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29Feb

Paris

Paris is the capital of France and is in the north-central part of the country. Paris is one of the eight departments of the Île-de-France administrative region. It is the most important commercial and cultural center of the country. The Île-de-France region is the most popular of France’s 18 regions.

In this blog, we talk about the city and the different aspects such as environment, culture, public transport, housing, and more. And lastly, provide you with some phrases to get you started. Keep reading for more!

City overview

People from all over the world come to Paris to enjoy its culture, food, art, fashion, and intellectual community. It also has many businesses and opportunities for commerce because of its fame as an attractive city. Paris’ impressive landscape features, bridges, gardens, historical buildings, public squares, and boulevards.

Paris was founded in 987 A.D. This makes Paris one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is even older than several countries in the world. In 2019, the city had an estimated population of 2,165,423 in an area of over 105 square kilometers, making Paris the 30th most populated city in the world in 2020.

Fun facts about Paris

Paris is referred to as the City of Light because it was one of the first cities to have street lighting installed in it.

The Bloody Mary cocktail was created in Paris.

The Paris Art Museum is the largest in the world.

It takes two hours’ worth of walking distance from the southern tip to the northern tip of the city.

The Eiffel Tower is the most valuable European icon.

The Paris metro is the second busiest in Europe when compared to other subway systems in the continent.

Environment

Paris has a European oceanic climate which is influenced by the North Atlantic Current. The general climate is temperate/pleasant throughout the year. However, the weather can be very changeable/unstable, particularly in the winter and in the spring, when the wind can be very cold.

Summer days are generally warm and pleasant. The average temperature is between 15°C and 25°C and the sun shines brightly. However, there are a few days when the temperature exceeds 32°C. Sometimes there are also longer, more intense heat periods, for example, the heat wave of 2003, when the temperature exceeded 30°C for weeks, reached 40°C during the day, and rarely cooled down in the night.

Spring and autumn have cool days and nights on average, but they are changeable and unstable. Surprisingly warm or cool weather often occurs during both seasons. The sun is rare during the winter. The winter days are cool, and nights are cold generally with temperatures around 3°C above freezing temperature. However, light snow flurries are quite common, but temperatures rarely fall below -5°C. It snows every year but rarely stays.

Culture & Nightlife

Art

A lot of people think of Paris as a city of art, and they are not mistaken. Throughout history, France has been heavily involved in European art movements, and there is a lot of wonderful and famous art on its way through Paris. Even if you are not an art fanatic, it is quite fascinating to see some of the famous art culture that has emerged from this world capital.

When people think of Paris, they imagine its famous monuments. Paris has many breathtaking destinations with impressive architecture and design, and these places have become known for their beauty. The numerous photo opportunities are the most popular reasons for tourists, artists, writers, and bloggers to visit the ‘’City of Light’’ Paris. Thus, for those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Paris through masterpieces, Paris is a great place to visit.

Park and gardens

For a huge city like Paris, Paris is full of green spaces that break the suffocation of the metropolis. These beautiful gardens open the city up and are great stops on a day of exploration. You can run into a few central parks by

accident or pack your bag and go to another park further away to spend a day in nature. In general, the green areas in Paris are simply magnificent, and make the city very pleasant.

The plethora of major parks is one of the biggest reasons why families visit Paris. Plenty of space for family picnics and sports games. A stop at the park is a must if you are traveling with your family.

Fashion

Paris is a city where haute couture and trends have been created for centuries. Big brands like Chanel, Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dior, and many others started in Paris. Paris is also known for the Paris Fashion Week, which is one of fashion’s most important days during the year. All the fashionistas know it, Paris is a must for all shoppers.

Paris has an overwhelming sense of classical culture mixed with elegant modernity and offers many shopping opportunities for tourists who want to indulge themselves. Whether you want to go shopping in some of the famous luxury stores or just pick up some lovely souvenirs, the city has it all.

The most famous shopping district of Paris is the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This wide street is nearly 2 km long and is full of restaurants, cafes, theaters, and shops. Everything here tends to be fancier, so this is the place to be if you have some money to spend and want to fit in with the high-end fashionistas of Paris. Other high-end shopping spots include Rue Du Commerce, Triangle D’or, Boulevard Saint Germain, and Rue De Rivoli. Boulevard Haussmann is another place in Paris with great department stores.

Café culture

Café culture is rooted in Parisian society. Locals like to relax in a café with a drink and meet friends and colleagues or just spend time alone, this can be during a busy day, before work or even after work. The café culture has been a part of the Parisian lifestyle for centuries.

Paris has one of the strongest café cultures in the world. There is nothing more satisfying than sitting on a wicker chair in a Parisian café in the open air, drinking some coffee, eating croissants, and watching the Parisians go about their day.

Here is a list of some of the best cafes in Paris:

La Fontaine de Belleville: Classic Parisian style serving coffee, cake, and French food with live jazz bands on weekends.

Au Vieux Paris D’Arcole: This 16th-century townhouse serves classic dishes with antiques, stained glass, and an impressive interior

Le Fouquet’s: The hotel’s luxurious brasserie serves rich starters, main courses, and desserts as well as wine and cocktails.

Odette: An elegant stop for sophisticated cream puffs, pastries, wines, and a view of Notre Dame from the tables outside.

La Fourmi Ailée: Dozens of teas in a charming former bookstore with a fireplace and home cooking menu.

Nightlife

Paris is a wonderful city that benefits from a lively and varied nightlife scene. Whether you are only in town for a short time or have plenty of time to spare, there is plenty to enjoy in Paris after the sun goes down. Paris has a nightlife that can appeal to many tastes, so whether you are interested in visiting clubs, cabarets, bars or just want to experience Paris after sunset.

And do not worry if you are looking for alternatives to the Parisian nightlife or if you are not interested in visiting bars, nightclubs or cabarets, the city is beautifully lit up at night and there are plenty of sights to see after the sun goes down. If you want to spend your evening in Paris, you will certainly find something nice to do.

Cuisine

Without a doubt, the food is one of the main reasons to travel to Paris. French cuisine is on the list of the best cuisines in the world, and all foodies around the world come to France just for the food.

The French invented the prestigious Michelin Star rating system to show how good the food is, the rating system measures the quality of the world’s best restaurants. You do not have to eat at a Michelin Star restaurant to taste the French cuisine. There are a few French meals that you can find in restaurants at every price point.

Activities

Paris is a versatile and sophisticated city that attracts the wealthy, but it can also be enjoyed on a budget. The city is full of activities, so no tourists staying here will be bored. Paris is home to countless wonderful sights and monuments that add to the beauty of its wide boulevards and its charming cafes. Therefore, Paris deserves to be on every traveler’s bucket list. Here are some of the famous places to visit while in Paris.

Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower, which is the most recognized symbol of Paris. The tower was constructed for the 1889 International Exposition, despite strenuous opposition from politicians who believed it would be unsafe or ugly or both. When the exposition ended in 1909, people planned to destroy the tower, however, its use as an antenna for radio transmission prevented this. Additional height for television transmission was added, almost 24 meters, to the tower’s original height. Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a must to appreciate the splendor of Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris, also known as Notre Dame, has always been mentioned as a place where Parisians held their religious rituals. This is one of Paris’ most enduring landmarks, the Roman Catholic Cathedral lies on the eastern side of the Ile de la Cité. The cathedral is widely recognized as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and Europe. Starting in 1163 and completed in 1345, the cathedral is worth a visit for its many sculptures and gargoyles adorning the roof.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is the most visited in the world. This historic building is in the heart of Paris and is a former royal residence with an area of 210,000 square meters, of which 60,600 is for exhibitions. The Louvre Museum occupies part of its four sides and its two galleries of the palace. The museum’s treasures include the Triumph of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Mona Lisa. The extensive collection includes works from at least 26 centuries and is widely spread culturally and geographically.

Arc de Triomphe

Fascinated by ancient Roman architecture, Napoleon commissioned Jean Chalgrin to design a triumphal arch dedicated to the glory of the imperial armies. It was built in the 19th century in 1806 and is the largest monument of its kind in the world. The Arc de Triomphe is at the center of Charles de Gaulle’s palace. The Arc de Triomphe is influenced by the Arch of Constantine in Rome and is twice as tall and twice as wide as the Arch of Constantine. Jean Chalgrin was the architect and François Rude designed the frieze and the spirited group “Departure of the Volunteers 1792” (called “La Marseillaise”).

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris has two theme parks, namely Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios. Further, Disneyland Paris has resort hotels, a Disney nature resort, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, and a golf course. Opened in 1992, Disneyland Park is the original theme park of the complex. Walt Disney Studios Park is the second theme park which opened in 2002. Popular attractions are Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, and Big Thunder Mountain. Mickey Fans can visit Disneyland Paris, located 32 km from central Paris and connected to the RER A suburb.

Public transport

Paris is an excellent city to explore on foot, however, it is almost inevitable that you will use public transportation at least once during your stay in Paris. In Paris, the public transport is well organized. The city has several options to get you from point A to point B. Here is a short overview of the public transport you could use during your stay in the beautiful city.

* The opening and closing times listed are for information. Check online for the specific times for your journey in Paris. For more precise times, you can also check the stations.

Metro

The metro is the cheapest, simplest, and fastest way to travel around Paris. The city has 16 metro lines and approximately 300 metro stations; the entryway is marked with a large yellow letter “M”. Subways start running daily, including holidays, at around 5:30 AM. and stop around 1:00 AM (Sunday through Thursday) or 2:00 AM (Friday and Saturday). The frequency of the subway depends on the time of day and the day: during peak hours, the subway runs every 2 minutes.

RER

The RER train network is composed of five lines serving Paris and the Paris region (Ile-de-France). Each line has a distinctive color which is indicated on the RATP and SNCF signs and maps. RER trains start to run around 5:00 AM and stop around 1:00 AM daily, including on holidays. In Paris, the RER works almost in the same way as the metro, except that you must pass the ticket through the machines twice, on the way in and on the way out. If your RER station is in correspondence with the metro connection, you can use the same ticket for the entire journey.

Regional train

In Paris, the Transiliens are local trains that leave from the main train stations (Nord, Est, Lyon, Austerlitz, Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare). Tickets and passes are available at the Ile-de-France ticket offices and ticket vending machines at train stations and metro/RER stations. Free brochures with timetables are available at train stations. The local lines complement the RER network, sharing many connections.

Tramway

Currently, Paris has twelve tram lines serving the city perimeter. Tram tickets are the same as the metro and RER tickets in Paris. Below is the list of the different tram lines in the city and their connections. Tramways start to run around 5:00 AM and stop around 1:00 AM daily.

T1: Connects Asnières-Quatre Routes with Gare de Noisy-le-Sec.

T2: Connects Pont de Bezons with the Porte de Versailles.

T3: The T3 tramline is separated into two lines, namely T3a and T3b. T3a connects Pont du Garigliano with Porte de Vincennes. T3b connects Porte de Vincennes with Porte d’Asnières Marguerite Long. The reason for the separation is to not cut off the road traffic in Porte de Vincennes.

T4: Connects Bondy with the Aulnay-sous-Bois. You can switch here from Gargan and travel to the Hôpital de Montfermeil.

T5: Connects Marché de Saint-Denis with Garges-Sarcelles.

T6: Connects Viroflay-Rive-Droite with Châtillon-Montrouge.

T7: Connects Villejuif-Louis Aragon with Porte de l’Essonne. This is also the tram line that connects to Orly Airport.

T8: The T8 tramline has two branches terminating. This tramline connects Saint-Denis-Porte de Paris with Épinay-Orgemont and Villetaneuse-Université.

T9: Connects Porte de Choisy with Orly-Gaston Viens.

T11 Express: Currently, the T11 tramline connects Épinay-sur-Seine with Le Bourget. However, there are plans for the extension of this tramline which will connect Sartrouville with Noisy-le-Sec.

T13 Express: Connects Saint-Germain-en-Laye with Saint-Cyr.

There are currently plans to expand the tramlines to include the following tramlines. The plans are made for 2023.

T10: Connects La Croix de Berny with Clamart-Place du Garde.

T12: Connects Massy-Palaiseau with Évry-Courcouronnes.

