Valletta - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Most cars here qualify as small “Euro†cars, not models we are used to seeing in the states. A standard sedan is “big†for here. The roads are small/tight in most places. It just makes your life easier to have a small car. You will still see plenty of SUVs around as well. It’s just up to you. Buying a car here is easy and most everybody uses the same 10 models as they function best here and are economical. Bringing your own car isn’t a bad idea, just easier if it is smaller and it will just have wear and tear from sub-standard Malta roads (they use terrible asphalt). - Oct 2018
A small one. Even a small SUV (RAV 4, etc) would be considered a full size car here. Seriously. A few Americans have brought bigger cars in the past and couldn't get them into their parking garages and had to park on the street. There are usually Dip cars for sale from people leaving post and other missions will have them for sale. A few Americans have rented cars for their tours. It's all up to personal preference. The rentals tend to be small/compact, cheap on gas and they handle the plates, insurance, etc. Any issues with the car, trade it in for another. Registering a car here can be a long process. You can drive for a short period if you bring American plates, but the Maltese have been cracking down on foreign plated vehicles. You have to do a technical inspection, police inspection, Transport Malta inspection (just so they can value your car for tax purposes, even though you will never pay any import tax - seriously, the Maltese don't know how to think outside the box or change a process that isn't needed), and then you have to get the plates. And, you have to get insurance before you ever start the process. It can take a month or longer, be somewhat frustrating and GSO is not very helpful. - Sep 2016
A small car is best, as roads are TINY and parking is tinier. A bit higher clearance is best, as you'll be living on a chunk of stone which floods quickly when it rains, no where to run off or soak in. We were told to buy a car here... I would ship our own if I did it again, as vehicles are expensive here for not high quality. Would recommend an automatic, as the terrain is hilly, windy and traffic can get dense at rush hours. Mechanics and service are readily available. There are local weird rules and testing, registrations, taxes, etc that your employers can assist with. - Jan 2014
Small only. - Feb 2010
A small SUV or Subaru type vehicle with some additional ground clearance would be ideal to battle the mostly horrible and often flooded roadways. Whatever you bring, bring something safe and stable. Traffic accidents, given the Maltese absolute ignorance of the courtesies of the road, are de rigeur. - Feb 2010
Unless you have duty-free import privileges, bringing a used vehicle to Malta means paying a hefty tax. People drive cars that run the gamut, but a small car with high clearance is best. - Jul 2009
