Charges for Phone Calls to Govt Offices

Post new topic

lottelita Active member

Member since 23 July 2015

lottelitaActive member22 March 2017 07:13:57

Hi. I inexplicably went through my cell phone minutes and when I looked into it. I blew like €20 on a phone call to Mater Dei (was on hold for over an hour after several disconnections).

And I called the education department and that too, was about 25 cents a minute.

Is this normal for everybody? I can't imagine it's my cellular plan but just wanted to make sure because I have never had to pay by the minute for calling government offices anywhere.

lambada Serial expat

Member since 17 September 2012

lambadaSerial expat22 March 2017 07:59:49

295

Yes it's normal. You get charged by the minute unless the number is a freephone.

lottelita Active member

Member since 23 July 2015

lottelitaActive member22 March 2017 08:14:26

Oh, wow. I had no idea.

I imagine none of these govt offices have a freephone, but if they did, how would a person identify it?

This is so crazy to me to pay to be on hold.

Vagrant Active member

Member since 28 June 2016

VagrantActive member24 March 2017 16:32:10

Slightly off topic, but ARMS advertise a free phone line on their web site, but when you call it, you get a recorded message that you will be charged after all. Most of the time the people in the offices you ring will be friendly and helpfull (even the tax office, which came as some surprise) but staffing levels can leave phones unanswered, so it is best to have a face to face conversation if possible. It is usually much more productive that way too!

Articles to help you in your expat project in Malta

Phones and internet in Malta
Despite being a small archipelago, Malta hosts a very advanced telecommunications network. If you are ...
How to drive in Malta
Malta is a relatively small island measuring only 27km long and 14,5km wide, so it seems on paper to be very ...
Accidents and emergencies in Malta
A stay abroad is usually associated with great memories. However, it could happen that an accident or emergency ...
Resident and work permit for Malta
Getting a resident card and a work permit in Malta is an essential step for any expat. Living in Malta does ...
Finding work in Gozo
If you are planning to live in Malta, why not settle and work in Gozo? Although it is quieter than the main island ...
Accommodation in Malta
As an expat in Malta, one of the first steps is to find accommodation. Malta has a quickly and continuously ...
Finding work in Malta
Malta is world famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Indeed, this tiny island nation ...
Pregnancy in Malta
As an expat in Malta, you will experience some important life events, such as pregnancy. As an expectant mother, ...