Bus

There are many bus lines and many buses which pass through the city center, popular places, and historic monuments. Paris has 64 bus lines that run parallel to and complement the metro network. The establishment of special bus routes along the main roads enhanced journey times. You can get an idea of the travel time by allocating about 5 minutes to each stop, sometimes more in heavy traffic. Buses run from Monday to Saturday from around 6:00 AM to 00:30 AM. Some lines stop at 8:30 PM. Almost half of the buses operate on Sundays and holidays.

Night bus service

The night bus service Noctilien operates in Paris and the Île-de-France region from 0:30 AM to 5:30 AM. Noctilien has 48 bus lines across Paris and the Île-de-France region so that everyone can use public transport. You can use your travel card or metro/bus ticket if it covers the relevant zones, the zones are the same as the metro/RER.

Housing

Moving to Paris can seem like a daunting task to foreigners. You have probably heard the list of complaints about overpriced properties, non-English speaking owners, and no long-term rentals. While it is true that finding an apartment for rent in Paris is very challenging, there are some steps you can take to simplify it and increase your chances of success.

The first step is to research the area, to get familiar with the geography of the city, and to get to know the housing market. Further, choose a location, and decide your budget and the requirements for your apartment. However, stay open-minded regarding the location. And lastly, choose the apartment, but do not rush things too quickly. Try to visit as many apartments as you can in a short period. Additionally, you can use your connections through social media to make connections with people who can help you with finding an apartment, also join Facebook groups and other online communities to increase your chances. Furthermore, using good websites for your apartment listings is also an advantage, but properties listed on the website can often be rented out quickly due to the competitive rental market.

Recruit4Work is collaborating with two accommodation marketplaces namely, Housing Anywhere and Uniplaces. Use one of these websites to find your apartment and get a percentage discount on the rent! Go to www.recruit4.work/finding-a-house-when-moving-abroad/ for more information!

You can also use the following websites for apartment listings:

www.pap.fr

www.fusac.fr

www.craigslist.fr

www.leboincoin.fr

Healthcare

France’s universal hybrid healthcare system provides high-quality healthcare for all citizens and is recognized as one of the best in the world. In France, medical costs are paid by both the state and the individuals.

Residents of France are covered by compulsory health insurance contributions, with optional private insurance for those who want additional coverage. All legal residents, including expats, who meet the residency conditions can gain from the French medical and health insurance system. Foreigners who immigrate to France are not immediately included in the insurance scheme. To benefit from it, you must have resided in France for at least for three months or work there (be offered insurance by the employer) and intend to live in France “steadily and regularly” for at least six months a year. It is recommended that you take out private insurance until you qualify.

You can also apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) by joining the French National Health Insurance system. This allows you to get free or discounted medical care when visiting other EU member states.

In case of an emergency

Here is a list of French emergency numbers also known as numéros d’urgence. Further, you can find some emergency words/phrases in French to help you in an emergency.

SAMU: 15 (Ambulance and specialist medical teams)

Police: 17

Fire brigade: 18

For deaf and hard-of-hearing people: 114

General Emergency: 112 (Europe-wide emergency number to contact emergency services in any EU country or language; save this number when traveling across Europe!)

English French
Help! Au secours!
I got robbed Je me suis fait voler
I was attacked J’ai été agressé
I am bleeding a lot Je saigne beaucoup
Diabetic Diabétique
Concussion Une commotion cérébrale
Difficulty breathing/gasping Haleter or difficulté à respire
It is an emergency C’est un cas d’urgence
Please take me quickly to hospital Emmenez-moi rapidement à l’hôpital
Police La Police Nationale or gendarmerie
Fire brigade Les sapeurs-pompiers
Emergency services/ambulance Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence or SAMU

Important documents

When traveling to another country, it is crucial to bring a valid identity card. This is to prevent you from getting into trouble when the police ask you to show your documents. Lastly, take a copy of your insurance policy or write down all the necessary information, just in case of sickness or accident. Also, make a copy of your passport or identity card, take the copy with you, and leave the original at the accommodation you are staying in. In this case, when you lose your bag or get robbed, you still have the original identity document.

Some words/phrases to get you started

In the early 2000s, French was the official language of more than 25 countries. French is probably the most internationally important Romance language in the world. The Romance languages are a group of similar languages that all derive historically from Vulgar Latin and form a subgroup of the Italic branch of the Indo-European language family. The most important languages of the family are French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian.

English French
Hello Bonjour
My name is … Je m’appelle …
Thank you very much Merci beaucoup
Good Bien
Pardon, excuse me Pardon, excuse-moi
Please S’il te plaît
Goodbye Au revoir
The bill, please L’addition s’il vous plait
Can you help me? Pouvez-vous m’aider?
Where can I find …? Où puis-je trouver …?
How much does this cost? Combien ça coûte?
Do you speak English? Parlez-vouz anglais?
I do not speak French Je ne parle pas Français
I do not understand Je ne comprends pas
29Feb

Thessaloniki

If you are looking to move to a city with an extremely rich history, amazing food, and reasonable housing prices, Thessaloniki is the place to be! Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece with a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The city is located in central Macedonia on the Thermaic Gulf, at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea. After reading this blog you will know more about Thessaloniki’s environment, nightlife, culture, public transport, housing, health care and some words to get you started

Fun Facts about Thessaloniki:

  • Thessaloniki Municipality has a population of 325,182
  • White Tower was formerly named Red Tower. After Thessaloniki was liberated from Ottoman rule, it was painted white and renamed.
  • Thessaloniki was one of the first places where Christianity was preached when Paul the Apostle visited the city in 50/51 Anno Domini.
Promenade, Thessaloniki, Greece, View, City, Recruit4work
  • Thessaloniki was the birthplace of the brothers Cyril and Methodius, the inventors of the oldest known Slavic alphabet
  • The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was built on the ground of a Jewish cemetery that was destroyed during the German occupation of the city in 1942.
  • Thessaloniki is home to 15 World Heratige Sites by UNESCO!
  • Thessaloniki is the city of sweets. You will find a patisserie, gelateria, or a baklava store almost every 500m
  • The city is 19.307 km2 big
  • The city’s main university, Aristotle University, is the largest in Greece and the Balkans. Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination in Greece

City overview 

History

Thessaloniki was founded around 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon. After the fall of the kingdom of Macedonia, Thessaloniki was made the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. Afterwards, in the first years of the Byzantine Empire Thessaloniki was considered the second city in the Empire after Constantinople. Then the capture of Gallipoli by the Ottomans in 1345 kicked off a rapid Turkish expansion in the southern Balkans. Thessaloniki remained in Ottoman hands until 1403. On October 27, 1912, during the first Balkan War, the Greek army liberated the city, while in 1917 the city faced its greatest disaster ever, as a huge fire destroyed nearly three-quarters of the center. This had serious side effects in the following years. During the Second World War Thessaloniki was occupied by the Germans. The entire Jewish population of the city was expelled to the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. The liberation of the city took place on October 27th, 1944, the same day as the liberation from the Ottomans 32 years earlier.

Districts

The city center is divided into several districts, including Dimokratias Square, Ladadika, Kapani, Diagonios, Navarinou, Rotonda, Agia Sofia, and Hippodrome, which are all located around Thessaloniki’s most central point, Aristotelous Square. Ano Poli is the heritage-listed district north of Thessaloniki’s city center that was not destroyed by the great fire of 1917 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Municipality of Thessaloniki, in addition to the historic center and the Upper Town, there are the following districts: Xirokrini, Dikastiria, Ichthioskala, Palaios Stathmos, Lachanokipoi, Behtsinari, Panagia Faneromeni, Doxa, Saranta Ekklisies, Evangelistria, Triandria, Agia Triada-Faliro, Ippokrateio, Charilaou, Analipsi, Depot and Toumba.

Coast, Thessaloniki, Promenade, Greece, View, City, Recruit4work

Environment

The climate of Thessaloniki is directly influenced by the Aegean Sea, on which it is located. Because the city is situated in a climatic transition zone, it has characteristics of various climates. The city has a Mediterranean climate with a semi-arid climate on the border of the city, according to the Köppen climate classification. The annual precipitation is 450 mm. However, the city’s summer precipitation ranges from 20 to 30 mm, therefore it cannot be classified as a Mediterranean climate. Summer precipitation increases gradually to the north and west, becoming humid subtropical.

The average daily temperature is 15.9°. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 26.9°. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 5.4°. The month of December has the most precipitation and August has the least precipitation. Moreover, Thessaloniki has 2,337.5 hours of sunshine throughout the year!

Culture & Nightlife

Culture

Cassander of Macedon founded the city in 315 BC, naming it after his wife Thessalonike, daughter of Philip II of Macedon and sister of Alexander the Great. Thessaloniki, a significant metropolis during the Roman period, was the Byzantine Empire’s second-largest and wealthiest city. In 1430, the Ottomans conquered it, and it remained an important seaport and multi-ethnic metropolis for nearly five centuries under Turkish rule.

On November 8, 1912, it was transferred from the Ottoman Empire to the Kingdom of Greece. Thessaloniki features Byzantine architecture, including a World Heritage Site with numerous Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments, as well as Roman, Ottoman, and Sephardic Jewish structures.

Alexander the great, Statue, Thessaloniki, Greece, Culture, Recruit4work (2)

When you move to Thessaloniki there are a lot of attractions you must see. Perhaps the most famous sight is the white tower. This was a notorious prison during the Ottoman rule. Nowadays this is a museum and on top of the tower, you have an amazing 365° view of the city. The Heptapyrgion Fortress is also a well-known attraction. This is an abandoned Byzantine fortress and a notorious prison. Furthermore, Thessaloniki has a whopping 15 World Heritage Sites. Among these are for example, the Rotunda, the Vlatodon monastery, and the church of Saint Demetrius. Lastly, when you are in Thessaloniki, you have to see the Promenade. The Beach Promenade is Thessaloniki’s most well-known and visited attraction. It runs along Nikis Square and passes by the town’s trademark, the White Tower, as well as numerous cafeterias and bars that are open 24 hours a day. This is a popular nightlife destination for both locals and visitors.

Food

Greek cuisine is based on the triad of olive oil, wheat, and wine, as are many other Mediterranean cuisines. It includes veal, lamb, pork, poultry, beef, rabbit, and goat. Pasta, yogurt, olives, cheeses, herbs, and lemon juice are also important ingredients. Wheat bread is common, but other grains, especially barley, are also used, particularly for paximathia. Fruits, honey, nuts, and filo pastries are all common dessert ingredients. It carries on ancient Greek and Byzantine culinary traditions while also combining Balkan and Italian influences. Popular dishes in Thessaloniki include Bougatsa, Pork Souvlaki, Kazan Dibi, and Gamopilafo.

Nightclub, Nightlife, Night scene, Thessaloniki, Greece, Recruit4work_files

Nightlife

Thessaloniki has an explosive night scene. It is home to some of Greece’s best nightlife. Thessaloniki comes alive every sunset with young people strolling around the town’s bars and cafeterias, which are known for their all-night clubs and uplifting atmosphere. The Beach Promenade and Ladadika are two of Thessaloniki’s nightlife hotspots. There are a lot of lounge cafeterias to enjoy a wonderful night out, as well as the buzzing clubs and bars of Thessaloniki. During summer, some bar-boats leave from Thessaloniki’s port and take a tour of the gulf with a view of the city’s night lights. This is an absolute must when you are planning a night out in Thessaloniki.

Public transport

The only method of public transportation in Thessaloniki is the bus. The busses are operated by OASTH (ΟΑΣΘ), the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization. They have 68 bus lines across Thessaloniki. OASTH also has a website with press releases, tourism, information about the organization, a service page, ticket prices,  a contact page, and a page for the disabled. The bus operating company also has an app for iOS and Android.

Thessaloniki, Greece, Public transport, Bus, Ticket, Recruit4work

Tickets

Below I added a table with the ticket prices for the bus. The reduced price is for children aged 7 to 12 years, young people aged 13 to 18, students of public secondary education over 18 years old, students of public higher education, students of public I.E.K, students of public schools, large families, citizens over the age of 65 and the Α.μεΑ. with a disability rate of 67% or more.

