfers and market order for large purchases.
- Minimum transfer amounts. Some services require that you send a minimum amount, usually between $10 and $50.
- Customer service. Generally these services are safe and reliable, but in the event of questions of issues with your transfer, a good customer service department should be able to assist you.
How do I send money to Malta from Australia?
Thanks to the growing community of Australian and other anglophone expats in Malta, there are several money transfer companies offering transfer services between Australia and Malta. Here are a few options to consider when sending money to Malta.
- Worldremit. This online transfer service sends money to your recipient’s bank account via bank transfer. Money is delivered between one and three business days.
- OFX. This service allows online and over-the-phone transfers for a fee of $10. Exchange rates are competitive and money is available within one to three business days of the transfer.
- Transferwise. Transactions are processed within one business day for a fee of around $7. Exchange rates are competitive and an online support team is available 24/7 to assist with problems.
How do I receive money from Malta in Australia?
If you need money quickly, the best way to send it to Australia from Malta is via online money transfer. You can have money deposited directly into your bank account or collect it in person from the agency’s office or pick-up point. It’s best to go with the better-known companies like MoneyGram and Western Union - these have a wider network of agencies and pick-up points around Australia.
- MoneyGram. You can make an online transfer to your recipient’s bank account or credit their MoneyGram balance with having to open an account. Money sent to a pick-up location is available within minutes. Transfers to bank accounts vary.
- Worldremit. This is a reliable service that sends money via bank transfer for a small fee. The deposit is available within one to three business days.
- Bank to bank transfer. Two account holders in the same bank can transfer money for zero fee. However, it’s a good idea to check the exchange rates offered - it may work out in your favour to pay a small fee with an alternative company for a better exchange rate.
Emergency cash transfers in Malta
If you’ve suffered loss or theft while in Malta, there are a few alternatives available to get your hands on money in a hurry.
- Pick-up service. Online transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union offer a pick-up service where you can collect your deposit in person at a designated pick-up point. Money is available within minutes of the transfer. Take along your reference number and at least one piece of identification.
- Banks. If you find a branch of your bank in Malta, explain your situation and ask whether they can help you access your account.
- Travel insurance. Your travel insurance policy usually provides cover for loss and theft while travelling, but make sure that you’re eligible before filing a claim. You need to report a stolen wallet or bag to the police immediately, after which you’ll get a police report to send to your insurer. This process might take a while before you’re granted access to funds.
Cash pickup locations in Malta / Western Union / MoneyGram branches in Malta
If you’re using Moneygram or Western Union to send money to Malta, here are a few locations from which you or recipient can collect the deposit.
Western Union
Valletta
- Malta Post
Old Bakery Street Vallete, VLT1185 +356-21224421Open Monday to Friday 08h30 to 14h00, Saturday 08h30 to 13h00 - Emigrants Commission
Castille Place Valletta, VLT1062 +356-80073773Open Monday to Friday 09h00 to 18h00, Saturday 09h00 to 11h00
Saint Julian
- FexServ Financial Services
66a St Georges RoadSt Julians STJ3204 +356-80073773Open Monday to Sunday 09h30 to 20h00 - Chaucer’s Books and Stationery
Level 1 F8 Baystreet Tourist Complex St Julians, STJ 3311 +356-23721111Open Monday to Sunday 10h00 to 22h00
MoneyGram
Valletta
- Bank Aysa
Cemaliye Mah. Omurtak Cad. 236/1Tekirdag CorluPhone: 59850 02826532240Open Monday to Friday 09h00 to 17h00 - Kuveyt Turk Corlu
Omurtak Cad No 79 2 Heykel CorluPhone: 0 902123541212Open Monday to Friday 08h30 to 17h00
Saint Julian
- Telecom Services Limited
6 Ross Street, Paceville, St Julians STJ 3246, MaltaOpen Monday to Friday 09h00 to 17h00, Saturday 09h00 to 12h30
Tips for picking up cash in Malta
Malta is a small, relatively safe country where most people speak English well thanks to the large community of anglophone expats. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends a normal level of safety precautions, while remaining vigilant about pick-pocketers and bag-snatchers.
If you need to collect money, go within the opening hours and be conscious of odd characters and behaviour. Ask someone to accompany you.
Back to topHow to send money to Malta
Depending on the service you choose, you’ll need to supply some - if not all - of the following information:
- Personal information
- Contact details
- Bank details and/or an email address
- Your recipient’s personal and bank-account information