Ticket Price Reducedprice
Basic ticket – Valid for a single movement on all bus lines of O.AS.TH. (lines 50 CULTURAL LINE and KTEL – AIRPORT (01X, 01N) are excluded) €0.90 €0.45
Time ticket 2 – Valid for 2 transfers that will be made to and from any direction and to and from any bus line (excluding the lines 50 CULTURAL LINE and KTEL – AIRPORT (01X, 01N)) within 70 minutes from their first ratification. €1.10 €0.55
Time ticket 3 – Valid for up to 3 transfers  from and to any direction and from and to any bus line (excluding lines 50 CULTURAL LINE, KTEL – AIRPORT (01X, 01N)) that will be made within 90 minutes from their first validation. €1.30 €0.70
€Time ticket 4 – Valid for up to 4 transfers  to and from any direction and to and from any bus line (excluding lines 50 CULTURAL LINE, KTEL – AIRPORT (01X, 01N)) which will be made within 120 minutes from their first validation. €1.80 €0.90
Ticket Culture line (50) and Airport Macedonia (01X, 01N) – valid only for one transfer, which concern exclusively these lines. €1.80 €0.90

All of the above tickets you can buy the ticket offices of OASTH. Furthermore, the basic ticket and time ticket 2 can be bought in about 1000 stores in Thessaloniki. On the bus itself, you can only buy the basic ticket, time ticket 4, and the Culture line and Airport ticket. These are issued by the on-bus publishing machines. Lastly, you can also buy the Culture Line and Airport ticket from the escorts of the Cultural Line (50).

Housing

Housing in Thessaloniki is very affordable. Rent prices differentiate depending on the location and condition of the living space. On average you can expect to pay around €400 per month for a room in Thessaloniki. However, you might as well get an apartment instead, because a one-bedroom apartment will only cost you between €300 and €400 per month. If you are moving with your family and you need 2 bedrooms, the rent price is around €500 to €600.

Housing, Room, Apartment, Thessaloniki, Greece, Recruit4work

No idea where to start your search? No worries! To make looking for a living space easier, I have some websites for you where you can find places to rent. Additionally, you can try to look for people offering rooms and apartments in Facebook groups

Healthcare

Greece’s healthcare standards are generally high: in terms of procedures offered at both public and private institutions, as well as the number of specialists working in the country, it is on level with other European countries.

In Athens and Thessaloniki, there are a large number of excellent doctors who can handle any medical problem. These cities are also the only places where Greece’s many private clinics can be found, so if you have private health insurance, you must be able to access one of these cities easily.

State health insurance is only available to expats who also contribute to the economy. If you work for a company based in Greece, your healthcare contribution will be deducted automatically from your salary.

Keep in mind that emergency care in Greece is always free at the point of service, regardless of whether you are a legal resident or not, so you won’t have to worry about not being treated if you have a severe accident. People frequently choose insurance for the aftercare component because it ensures a high level of treatment with additional comfort options.

Here are some important phone numbers to save in case of an emergency:

  •       European emergency number: 112
  •       Police: 100.
  •       Fire station: 199.
  •       Center for Emergency Assistance (Ambulances): 166.
  •       Duty and Overnight Pharmacy: 14944.
  •       Overnight Hospitals and Clinics: 14944.

Some words to get you started

Thessalonians’ native language is Greek, the country’s official language, while English is the most popular foreign language in use.

English Greek Pronunciation
Public transport Δημόσια συγκοινωνία Dimósia synkoinonía
Restaurant Εστιατόριο Estiatório
Supermarket Σουπερμάρκετ Soupermárket
Store κατάστημα Katástima
Hospital Νοσοκομείο Nosokomeío
Nightclub Νυχτερινό κέντρο Nychterinó kéntro
What time is it? Τι ώρα είναι? Ti óra eínai?
How are you doing? Πώς είσαι? Pós eísai?
Can you help me please? Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις σε παρακαλώ? Boreís na me voithíseis se parakaló?
Where can I find … ? Πού μπορώ να βρω …? Poú boró na vro … ?
How much does this cost? Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό? Póso kostízei aftó?
29Feb

Casablanca

Casablanca is the main getaway to Morocco for many people. This city is the industrial center of Morocco. It is the largest city with a beautiful setting. The city has a beautiful center with many historical buildings. Relocating to Morocco is always a good choice. You will be surprised by the hospitality and kindness of the people there. The diverse culture, Moroccan cuisine, open people, and beautiful country will never bore you. 

City Overview 

Casablanca is a modern city located in western Morocco, near the Atlantic Ocean. The city consists of 384 km2 and has a population of 3.36 million (2014). Casablanca means white house. The city got its name from Spanish merchants in the 18th century who began to settle there. The growth of the port and commercial progress of Casablanca have made the city the economic capital of Morocco. The official language of Casablanca is Standard Arabic. Next to this language they also speak French. The timezone in Casablanca is Greenwich Mean Time or Universal Time, which is a two-hour difference from Central European Time. 

Casablanca city overview
Casablanca Environment

Environment

Casablanca is located near the sea, therefore Casablanca has a typical Mediterranean climate with summers that are warm and muggy and winters that are cool and cloudy. The warmest months are July and August, with average temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius. The coolest months are between December and March, with an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. In the summer months, between June and August, the average temperature of the sea is 22 degrees Celsius. Casablanca is just a ferry ride from Spain and is located in Western North Africa.

Culture & Nightlife

Culture

Casablanca has a diverse culture. Religion is taken very seriously here. A few examples are that on Fridays the restaurants close at prayer time and during the religious month of Ramadan. A lot of restaurants and food shops are closed and use this time to invest in renovation. Some international shops stay open. When you move to Casablanca, religion is not the only difference compared to other European countries. The pace of life is slower compared to other European countries with the same size of economic strength. 

Another cultural difference is the hospitality in Morocco. There is a big chance that many people want to introduce you to Moroccan cuisine, their culture, and their way of living. 

Casablanca´s cuisine is a mix of North African traditions and Arabic and French delights. Here are a few must-try dishes:

  • Couscous is a traditional Berber dish of granules of durum wheat which is prepared steaming. Couscous is often served with meat or vegetables. 
  • Tajine refers to a type of North African cookware which is used for slow cooking. Tagine is a slow-cooked savory stew, often made with sliced meat or fish together with vegetables or fruit.
  • Bastilla is a famous Moroccan pie consisting of chicken (also possible to make with seafood), egg, and almonds combining sweet and salty flavors.
Casablanca Tajine

Nightlife

If you are looking for a good night out. You are in the right place in Casablanca. The center of Medina has a selection of nightclubs and bars. If you want to enter a club in Casablanca, you often have to pay around 200-250 DH. Morocco´s nightlife does not revolve around alcohol, however, there are still plenty of places where you can go dancing and listen to music. Here is a list of a few nice places to go for a fun night out. 

  • La bodega; is when you want a fun evening with a good atmosphere live music and good food. 
  • The VIP club; is a good place for people who love Arabic music and for people who want to get a taste of Arabic music in a luxurious place with a large dance floor. 
  • Armstrong Casablanca; is a great place to have fun while dancing with friends. Different styles of music. 
  • La Java; The best nights are karaoke on Mondays and Wednesdays and the live sessions on Friday and Saturday nights.

Public transport

Casablanca can be very busy, especially during rush hours. In this blog, you will find some useful tips that might help you to get around easier. The public transport in Casablanca is very easy. 

Casa tramway

Most people choose to make use of the CasaTramway. This is a very efficient method of transportation in Casablanca. The city has more than 70 stations and the trams are clean, safe, and comfortable. A single journey costs 6 dirhams, there are also different types of passes which are a better option when you use the tram often. Information about the passes can be found in the vending machines at the stations. The tram runs between 6 am and midnight. 

Bus

This is a busier option than the tram is the bus. However, the bus is the cheapest way of public transport in Casablanca. The bus runs between 6:45 am and 9:15 pm. A single ticket is 4 dirhams. 

Another option which runs unlike the tram and bus 24 hours a day is the taxi. After 8 pm there is a 50% surcharge. A tip is to always agree with the price before the ride instead of at the end of the ride and to negotiate. 

Housing

Finding an apartment or room to stay in Casablanca can be hard. There are many websites offering accommodations. Here are some tips to get you started and help you find accommodation. 

Sometimes it can be hard to find an apartment when you are not already living in Casablanca. Renting a short-term apartment can be a good option. It can help you (and your family) to get situated and find a good place to live in Casablanca. When you already live in Casablanca, you get to know the city better and you are also able to visit the offered apartment before signing something permanent. A good website for short-term accommodation is Subrent. 

If you are moving to Casablanca on your own. Sharing a flat might be a cheaper option which will also help you to get to know more people. Sharing an apartment with another person might be a good way to share costs and prevent feeling lonely. Websites you could use for this are.

Some things to keep in mind while renting an apartment in Morocco are:

  • Apartments in Morocco are often ´come as they are´ apartments. This means that they are often not painted and beautifully decorated, especially for the tenant. It’s often the responsibility of the tenant to take care of repairs while living there. 
  • You can also choose to rent an apartment unfurnished. Keep in mind that some apartments in this case may not have a refrigerator or any other kitchen appliances. Next to that, there may not be a normal toilet as you are used to. Some apartments have a traditional toilet which can only be flushed with a bucket of water. 

The prices of rental apartments in Casablanca are between 2500 and 6000 MAD per month. 

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Morocco works differently than in other countries. In Morocco, the insurance you get depends on your work situation. They have public insurance which is only accessible to certain segments of the population, such as civil servants, workers at public enterprises, and certain professionals. The public healthcare system is better than no healthcare but can´t be considered the best option.

The private sector is paid and covers the insurance of employees and their families. By Western standards, private healthcare in Morocco is very affordable. A visit to the office can cost between 10-15 dollars, medication costs a few dollars and an operation will bring you to 500 dollars. 

If you are planning on moving to Casablanca from another country, Cigna Insurance might be a good option. They are designed for globally mobile individuals who move to Morocco. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, clinics, etc. They are known for always finding the best healthcare solution with the best budget. 

Numbers to call in case of emergency. 

  • Ambulance = 15
  • Police = 19
  • Fire Department = 15

Pharmacies are very easy to identify in Morocco. They are identified with a green cross. Another useful tip, expect to pay cash when you visit a pharmacy or hospital. Last but not least, if you need to go to the hospital for a few days or get an operation, you have to bring your stuff with you. Think of a bottle of water, towels, a blanket, and a pillow. 

Casablanca Healthcare, Pharmacy

Some words to get you started

Engels Arabic + Prunancation  French
Goodmorning !yawmun sa ʾīd يوم سعيد Bonjour
What time is it? kamu s-sāʿah  كم الساعة؟ ?  Quelle heure est-il?
Where is …? ’ayna…? أين…؟ Où est?
What is the price of …? kam siʿru… ? كم سعر…؟ Quel est le prix de …?
I need a doctor ‘ana bi ḥāğatin ʾilā ṭabīb أنا بحاجة إلى طبيب J’ai besoin d’un docteur
See you later ʾila l-liqāʾi إلى اللقاء À plus tard
29Feb

Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, and home to one of the largest castles in the world! When you visit Prague, you will take a step back in time. The city is almost unparalleled in architecture and beauty. When you visit Prague, you will love it!

In this blog, we will give you some insights about the city, environment, activities, public transport, housing, and healthcare. We will provide you with some links which give you even more information on the topics we are about to share with you. 

City overview 

Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic. The river Vltava floats through Prague and separates the town into two parts, the right bank and the left bank. Prague was the biggest town in Europe in the 14th century. It became the centre of the Holy Roman Empire. The city has not been significantly damaged since the 16th century, not even during World War II.

 This is why it has been conserved so beautifully, with hundreds of stunning sights including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petrin Hill and Vysehrad.

Prague is a political and economic hub of central Europe, with a rich history and Romanesque, Gotch, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The city has more than ten major museums, along with numerous theatres, galleries, cinemas, and other historical exhibits. An extensive modern public and private school, including Charles University in Prague, the oldest university in Central Europe.

Charles Bridge, Cityblog Prague, Czech Republic, Recruit4Work

Environment

The city of Prague has a temperate continental climate, with characteristics of a maritime climate. The winter is fresh without getting too cold, and the summer is warm with periods of prolonged heat. It is perfect when you do not like too much cold or heat! The highest temperature ever recorded in Prague is 37.8 degrees Celsius (in 1983). With an average of just over five hundred millimetres of precipitation on an annual basis, Prague is drier than the French capital Paris.

The winters in Prague are pretty grey and cool. The city is surrounded by mountains and hills, hereby the wind force is not that strong which makes the perceived temperature higher than the actual temperature. An exception is when there is a heavy high-pressure area above the Baltic Sea or Germany, then a powerful easterly current that brings cold air from Russia. 

The summer is quite sunny, with not too much rain and pleasantly warm. On many days the temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. The number of days that it is cooler than twenty degrees Celsius is quite limited and sometimes it is tropically warm in the city, with no less than thirty degrees or slightly above. 

Activities

Did you know that Prague is the cultural capital of the Czech Republic? It is full of theatres, music, clubs, art as well as multiplex cinemas. If you love culture, then you will not get bored in Prague! Prague has so much to offer, that we selected the most beautiful things to do for you!

  • See the Infant Jesus of Prague, located in the Mala Strana (heart of the city)
  • Explore the Old Town Square
  • Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour
  • Stroll across the Charles Bridge
  • Witness the old Jewish Ghetto
  • Visit Prague Castle
  • See the Treasures of St Vitus Cathedral
  • Take a Cruise on the Vltava
  • Drink their world-famous beer

It can be difficult to prioritize and determine what to see and do on each day of your trip when there is so much to see and do in Prague. If you try to see everything, you will undoubtedly feel disappointed and rushed.

Instead, concentrate on a few areas/districts of the city and spend time getting to know them properly. You’ll have an excuse to return to Prague at a later date if you don’t see everything!

Prague Astronomical Clock, Cityblog Prague, Czech Republic, Recruit4Work

Avoid eating in the city centre, like you would in many other tourist destinations around Europe such as Barcelona, Budapest, and Lanarca. Instead, walk a few streets back and you’ll get much better-quality meals at significantly lower prices.

Public transport

Public transport in Prague is cheap and efficient. The easiest way to travel to the city from the Airport is by taxi. But once you are in the city, it is simple to travel around by metro and tram. There are no metro stations at Prague Airport. To travel into Prague by public transport requires taking a bus and then the metro. It takes one hour to travel by public transport to the city, there are two main routes:

  • Route 1: Bus 119 from all terminals at Prague Airport to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (line A) and from there you can take a metro to your destination.
  • Route 2: Bus 100 from all terminals at Prague Airport to Zlicín metro station (line B) and from there you can take a metro to your destination.

Bus

The Prague bus network mainly services the suburbs of Prague, areas where the metro and trams do not go. Buses generally terminate at metro stations or tram stops, to facilitate onward travel by tram or metro to destinations in the city centre. Day buses run from 04:30-24:00: every 6-8 minutes during peak hours, every 10-20 minutes off-peak and every 15-30 minutes on weekends. Night buses run from 24:00 to 04:30: every 30-60 minutes.

Prague, Cityblog Prague, Czech Republic, Recruit4Work

Metro

In the city, there are multiple ways to travel through the city. You can choose to go by metro, tram or bus. The metro has three colour-coded lines:

  • Line A (green): Depo Hostivar – Nemocnice Motol
  • Line B (yellow): Cerny Most – Zlicín
  • Line C (red): Letnany – Háje

You can transfer to another metro at the following locations:

  • Mustek station (A & B)
  • Muzeum station (A & C)
  • Florence station (B & C)

Tram

Trams in Prague are reliable and convenient. Daytime trams start running at 4:30 am approximately every 10 minutes until midnight. Night trams numbers 51 to 59 run from midnight until 4:30 am every 30 to 40 minutes.

The most useful tram is tram number 22. This tram goes to Prague’s top attractions. It also provides breathtaking views of the city along its route. The tram runs through Hradčany, passing by the National Theatre and stopping at Prague Castle, Loreta and Strahov Monastery.

Train

There are 2 train stations in Prague.

  • Praha hlavní nádraží train station. The main station in Prague is near Wenceslas Square.
  • Nádraží Praha-Holešovice train station is located outside the city centre.

You can check train times and book tickets here. Information on this website is in Czech, English and German. You can also buy train tickets from any train station.

Housing

If you intend to apply for a long-term visa (stay of more than 90 days) in the Czech Republic, you should begin looking for a long-term place as soon as possible. A long-term housing contract is required as part of your visa application, and you will be unable to apply for one without it.

You can either hire a real estate agent or search on your own when looking for an apartment. If you are looking for an apartment on your own, keep in mind that the owner may demand a higher price than you would pay if you used a real estate agent. The good news is that multiple friendly websites are very useful when looking for accommodation.

Accommodation costs vary in Prague and are largely determined by factors such as location (city vs suburb), size, and whether the flat is furnished or unfurnished. The most expensive flats are in the centre, with 2 rooms and a kitchenette in the centre costing 15.000 CZK per month on average. 2 rooms with a full kitchen apartment in the suburbs cost roughly 10.000 CZK on average. If you are only renting a room, expect to pay between 8.000 and 12.000 CZK per month.

Houses Prague, Cityblog Prague, Czech Republic, Recruit4Work

Healthcare

In case of an emergency, dial 112 to be connected to the EU emergency line. This guarantees an English-speaking operator. Otherwise, Czech medical emergency services can be reached on 155.

In the Czech Republic, health insurance is required, whether provided by a public or private health insurance provider. Czech citizens, residents, and anyone working for a Czech company are automatically covered and pay monthly contributions to the country’s public healthcare system. Long-term tourists will need to use a private insurance firm, while short-term visitors will be expected to have travel insurance.

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare during a short-term visit to Prague. UK citizens can make use of their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens. The EHIC is a free health insurance card that entitles you to emergency medical care while travelling in one of the EEG nations (Europe, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) or Switzerland. The EHIC provides coverage for emergency medical care. It does not cover private or non-urgent medical care, dentistry, or free care if the treatment is the sole purpose of your visit. It is important to keep in mind that some treatments that are free in your country could not be free in the Czech Republic.

For further information on the EHIC, please refer to the schengenvisainfo.com website.

Some words to get you started

The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, which is spoken by 96 per cent of the population. Czech is considered by many to be the best Slavic language to learn. It uses the Latin alphabet and what appears to be simple phoneme writing (each character represents only one sound). To assist you with the Czech language, we’ve compiled a short list of the most popular terms.

English Czech Pronunciation
Hello Ahoj a-hoy
Good, thanks Dobře, děkuji dob-je-geh-kweh
Excuse me Promiňte proh-min-ee-teh
Please Prosim proh-sim
Beer Pivo peh-voh
Wine Víno vee-noh
Water Voda vo-dah
The bill, please Účet, prosim oo-chet pro seem
Left Vlevo vleh-voh
Right Pravo prah-voh
29Feb

Larnaca

If you are looking to move to a city with a palm-tree seafront, a rich history, and a semi-arid climate, then Larnaca is the place to be! It is a wonderful city in Cyprus, located in the Mediterranean Sea, below Turkey. After reading this blog you will know more about Larnaca’s environment, nightlife, culture, public transport, housing, health care, and some words to get you started.

Fun Facts about Larnaca:

  • It has been under the rule of the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Ottomans, and the British
  • It was once known as Kition
  • During the winter, Larnaca Salt Lake fills with water and sees migrating birds return. These birds include flamingos, wild ducks, and other water birds.
  • Larnaca is home to some top-ranking wrecks, such as the Zenobia Wreck and Alexandria Wreck, which attract visitors from all over the world. 
Larnaca, Cyprus, City, Mediterranean, Palm trees, Beach, Coastline, Recruit4Work
  • Some of Larnaca’s notable residents include stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium, singer Anna Vissi, and Cypriot racing driver Tio Ellinas.
  • The Larnaca International Airport is one of the two major airports in Cyprus

City overview 

Larnaca is a city on the southeast coast of Cyprus and the oldest city in Cyprus. It was established in the 13th century BCE. It is the third-largest city in the country, after Nicosia and Limassol. The city has a population of 72.000 and it has seven neighborhoods: Skala, Prodromos, Faneromeni, Drosia, Kamares, Vergina, and Agioi Anargyroi. Larnaca was originally called ‘Kition,’ because it was believed that Kittim, Noah’s great-grandson, had founded the first settlement roughly 6,000 years ago.

Larnaca, Cyprus, City, Mediterranean, Trees, View, Recruit4Work.

Environment

Temperature
Larnaca has a hot semi-arid climate. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. The warmest month is August with an average temperature of 27.6°C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is February with an average temperature of 11.8°C. In autumn, the average temperature is around 22°C and during spring you can expect the temperature to be around 17°C.

Precipitation
Larnaca has an incredibly low annual precipitation. On average it has 37.7 rainy days per year. With December being the wettest month and July and August being the driest months. The city is sometimes seen as having a Mediterranean climate, but the winter rainfall is below the required amount to be called a Mediterranean climate.
Throughout the year, Larnaca has over 3,356 hours and approximately 320 days of sunshine!

Landscape
Larnaca is known for its famous Salt lakes. Larnaca Salt Lake is a complex network of four salt lakes of varying sizes located west of Larnaca. Lake Aliki is the largest, followed by Lake Orphani, Lake Soros, and Lake Spiro. After the Limassol Salt Lake, they form Cyprus’s second-largest salt lake. The lakes have a total surface area of 2.2 km2.

Larnaca, Cyprus, Climate, Environment, Temperature, Blog, Recruit4Work

Culture & Nightlife

Culture

Larnaca has a lot to offer. Once you move to Larnaca you must see some of the cultural attractions in the city. For example, the Pierides and Larnaca District Archeological Museum where you can take in the history of Larnaca. Furthermore, you can visit the monuments of Larnaca: The bust of Kimon the Athenian, the bust of Zeno, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

Larnaca, Cyprus, Saint Lazarus, Church, Sun, Recruit4Work

Another famous place to visit in Larnaca is the church of saint Lazarus. Lazarus was forced to flee Judea came to Cyprus. There he was appointed by Paul the Apostle and Barnabas as the first Bishop of Kition (now Larnaca).

The Larnaca castle is also worth visiting. It was constructed to defend the southern coast of Cyprus and Larnaca and was later used as an artillery station, prison, and museum. Finally, you cannot live in Larnaca and not have seen the beautiful Mackenzie Beach on the coastline of Larnaca. Mackenzie Beach is considered the favorite beach for local Larnaca families to relax and enjoy the Cyprus sunshine

Food

The Cypriot cuisine is similar to the Greek cuisine. Dishes are considered very healthy and are based on a Mediterranean diet. The main ingredients that are used in Larnaca are pork, lamb, chicken, fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and cheese. Furthermore, a lot of dishes involve beans, such as Fasolaki and Louvi me lahana. Aside from the local seafood restaurants, there are also many continental and international restaurants in Larnaca.

Larnaca, Cyprus, Food, Dish, Restaurant, Recruit4Work (1)
Larnaca, Cyprus, Nightlife, Party, Beach, Ammos, Club, Recruit4Work

Nightlife

Do you want to go for a fun night out in Larnaca? Let me tell you about the nightlife that this city offers. Larnaca’s clubbing scene is known for its beach parties. The Laiki Yitonia neighborhood in Larnaca is where you can find these vibrant beach parties. They offer all kinds of music from DJ’s and dance music to local musicians playing ambient tunes. These beach parties are on the Mackenzie strip, at clubs like Ammos and Lush Beah Bar Resto.
The locals prefer to go to a row of bars and clubs behind the Mackenzie beach. They are not as big, but just as vibrant and give you a more authentic Cypriot experience.

Public transport

The public transport system in Larnaca is a little underdeveloped compared to other international cities. The only public transport in Larnaca is bus lines. The buses are operated by Cyprus By Bus. In Larnaca, there are sixteen rural bus lines and a bus to Larnaca Airport. Some of these bus lines also have night buses. 

Furthermore, Cyprus By Bus has an app where you can plan your route and see an overview of all the bus stops. At the moment this app is only available for Android. To download the app, click here

Cyprus by Bus, Lanarca, Cyprus, Recruit4work

Tickets

When you make use of the bus network, it is necessary to hold a valid ticket throughout the duration of your journey. Tickets can be purchased on the bus. There are six types of tickets. I listed all of the tickets and prices below.

  • Single ticket: a single journey within a city and city suburbs from 04:00 until 21:00. Price: €1.50
  • Night – Single ticket : a single journey within a city and city suburbs from 21:00 until 04:00. Price: €2.50
  • Daily ticket: valid for a single day to be used in journeys within a city and city suburbs from 04:00 until 21:00. Price: €5
  • Weekly ticket: valid for 7 days from 04:00 until 21:00 to be used in journeys within a city and city suburbs. Price: €20
  • Monthly ticket: valid for a month to be used in journeys within a city and city suburbs. Price: €40
  • Intercity Daily ticket: valid for all intercity and city bus routes for one day. Price: €15

Tips

The following categories are traveling free at all times: children up to 6 years old, pupils presenting their Pupil card, and soldiers presenting their Cyprus Military card. Additionally, students travel by bus with a 50% discount.

Housing

Housing in Larnaca is fairly cheap, especially when you compare it to other cities like Limassol or Nicosia. But how much can you expect to pay for rent when you move to Larnaca? This depends on what kind of residence you are looking for. For example, a room in a shared living space costs you between €300 – €400 per month on average. However, for an apartment, you can expect to pay a little more. Depending on the location and state of the apartment, you can expect to pay between €500 – €800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. If you are not moving by yourself and you need a two-bedroom apartment, this will cost you between €650 – €1000 per month.

Larnaca, Cyprus, Housing, Apartment, Room, Bed, Renting, Recruit4Work

Do you have no idea where to start looking? No worries! To help you make the search for a living space easier, I listed some websites for you where you can find places to rent. Additionally, you can try to look for Facebook groups where people offer rental spaces.

Websites for Appartements:

Websites for a room:

Bazaraki – Rooms & Flatmates

Healthcare

Cyprus’ affordable and effective healthcare is another reason you have to relocate to the island.

Public healthcare
The Ministry of Health oversees public healthcare in Cyprus, which is mostly funded through taxes and mandated social service contributions.
When you have been in Cyprus for three months or more, you are recognized as a resident and can register with the General Healthcare System (GHS) and choose a local doctor. This can be done here

Private healthcare
Many expats choose private health insurance to gain access to a larger range of hospitals and institutions and avoid long waiting lists. In Cyprus you can choose from a variety of programs, each adapted to your needs and based on certain requirements.

Larnaca, Cyprus, Healthcare, Medical, Emergency, Hospital, Recruit4Work

For expats, there are two main private health insurance alternatives. Some people prefer the security and flexibility of international private medical insurance, while others prefer the lower premiums of a local private medical insurance firm.

You usually pay for treatment in advance and get reimbursed within a month. It may not be needed to inform the provider before having treatment, depending on the policy, though most firms do provide a 24-hour toll-free hotline in case patients have any questions.

Here are some telephone numbers to call in case of an emergency:

  • The emergency number for EU: 112
  • Local emergency number in Cyprus: 199
  • Hospital Larnaca Old General: 24 304 312
  • Hospital Larnaca Makareio: 24 800 500
29Feb

Athens

Founded over 3.400 years ago, Athens does make you feel like you have travelled back in time. With relics from various times, including the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman periods, every step can lead to another wonderful discovery. This city is a must-see for everyone interested in archaeology.

In this blog, we will give you some insights about the city, environment, activities, public transport, housing, and healthcare. We will provide you with some links which give you even more information on the topics we are about to share with you.

Did you know:

  • Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities with a history spanning 3.400 years
  • Plato is a famous Athenian philosopher who is credited with starting the first institution for higher education in the Western world. Plato was also the teacher of Aristotle, who is known as the ‘Father of Western Philosophy’.
  • Athens is considered to be the hottest city in Europe. The average high temperature during the summer months is 34 degrees Celsius. Athens also has the highest recorded temperature in Europe at 48 degrees Celsius in July 1977. Be prepared for hot, dry weather if you visit Athens in the summer months.

City Overview 

Athens is Greece’s capital and largest city. It is the centre of all centres in the world. Athens is the city of the Olympic Games, the city of world-famous artists, a cultural hub with festivals and international events, and a scientific centre with countless museums with unique finds and exhibitions. From the Acropolis, you have a beautiful overview of Athens, the historic Agora, the church Agia Apostoll and the cosy Plaka.

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history of approximately 3.400 years and its earliest human presence beginning somewhere between the 11th and 7th centuries before Christus. Athens was a powerful city-state. It was a centre for arts, learning and philosophy, and the home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum. It is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, largely because of its cultural and political impact on the European continent, especially ancient Rome.

In modern times, Athens is a large cosmopolitan metropolis and central to Greece’s economic, financial, industrial, maritime, political and cultural life. In 2021, the urban area of Athens hosted more than three and a half million people, which is about 35% of the entire population of Greece.

Umbrella street Athens, Greece, Athens, Recruit4work

Environment

Athens is surrounded by mountains. The mountains that surround Athens separate the peninsula into three plains: Pedia, Mesogeia, and Thriasia. 

Athens has a mild winter, but sometimes there can be outbreaks of cold air in December to March. This happens via the Balkan Peninsula, which brings cold and rain for some days and sometimes even snow. Snowfalls occur more in the northern part of the city. Acropolis, the city centre, is whitened with snow more easily than the lower surrounding areas. 

The summers in Athens are hot and sunny. Athens is in summer the hottest capital of Europe. In July and August, the temperature reaches quite easily 35 degrees Celsius. But during heatwaves, it can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius. 

Precipitation is not plentiful in Athens since it amounts to 365 millimetres per year. Most rain falls in the months of November to February, the least rain falls in summer. The amount of sunshine in Athens is great in summer. On average there are almost 28.000 hours of sunshine per year. This means that Athens is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. 

Activities

Athens is filled with archaeological treasures. The Acropolis and Parthenon are the big draw for visitors, but the city is littered with ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Athens feels like taking a step back in time, a wonderful history lesson that is great for everyone.

Acropolis

The Acropolis is the most popular place to visit in Athens. The best time to visit the Acropolis is at the opening time and the last two hours before closing, to avoid big crowds. The Acropolis, a fortified limestone plateau topped with the Parthenon and several other historical sites, rises from the heart of Athens. Other historical monuments around the Acropolis are the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysus.

Acropolis, Athens, Greece, Recruit4work

Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus

Located near the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora. The ground is littered with the ruins of buildings and walkways. There are two important places to visit, the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved Greek temples. It was constructed to honour the god Hephaestus, the patron god of fire, metalworking, and craftsmanship.
The Stoa of Attalos is a building that was built in the 2nd century. The building was reconstructed in 1950.

Plaka

Plaka is a neighbourhood in Athens that stretches from the Acropolis to Syntagma Square. It is one of the best places in Athens to go shopping. Ermou Street is a pedestrian street lined with popular stores. Anafiotika is a charming, older section of Plaka with narrow, photogenic streets and shops.

Monastiraki square

Monastiraki Square is known as a busy, bustling spot in Athens. It is located in the heart of Athens, near Hadrian’s Library, and the Ancient Agora, and it is a short walk from the Acropolis. From this square, you can visit the Greek Orthodox church, a mosque, a metro station, the pillars of Hadrian’s Library, and a lot of shops. On Sunday there is a big flea market.

The Stoa of Attalos, greece, Athens, recruit4.work
Monastiraki square, Greece, Athens, Recruit4work

Public transport

You can easily discover the city on foot. Even the beach is a stone’s throw from the Old Quarter. Walking is a good opportunity to discover the city, but public transport is also generally good. There is a network of trams and city buses. City buses of the bus company TAM (Transporte Alicante Metropolitano) run through the city. There are also five tram lines in Alicante.

A single bus ticket costs €1,45, which you can buy at the bus. Please note, bus drivers give change up to €10. If you think you are going to use the bus a couple of times, it could be a good idea to buy a rechargeable card named Móbilis. You can buy a rechargeable card at the TAM office, located at Calle Díaz More 6 (near the Central Market) and at Muelle de Poniente (close to the Port, in the Central Bus Station of Alicante). A rechargeable card costs €2,- or €4,- when you personalise it with a picture. You can put money on it depending on how many rides you want to make. A single ticket costs €1,45, but with a 10-ride Móbilis card it costs €8,70, or a 30-ride Móbilis card for €26,10. These cards can also be used for the tram.

The Athens Metro has 3 lines. 

  • Line 1 (green line): Kifisia – Piraseus
  • Line 2 (red line): Anthoupoli – Eliniko
  • Line 3 (blue line): Airport – Douk. Plakentias – Nikea

The metro connects important landmarks of the Greek capital, such as Acropolis, Athens Airport, Port of Piraeus, Central Railway Station, and Olympic Stadium. It also connects to the centre of Athens with the suburbs. Archaeological exhibits found during Metro’s construction and modern works of art are exhibited in many stations.

The Suburban Railway is part of the national railway network of Greece. It is operated by the private company TrainOSE.

There are 3 main routes:

  • Piraeus – Athens Central Station (Larissa Station)
  • Airport, Piraeus – Athens Central Station 
  • Kiato and Athens Central Station – Halkida

There are also extra trains between Ano Liosia and Airport station as well as Ano Liosia and Koropi stations. 

Acropolis of Athens, Athens, Greece

Taxis are yellow in Athens, while other colours are preferred elsewhere in Greece. They can be a more convenient means of transportation. While many taxi drivers are excellent professionals, some of them may try to gain more opting for the longest route when their passenger is not familiar with their destination.

Housing

Rental prices in Athens are divergent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an average of €470. Outside the city centre, a one-bedroom apartment is on average €430. Of course, this depends on the area you are going to live in Athens. Athens has so many beautiful neighbourhoods to live in. For you, we will highlight the best neighbourhoods in Athens.

Plaka. Many of the establishments in what was formerly the nightlife sector were shut down by the government to deter undesirable elements. It’s now a bright and airy neighbourhood that attracts both tourists and locals. There are plenty of opportunities to look in the many shops and explore the cafes and restaurants. Plaka is great for families and calmer sorts.

Gazi. Is a little bit cheaper than Plaka. Gaiza is just a 20-minute walk to the key attractions and it is a lively place in itself. In Gazi

there is a cultural neighbourhood. There is an old factory that has been turned into a unique museum.

Psyri. Has great nightlife. If you like to go out, dance all night long and drink in a hipster cocktail bar then this area is perfect for you! Psyri is a relatively cheap neighbourhood for drinks.

Exarchia. It is a busy area with a lot of art spaces, street art and coffee bars are popping up everywhere.

Anafiotika, Athens, Greece

To help you a little bit with searching, we created a list special for you! Some websites for renting apartments in Athens are:

Healthcare

The overall standard of healthcare in Greece is generally high. In Athens, you will find a high number of excellent doctors who can deal with all medical problems. Although there is some variation between the mainland and many smaller islands, due to the financial crisis back in the past.

Greece has a National Health System (ESY) that seeks to provide all citizens with free and equal access to high-quality health care. The system is made up of a combination of public and private health service providers that are separated into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

If foreign residents and their families contribute to the Social Insurance Institute (IKA), they have access to free or low-cost public healthcare. IKA is a public insurance company that manages Greece’s social security. Expats must apply for national health insurance, which is managed by IKA, as soon as they begin working, and they will be issued an AMKA social security card. Patients must pay a charge for prescription medicines, although medical care provided by IKA-approved practitioners is often free.

Free laboratory services, maternity care, medical-related appliances or devices, and emergency transportation are among several benefits. Other European Union citizens are also able to get free healthcare if they have a European Health Card, which entitles the bearer to public healthcare insurance for a certain time. Pensioners from EU nations who intend to settle in Greece and get their pension from their home country are also eligible for state health benefits.

Greek flag, Greece, Athens, Recruit4work

In bigger cities, public ambulance services, known as EKAV, are widely available, and response times are generally good, however access to some islands and rural areas may be limited. Private ambulances, EKAV helicopters, and taxis may be viable alternatives in this case for emergencies in more rural places.

If you have an emergency, you can call 166 or 112!

If you call 166 operators may not be able to speak English, so you may wish to rather dial emergency number 112 for an English operator.

Some words to get you started

Greek is not an easy language to learn, because of the different orthography. That is why we help you a little bit with the most common words in Greek. It is often much appreciated if you make an effort to say something in Greek; even if all you can do is say hello! If you walk through a less touristy town in the evening, you will see the residents sitting outside their houses, usually with several neighbours. As soon as you greet yourself you will see a big smile on most faces and of course, they greet you back.

English Greek How to pronounce 
Hi Γειά σου YAH-soo
Nice to meet you Χάρηκα πολύ HA-ree-ka po-LEE
Good morning Καλημέρα Kah-lee-MER-ah
Goodnight Καληνύχτα Kah-lee-NEEKH-tah
Thank you Ευχαριστώ Eff-kha-ri-STOE
Yes Ναί Neh
No Óχι OH-hee
29Feb

Budapest

Budapest has a lot to offer. If you are looking to move to a beautiful city, that has a rich history and is affordable, then Budapest is the place to be! It is the capital city of Hungary, located in eastern Europe. After reading this blog you will know more about Budapest’s environment, nightlife, culture, public transport, housing, health care, and some words to get you started.

Fun Facts about Budapest:

  • Budapest is The Thermal Bath Capital of The World
  • Hungarian Names Are Regulated by The Law: names have to be chosen from a pre-approved list and any deviations must be approved by application to the Research Institute for Linguistics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
  • Budapest Has the Oldest Underground in Continental Europe
  • It is considered rude to clink your beer glasses
  • The Hungarian alphabet has 44 letters!
  • The national dish of Hungary is gulyás
Budapest, Hungary, Chain bridge, City, Recruit4work
  • The world’s most famous escape artist was born in Budapest: Harry Houdini

City overview 

Budapest is located in central Hungary and it is its capital city. The city is an area of 525 square meters and a population of 1,752,286 people. Budapest was established in 1873, by the unification of the cities Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. They were joined together to create a city fit to be the dual capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Danube separates Buda from Pest and the areas are connected by the chain bridge.

Budapest has as many as 23 districts. 6 districts are located in Buda, 16 districts in Pest, and one district (XXI) is located on the island of Csepel. You can find districts I, II, III, XI, XII, and XXII on the west side of the river in Buda. District V is in the center of Pest, which is on the east side of the river. Districts VI, VII, VIII and IX surround District V. District X is the center of a more external circle of districts.

Districts, Budapest, Buda, Pest, Hungary, City, Capital, Recruit4work

District XI, Újbuda, has the biggest population of all districts with 145.510 people living there. District XVII, Rákosmente, is the largest district with an area of 54.83 square kilometers.

Environment

Temperature
Budapest has a humid subtropical climate with relatively cold winters and hot summers. In January, the coldest month, the average low temperature is -1.2°C and the average high temperature is 4.1°C. In the warmest month, July, the average low temperature is 18°C and the average high temperature is 28.6°C.

Precipitation
The city has an average annual precipitation of 23,5 inches. On average there are 84 days of precipitation each year in Budapest and in the months of May and June, you can expect the most rainfall. Snowfall is fairly frequent in the winter months. They have a long summer period from May to mid-September and 1988 hours of sunshine throughout the year.

Hills
As you know by now, Budapest consists of two areas named Buda and Pest. Pest is a fairly flat area and Buda is quite hilly. The Buda hills were formed in the Triassic Period. The highest point of the hills and of Budapest is János Hill, at 527 meters above sea level. The lowest point is the line of the Danube which is 96 meters above sea level. Budapest is also rich in green areas. Of the 525 square kilometers occupied by the city, 83 square kilometers are green areas, parks, and forests.

Temperature, Climate, Budapest, Hungary, Environment, Recruit4Work

Culture & Nightlife

Culture

Budapest has many beautiful places to visit. If you want to go sightseeing in Budapest you should visit the Hungarian Parliament, the shoes on the Danube bank, the Buda castle, the Chain bridge, Bazilika church, Fisherman’s Bastion, the great market hall, and Heroes Square.

The city is also known for its many thermal springs, it is even named the city of spas. Therefore, it is worth checking out Szechenyi baths. This is the most visited and much-praised attraction in Budapest. The spa has 18 pools, 10 saunas, several message treatments, and more. Budapest also has lovely green places to visit such as Gellért Hill and Margaret Island. Gellért hill is located near the Danube in Buda and it is a beautiful viewpoint to see the river and the chain bridge. Margaret Island is located between Buda and Pest in the Danube. The island is known for its water tower, the rose and Japanese garden, the ruins, and the musical fountain.

Szechenyi thermal bath, Spa, Budapest, Hungary, Recruit4work

Food

Budapest established its own distinct cuisine based on products from the surrounding region, such as lamb, pork, and regional vegetables. Hungarian cuisine today is a combination of Asian components combined with French, Germanic, Italian, and Slavic elements. Restaurants in Budapest reflect diversity, with menus featuring traditional regional cuisine, fusions of various culinary influences, or cutting-edge new techniques.

Kürtőskalács, Chimney cake, Food, Budapest, Hungary, Recruit4work
Gulyás, Goulash, Food, Budapest, Hungary, Recruit4work

Once you are in Budapest there are a few dishes and snacks that you must try such as Lángos, Kürtőskalács, Gulyás, and Paprikás csirke.

Lángos is a deep-fried doughy flatbread that’s eaten warm and slathered with sour cream and grated cheese or with garlicky butter. It is a great savory snack for on-the-go.

Kürtőskalács (chimney cake) is made from long strips of sugary dough wrapped around spits that are brushed with butter and roasted over charcoal. The sugar caramelizes to form a crispy coating and when the dough is removed from the spit, steam is released from the center like a chimney.

Gulyás (Goulash) is the national dish of Hungary and something you have to try when you are in the capital city. It is a thin broth made from chunks of beef cooked with onions, paprika, tomatoes, and pepper. Another dish you should try in Budapest is Paprikás csirke (Chicken paprikash). It is one of the most popular dishes in Budapest, chicken paprikash is essentially chicken coated in a sour cream sauce.

Nightlife

Quirky ruin bars are Budapest’s most famous nightlife phenomenon. The club Szimpla Kert is the most famous club in Budapest and is the center of the nightlife scene.

Instant Fogas Ház is another very popular club in Budapest. Instant is still the biggest ruin bar in Budapest, with two courtyards and eight bars, all of which stay open until 6 am, seven nights a week. If you love night-time pool parties, you should also try to go to a party (spa-party) at the Szechenyi Baths. Think of a full-on rave in a thermal spa; pumping house music, cocktails, and an anything-goes atmosphere.

Finally, the best thing about the nightlife in Budapest is that it is the cheapest destination in Europe to buy alcoholic drinks!

Instant Fogas, Nightlife, Club, Budapest, Hungary, Recruit4work

Public transport

Public transportation in Budapest is provided by one of the largest transportation authorities in Europe. BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ) operates all public transport in the city which includes 4 metro lines, 5 suburban railway lines, 33 tram lines, 15 trolleybus lines, 264 bus lines and 4 boat services and MOL BuBi, the bike sharing service.

BKK also has an app, where you can plan your journey, buy tickets, and find more information about public transport. The name of the app is BudapestGO and it is available for iOS and Android

BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ), public transport, budapest, hungary recruit4.work

Tickets

BKK has an integrated e-ticket system. This means you do not need to buy a different ticket for each mode of transportation. It was implemented to increase the use of public transportation and reduce the use of cars. You can buy tickets on the mobile app for all modes of transport, for a low price. Below you can find the prices of the tickets and passes.

Type of ticketPrice in €Price in Ft
Line ticket€0,92350 Ft
Time-based€1,39530 Ft
Day ticket€4,321650 Ft
Nostalgia ticket€1,31500 Ft
Ferry ticket€0,44170 Ft
Type of passPrice in €Price in Ft
Monthly pass€24,859,500 Ft
Annual pass€298,14114,000 Ft
Quarterly pass€74,5428,500 Ft
Semester pass€42,3716,200 Ft
Budapest, Hungary, Map, Routes, Lines, Public transport, BKK, Recruit4work

Cycling

As I mentioned before, BKK also operates a bike-sharing service called MOL Bubi. It is a sustainable alternative in the city and it is very easy to use. First, you need to download the app, then you can register and buy a pass or Pay As You Go. A monthly pass is 500 Ft (€1,37), an annual pass is 5,000 Ft (€13,74) and Pay As You Go is 20 Ft (€0,05) per minute. There are 162 bike stations with 1,560 bikes available throughout the city, ready for you to use.

Housing

Finding a living space in Budapest will not be a problem. There are lots of websites where you can find apartments and rooms. Additionally, there are Facebook groups where you can search for housing.

 One of the reasons why you should move to Budapest is the rent prices. These are quite low. For a one-bedroom apartment in Budapest, you can expect to pay between 160,000 – 180,000 HUF (€450 – €500). If you are looking for a two-bedroom apartment you can expect to pay between 230,000 – 260,000 HUF (€620 – €700). For a room in a shared house prices are around 95,000 – 135,000 HUF (€250 – €350). The location of the apartment or room can also make a difference in price. For example, prices are higher in Pest than in Buda. Another reason why you should move to Budapest is the beautiful loft apartments that are very common in the city.

Below are some websites to help you look for housing:

Room, Apartment, Housing, Budapest, Hungary, Recruit4work

Healthcare

The National Health Insurance Fund (Hungarian: Nemzeti Egészségbiztostási Alapkezel (NEAK)) organises a tax-funded universal healthcare system in Hungary. If you are working for a local company in Budapest, you can use Hungary’s public healthcare system, which covers the majority of medical costs.

Many expats use Budapest’s numerous private hospitals and clinics, which provide high-quality medical services and employees who speak English. Basic healthcare is provided free of charge to residents of the European Union (as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland). You must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and a passport or ID to show to the medical personnel. You must have your EHIC before arriving in Hungary, or you have to pay for medical care. Non-emergencies and emergency repatriation are not covered by this basic care.

Below you can find the numbers to call when you have an emergency in Budapest.

Healthcare, Medical emergency, EHIC, Budapest, Hungary, Recruit4work
  •   Ambulance: 104
  •   Police: 107
  •   Fire department: 105
  •   Central help number: 112

Some words to get you started

The official language in Hungary is Hungarian. In Budapest, you can manage to get around if you speak English. In other parts of Hungary however, most people do not speak English. The overall percentage of the English-speaking population in Hungary is only 20%. Therefore, here are some words and sentences to get you started in Budapest

EnglishHungarian
Public transportTömegközlekedés
RestaurantÉtterem
SupermarketSzupermarket
StoreBolt
HospitalKórház
NightclubSzórakozóhely
What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
How are you doing?Hogy vagy?
Can you help me please?Tudnál segíteni kérlek?
Where can I find …?Hol találom …?
How much does this cost?Mennyibe kerül?
29Feb

Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most welcoming and diverse cities in the country. Moving to Madrid is saying yes to an inspiring experience in an international environment. Madrid is one of the most International cities in Spain, where you can still taste, feel, and get to know the Spanish culture. 

City overview 

Madrid is the biggest city in the country of Spain. Madrid is known as the ‘Villa del Oso y el Madroño’ (The City of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree’). The inhabitants of Madrid are called ‘Madrileños or Matritense’. Madrid has a population of 3.2 million people and is 604.3 km2 large. Madrid is a very safe city to live in and has many different kinds of neighborhoods. Every neighborhood has its personality and characteristics. 

Here is a list of a few examples:

  • La Latina This is the most traditional area of Madrid. You can feel the culture and essence of the city when you are walking around through the streets and squares. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city with lots of hidden spots like bars, gardens, and cozy squares. 
  • Chueca Is Home to the LGBT community in Madrid. Diversity with a great party atmosphere the whole year is what identifies this neighborhood. 
  • Malasaña Modern and bohemian area in Madrid with traditional bars restaurants and a great atmosphere.
Madrid City Overview
  • Salamanca A more luxurious area in Madrid is Salamanca. Here you will find classic modern buildings and luxury shops. This area is a paradise for shopaholics. 
  • Barrio de las Letras This area was home to many authors in the 16th and 17th centuries. Famous books are written here. Many verses or parts of books are written on walls and floors. The streets are often named after authors’ names. 
  • Lavapiés Very multicultural neighbourhood. Located in the center of Madrid with old traditional buildings and international bars and restaurants. This neighborhood brings you back to the origin of Madrid with the irregular and narrow streets.

Fun facts about Madrid:

  • Real Madrid is the world’s most successful football club of the 20th century.
  • A lot of people think that the weather is less sunny in Madrid than in other cities in Spain. But actually, Madrid has more cloudless days than other cities in Spain.
  • Madrid’s population has grown by 2 million people since 1900.
  • Madrid is the highest capital in Europe with 700 meters altitude.
Madrid, Real Madrid, Fun Facts (1)

Environment

Madrid has a Continental Mediterranean climate and lies at the geographical heart of the Iberian Peninsula. This location is also partly the reason for the extreme temperatures in summer and winter. In winter you can expect colder winters than in the rest of Spain, with a cold wind but snow is not common here. In contrast to winters, are summers very hot with temperatures around 35 degrees, just like in the south of Spain. In Spring and Fall, the temperatures are very nice.

Madrid is a beautiful city with lots of things to see and do. In the chapter Culture, you can read more about this. Madrid is not only the name of the capital but also the name of the province. If you want to escape the big and busy city, there are lots of options.

Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

This park is located about one hour away from Madrid and offers the best examples of Iberian Nature. This park consists of extraordinary wildlife and mountains over 2000 meters high.

Segovia
Another place outside Madrid worth visiting is Segovia. The entrance of the city is marked by an impressive aqueduct built during the Roman Empire. The old quarter of Segovia and the aqueduct are a World Heritage Site. It is worth visiting Segovia, where you can stroll through the narrow streets. You can enjoy the magic even more from the viewing points in which you see the city from a distance.

Madrid, Sagovia, Aqueduct, Roman Empire

Culture & Nightlife

Culture

Madrid is a city full of culture and spirit. The city has many places worth going to. Think about the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is a former Moorish Castle, built in the 18th century. A symbol of the city is Plaza Mayor Square. This has been the setting for many public events like bullfighting, fiestas, inquisitions, executions, and theaters. The Prado Museum has many masterpieces of great artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt. In the heart of Madrid, you can find the Buen Retiro Palace. This park is declared as a garden of historic artistic value. The entire area of the Retiro Palace, Paseo del Prado, and the Jerónimos district together are called the landscape of light. The landscape of light is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Madrid has many traditional tapas bars where you can feel the Spanish culture flowing over you. Next to the tapas bars the city is also famous for its gourmet places like the San Miguel market. You can always enjoy the lively atmosphere here.

Madrid, Cultural Heritage UNESCO

Nightlife

Madrid is the city that never sleeps. You are always able to party in Madrid when you are feeling like it. Nightlife in Madrid varies from many bars, pubs, and flamenco, but also big clubs.

You can go to bars and pubs in the afternoon and early in the evening. Clubs often open around midnight or even later. This city is known for partying until the sun comes up. Night clubbing often ends with a bite of churros and hot chocolate in the early morning before they go to bed or start their day. The best areas for nightlife here are Huertas and Chueca.

Here is a list of famous places you can go to when you want to party or just enjoy the nice atmosphere.

  •  
  • Teatro Kapital – The most famous Madrid Nightlife area known for its party nights. 
  • Palacio De Gaviria – 19th-century palace which has been converted into a nightclub. They also organize special nights for foreigners. 
  • Sala El Sol – Amazing Salsa club
  • La Vía Láctea – A hip bar for all age groups. You will often hear music from the 1980s here. 
  • La Corolla – Live music gigs and Flamenco performances. 
  • Joy Eslava – One of the city’s oldest clubs located very close to Puerta del Sol.
Madrid, Nightlife, Flamenco, Live Music

Public transport

Public Transport in Madrid is organized very well. You can choose between the metro, train, bus, and taxi if you want to go somewhere.

They also have a bicycle renting system called BiciMAD. A subscription for this costs €25,- a year. For the first 30 minutes, you use the bicycle, you pay €0,50. For the next 30 minutes, you will pay €0,60. If you use the bicycle for more than 2 hours, you have to pay €4,- for every extra hour. You don’t have to get an abonnement for one year, you can also choose to just pay for one or two hours. The prices for one hour are €2,- and for two hours will be €4,-. If you are planning to use the bikes often, it is cheaper to go for an abonnement. More information can be found on the website of BiciMAD.

The bus runs from 6 am to 11.30 pm. Night Busses run from 11.20 pm or 11.45 pm to 5.30 am or 6 am and until 7 am on Saturday nights. If you want to go to another town in the region, you can take an intercity line.

The train which is called ‘Cercanías’, covers the whole city and will also bring you to neighboring towns. The train runs from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm. On the website Renfe, you will find the fares for each ticket. If you have to travel by train every day, taking a monthly pass for the zones you have to travel in might be a good idea.

The metro covers the whole city and neighboring towns as well, just like the train. The metro runs between 6 am and 1.30 am every day. More information about the metro lines and prices can be found on the website

Of course, just like in almost every other city, you can make use of a taxi. The taxis in Madrid are often white with a red stripe.

Madrid, Metro, Public Transport

Housing

Finding an apartment in a big city, when you are not even there yourself, can be a hard job. There are so many websites providing apartments, that it sometimes even feels like too much. Here are some tips.

First of all, is choosing a neighborhood where you want to live an important action. The neighborhoods in Madrid are very diverse, from the multicultural Lavapiés to the LGBT district of Chueca. You can read more about the different neighborhoods in the Chapter City Overview. Apartments in Madrid don’t stay on the market for long. Therefore it is recommended that you act quickly when you see an apartment that you like. Calling is always better than mailing for a quick response.

Good websites to check out are:

The prices of the apartments depend on the neighborhood you live in (outside of the city center) and how large the apartment is. Of course, sharing an apartment is always cheaper than living alone. The average rental price for an apartment was €15,90 a month per square meter in 2020. The prices keep slowly rising. Another tip is choosing a real estate agent. Real estate agents often offer the best apartments, but you will also need to pay for using a real estate agent.  And last but not least. The temperatures in Madrid can be very hot in Summer and cold in Winter. Therefore it is recommended to check if the apartment has a heater/air conditioner. 

Madrid, Housing

Healthcare

When you move to a city in Spain, you will have permanent access to free healthcare. The one thing you have to do to get access is to Social Security. This payment is often arranged by an employer as a deduction from the salary. If you are self-employed you have to pay for this yourself. Emergency treatment is for everyone guaranteed in hospitals. 

There are a large amount of healthcare centers and pharmacies in Madrid. A lot of people who move to Madrid prefer private healthcare because of the long queues in public healthcare. When you choose private healthcare, you have to get private insurance. 

Here is a list of hospitals that the majority go to. 

  • Hospital Universitario La Paz
  • Gregorio Marañón
  • Ramón
  • Cajal. 

You can get your medicines from a pharmacy (Farmàcia). These pharmacies are located everywhere throughout the city and are indicated with a green cross.

When you are having an emergency, you can always call the national emergency number 112 or 061 for the ambulance. Here is a list of a few extra emergency healthcare contact numbers.  

  • Emergency doctor: 1003
  • Emergency dentist: 961496199
  • Health and pharmacy information: 900161161

Some words to get you started

English Spanish
Buenos días Good morning
Buenas tardes  Good afternoon
Hola, me llamo … Hello, my name is …
¿Cómo estás? How are you?
Yo no comprendo I do not understand
Por favor, habla más despacio Would you speak slower, please
¿Dónde? Where?

 

29Feb

Valencia

Valencia is the perfect city for people who like to enjoy the good weather, Spanish culture, and delicious Spanish food. With an average of 17 degrees, 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, and located near the beaches, Valencia is one of the most chosen cities to live in by expats.

City overview 

Valencia is located on the southeastern coast of Spain and is famous for the city of arts. This consists of futuristic structures, such as the planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive museum. The city has several beaches, which is also the reason many people choose to live here. The city has a population of 791.000 people living there and is divided into 19 districts, these 19 districts are subdivided into 88 neighbourhoods. A lot of people think of Valencia as a more modern city in Spain, but it has one of the oldest historical centres in Europe too. The city has over 2000 years of history and artistic heritage. Not only the famous local festivity Fallas but also the La Lonja and the Water Tribunal are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. 


Fun facts about Valencia:

  • It is the home of Paella
  • Puente de las Flores is the most expensive bridge in the world
  • Las Fallas, which is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Spain, and also a UNESCO cultural heritage, originates in Valencia. 
  •  The Oceanogràfic of Valencia is the biggest aquarium in Europe
  • People in Valencia speak Valencian and Spanish.
Valencia, Historical Centre, Oldest Centre

Environment

Valencia has a Mediterranean climate. This means that there are warm summers and mild winters. The city has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 17 degrees. In summer there is an average temperature of around 30 degrees during the day. In winter the temperature falls to an average of 14 degrees. Not only is it a very beautiful city with many great hotspots, but the environment around Valencia is also extraordinary. Just a few kilometres from Valencia, you can find rivers, pools, springs, and waterfalls.

Here is a list of  beautiful nature hotspots where you can go for a swim around Valencia:

  • El Turche Cave = 60-metre waterfall falling into a beautiful lake where you can take a swim. 
  • El Gorgo de la Escalera = Canyon carved out by the river water. You can go here via a staircase (Escalera). This spot has beautiful crystalline water. Close to this spot is Anna Lake. This is a famous lagoon worth visiting but you can’t swim here. 
  • Salto de la Novia (Navajas, Castellón) = This spot is further away (60 km) but is worth visiting. Here you can find the spectacular El Brazal Waterfall. 
  • La Fuente de los Baños (Montanejos, Castellón) = the source of the thermal waters of Montanejos. The pools here have a constant temperature of 25 degrees. You have to buy tickets to enter these thermal waters (€3,- online, €3,5 office price). 

You don’t have to go outside the city to take a swim. There are a lot of beautiful beaches too. Most beaches are easily accessible by public transport. If you want to go to a less crowded beach that is still easily accessible by public transport, you can go to The Patacona. The beach is not the only outdoor activity in Valencia. You can also go for a walk in the Turia city garden. With its 12 km, the Turia city garden is one of the biggest urban parks in Spain.

Culture & Nightlife

Valencia is known for many things. For example, the city of arts and sciences, the central market, being the birthplace of Paella, sandy beaches, the old town, the Cathedral, and not to forget the Fallas. Valencia has combined modern and historic quite well.

Las Fallas

In 2016 the famous festival Las Fallas was awarded UNESCO cultural heritage status. Las Fallas is a big festival in which the whole city transforms into a big art gallery with street parties for a few days every year in March. People here take an entire year to plan this festival. Every day at 2 PM during Las Fallas there is an enormous firework display. The fireworks are all about the noise and get bigger every day. They celebrate the end of winter and the festival stands for new beginnings.

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La Tomatina

Another festival is La Tomatina. This festival takes place at the end of August. During this festival, a lot of visitors go to a small town next to Valencia where they throw over-ripe tomatoes at each other. This festival comes with a long history.

Paella

Food and eating is taken very seriously in Spain. The famous Spanish paella was invented in Valencia. For more than 1000 years, Paella rice has been growing in this region. An old tradition is to cook huge amounts of paella over firewood on the street during the weekends or on special occasions.

 

Oceanografic

A more modern part of Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences. The oceanographic of the City of Arts and Sciences is the largest aquarium in Europe, situated on the Dry Turia River bed in Valencia. The oceanographic is made of different buildings, each representing the ecosystem of different planets, seas and oceans. Oceanography is located in Valencia because of its close relationship with the sea.

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Nightlife

Valencia is one of the best party cities in Spain. During the 80s and beginning of the 90s, it was already known for being a Spanish city with endless parties. Here is a list of places you can go to a party on a night out. Just like in other cities in Spain, entrance to a club costs you around €10,-, including one drink. At some clubs, you will be able to enter for free if you go there before 1.30 AM.

  1. La3 Club – Electronic, techno, house music
  2. Mya – A lot of the local young crowd goes here.
  3. L’Umbracle – Beautiful open-air club
  4. Agenda Club – Disco, Funk, Hip-hop, House (Students meeting point)
  5. Akuarela – International beach club (Happy atmosphere close to the sea)

Just like all Spanish cities, the nightlife does not get started before 11 PM. This does not mean that Spanish people party for a shorter period. In Spain, they finish partying just as late as they start. The best nightlife in Valencia can be found in the neighbourhood of El Carmen.

Public transport

Valencia has 60 bus lines, 6 metro lines, and 3 tram lines. The public transport connects you to everywhere in the city, including the airport. The metro runs between 4:00 and 23:30 AM on weekdays and between 5:00 and 00:30 on the weekends. The price of the tickets for the metro depends on what zones you have to travel in. You can choose between a single ticket or Bonometro (10 times). If you have to travel frequently, the TuiN card is the best option. You can spend a minimum amount on your travels per month by paying for the card. How much this cart costs depends again on the zones you will travel in. The most expensive card is €63,- a month.

Busses are a good option for when the metro does not reach your destination or when the metro does not run anymore. After 10:30 PM night buses start running. Night Buses run until 2:00 AM during weekdays and 3:00 AM during weekends. Some long-distance buses and trains go for example to Barcelona and Alicante.

The city also has a cycle rental service called Valenbisi. With this, you can rent bikes 24 hours, 365 days a year, that are placed throughout the whole city. There are many bike lanes which makes it safe and easy to travel by bike. You can subscribe to bicycles. A weekly subscription is €13,30. This is a good option for when people visit only for a week. If you are moving here, an annual subscription will be €29,21. The first 30 minutes used on top of your subscription is free. If you use it for longer than 30 minutes the costs will be between €0,50 and €1,00.

You can also use a taxi in Valencia. Uber does not exist here. In Valencia, they use the app Cabify to get a taxi. You could of course also wave your hand when you see a taxi with a green light.

Housing

If you are looking for an apartment in Valencia but are not sure what area is the best to live in, there is good news for you. There are a few very nice districts but the whole city is great to live in. Here you can find a list of a few nice neighbourhoods to live in with an explanation.

  1. El Carmen – This is the old city and a lot of people see this as the most beautiful part of Valencia. Apartments here are in general a bit more expensive than in other neighbourhoods. All the protests, festivals, and celebrations take place here in the centre. Therefore it is not always the most practical choice to live here. 
  2. Rusafa – This is a very attractive area where you find a lot of cultural activities. It is a very popular area to go out to. There are a lot of restaurants and pubs here. 
  3. Benimaclet – This is a cheaper area to live in. Benimaclet feels like a village because of the narrow and cosy streets. 
  4. El Cabañal – Similar to Benimaclet but closer to the beach. Also, a cheaper area to live in than El Carmen and Rusafa. 
  5. Blasco Ibañez Avenue – A lot of students live here. Universities are located here. Also, an affordable place to live in. 
  6. Port Saplaya – One of the most beautiful areas just outside Valencia. Port Saplaya is located 4 km outside Valencia near the beach. It is very easy to enter the city by public transportation. 

A tip for moving to this city is to learn a little bit of Spanish before moving there. A lot of real estate agents and landlords only speak Spanish. But don’t worry if you do not speak Spanish. If you search a little longer and better you will find an English-speaking landlord.

Valencia is a relatively better option to live in than Barcelona and Madrid when you are looking at the costs of living and renting an apartment. The rent is on average even almost 30% lower here than in Barcelona. The prices for apartments to rent for 4 people are around €2000,- and for 2 people €1000,-. On average for a room in a shared apartment, you will pay €500,-. Of course, this also depends on the area you decide to live in.

Some websites for renting apartments in Valencia are:

Healthcare

The public Spanish healthcare system is called the National Health System. This system is for everyone who lives and works in Spain. Everyone who works in employment or self-employment and pays social security contributions can get access to the National Health System. Health insurance is covered by Spanish social security systems. Everyone in Spain who is employed contributes to social security.
When you move to Spain, you have to register with the public healthcare system. The first step is to register with the Spanish Social Security (Dirección General de la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social or TGSS). You need your ID or Passport for this, your residence certificate, and proof that you have registered your local address to the town you live in. After you receive your Social Security number, you also get a paper that says that you are officially entitled to get medical help in Spain.

In Spain you see a lot of pharmacies, you can go there with your receipt to get your medicines. Pharmacies are often indicated with a green cross. When you are working age, you will pay 40% to 60% of your costs. This depends on your income. 

Here is a list of general phone numbers in case of an emergency in Spain. 

  • 061 = Ambulance 
  • 1003 = Emergency doctor
  • 961 496 199 = Emergency dentists
  • 963 600 313 = Pharmacy
  • 112 = National Emergency number
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Some words to get you started

The people in Valencia speak both Spanish and Valencian. You can see a few examples of often-used words in Spanish, Valencian, and English. 

Spanish  Valencian English
Buenos dias Bon dia Good morning 
Buenas noches Bona nit Good night
Me llamo.. El meu nom és… My name is..
Como te llamo..? Com et dius? What is your name?
Derecha / Izquierda Dreta/ Esquerra Right/ Left
De nada De res You’re welcome
29Feb

Valletta

If you are looking to move to a city that has amazing weather, is surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and where you can get by with English, then Valletta is the place to be! The stunning capital city of Malta, located below Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, has over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and has a warm Mediterranean climate. If you are looking to get away from your cold and rainy environment, Valletta is the perfect destination for you. After reading this blog you will know more about Valletta’s environment, nightlife, culture, public transport, housing, health care, and some words to get you started.

Fun Facts about Valletta:

  •   The city was built in only 15 years!
  • Valletta was not always the capital of Malta. Until 1571, the capital of Malta was Mdina.
  • A Caravaggio painting is housed in St John’s Co-Cathedral.
  • Valletta offers some of the finest wine & dining experiences.
  • Malta has a reputation as a Diving Hotspot.
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  • The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise passed off a few Maltese landscapes as Caribbean beaches. ‘Game of Thrones’ also contains several scenes filmed around the intensely photogenic capital of Valletta.
  • The Maltese still drive on the left-hand side of the road, after 160 years of British rule,  making Malta one of only four European countries, including Britain, that still drive on the left.
  • Valletta is the sister city of Palermo, in Italy!

City overview 

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and the smallest capital city in the European Union based on population. It lies on a peninsula, and it is a pre-planned city, which is reflected in the chessboard pattern in which the streets are laid out. Valletta has 8 (unofficial) neighborhoods: Deux Balles, il-Baviera, Strada Rjali, il-Kamrata, Manderaggio, I-Arċipierku, il-Fossa and il-Biċċerija.

The population of Valletta is 6,315 and the area is 80 hectares. The city was founded in 1566 by the Frenchman Jean de Valette. In 2018 it was the cultural capital of Europe and since 1980, Valletta has been on the World Heritage list of UNESCO.

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Environment

Temperature
Valletta is located in the Mediterranean Sea and therefore has a Mediterranean climate as well. The city has mild and wet winters with temperatures ranging from 10℃ to 16℃ in January. The summers, on the other hand, are hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 23℃ to 32℃ in August. Valletta’s annual average is above 23℃ during the day and 16℃ at night.

Rainfall & Sunshine
In Valletta, most rainfall is in the winter. During summer there is almost no rainfall at all. Throughout the year the average amount of precipitation is 580.7mm. July has the most hours of sunshine and December has the least hours of sunshine. During the whole year, you can expect 3,054 hours of sunshine in Valletta.

Landscape
Valletta’s natural landscape is defined by karstic rock and typical Mediterranean plants and is influenced primarily by its geomorphology, climate, biodiversity, and various settlement patterns and practices, including agriculture. The peninsula has low, rocky islands with rugged, steep coastal cliffs.

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Culture & Nightlife

What to see

Of course, when you go to Valletta you can learn all about the history of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. Valletta has many beautiful historical sights to see such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, but also, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, Fort St. Elmo, and Casa Rocca Piccola.

It also has interesting museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the National War Museum. If you want to go shopping, Republic and Merchant Street are the places to be. Other places to visit are the Upper Barraka Gardens, the Teatru Manoel, the city gate, and the Valletta waterfront.

Furthermore, if you want to see other places outside of Valletta, you can go to the Three Cities of Malta. These are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua and they are right across the Grand Harbour of Valletta. These cities are pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation.

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Food

Valletta has one of the best Mediterranean cuisines with many great restaurants. Some good restaurants are Rubino, Dimitri Café, and Beati Paoli Restaurant. The traditional dish in Valletta is Stuffat Tal-Fenek (rabbit stew). Other things you should try in Valletta are Bragoli, Brungiel Mimli, Kapunata, and the sweets Helwa Tat-Tork.

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Nightlife

The nightlife scene in Valletta is not so extensive, however, that makes the nights even more fun. Because there are no nightclubs in Valletta, all the people of Malta go to the bars for drinks together. It may not have a big dance floor, but you can still enjoy a night out. Some popular bars in Valletta are Bridge Bar, StrEat Whisky, King’s Own Band Club Bar, and Trabuxu.

Holidays

Throughout the year there are 14 public holidays in Valletta. Here is a list of all the holidays and their dates:

  • 1st January: New Year’s Day
  • 10th February: Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
  • 19th March: Feast of St. Joseph
  • 31st March: Freedom Day
  • 15th April: Good Friday
  • 1st May: Worker’s Day
  • 7th June: Sette Giugno
  • 29th June: Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul
  • 15th August: Feast of the Assumption
  • 8th September: Feast of Our Lady of Victories
  • 21st September: Independence Day
  • 8th December: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
  • 13th December: Republic Day
  • 25th December: Christmas Day

Public transport

Valletta is a relatively small city and therefore it is possible to move around by foot. If you do want to move around using public transport there are a few options, such as buses, and taxis and you can use the ferry to travel to Sliema and Cospicua.

Buses

The most common means of transportation are buses. These buses are operated by Malta Public Transport, who have over 400 buses in the city. This bus service provider also has an app available for Android and iOS. In this app, you can plan your ride and find additional information about the bus service. The app is called Tallinja and is completely free of charge.

Download the app now!

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You don’t have to worry about the costs, because bus tickets are cheap. There are 3 ticket options: a single journey ticket, a 12-journey card or you can use your personalized Tallinja transport card. The Tallinja transport card is an intelligent contactless bus card designed to make it easy for you to use the bus. The card is personalized with your photo and name and can be charged with credit easily online, over the phone, at any of our sales outlets, or any Malta Post post office. 

Next to the Tallinja transport card, you can buy regular tickets. A single-journey ticket differs in price depending on the season. Winter tickets are €1.50, summer tickets are €2 and when you travel at night the tickets are €3. With this ticket, you can travel to any destination within 2 hours, including interchanging. Finally, you can get a 12-journey ticket for €15. This ticket can also be used for night buses, and it can be shared with others, your family for example.

Taxis

When you want to travel around Valletta by car, your only option is taking a taxi, since traffic within Valletta is restricted. These taxis are all electric and are available from 10 points in the city to any destination you want. Taking a taxi, however, is more expensive than the bus. Taxis in Valletta have a start rate of €4 and charge you €2 per km.

Park-And-Ride

If you insist on going to Valletta by car, the Park-And-Ride in Floriana is your best option. This is a parking space just outside the city, where you can park your car and go to Valletta with a shuttle bus available at the Park-And-Ride. It has over 750 parking spaces and it only costs €0.40 per day.

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Ferry

To visit the cities Sliema and Cospicua, you can use the ferries Sliema Ferry and Cospicua – Valletta ferry that depart from opposite sides of Valletta. The Valletta Ferry Service operates during the day as well as at night. During the day a single ticket is €1.50 and a return ticket €2.80. At night a single ticket is €1.75 and a return ticket €3.30.

For more information you can check out the website of Malta Public Transport

Housing

If you are looking to rent a living space in Valletta, there are some websites to help you find available apartments and rooms in the area. Besides these websites, there are also Facebook groups where you can search for rooms and apartments. Prices for renting apartments and rooms are reasonable in Valletta. For apartments, prices are between €600 and €800 per month, depending on the status of a room. Renting a room in Valletta is a little cheaper, on average €450 per month varying from €250 to €550 per month.

Below are some useful websites for renting apartments and rooms in the area of Valletta:

Since Valletta is not a very big city and it is easy to get around, you could also consider looking for a living space just outside the city. For example, in Sliema, Cospicua, or Floriana.

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Healthcare

First of all, the World Health Organization ranked Malta 5th in offering the best healthcare in the world! So, in case of an emergency, you are in good hands in Valletta. Valletta has both a public and private healthcare system.

The public healthcare system is funded by the working citizens of Malta and, therefore, is free at the point of delivery. This free public healthcare is also available for expats with a work permit for Malta. Expats who move to the country have to pay national insurance contributions to the social security fund like the Maltese do. This is approximately 10% of the employee’s gross salary. Additionally, major companies tend to hire private doctors on contracts to attend to the medical needs of their staff when needed. 

There are two hospitals in Valletta: Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital. Both of which you can go to, when you need medical assistance. Malta offers free access to medical facilities to all EU citizens on presentation of a valid EHIC. An EHIC is a free European health insurance card.

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The number you need to call in case of an emergency is 112, as in most European countries. The aid workers on the line can assist you in English or Maltese.

Here you can find more information regarding the Maltese healthcare system (How to obtain an EHIC, how to make appointments and get prescriptions)

Some words to get you started

English and Maltese are the two official languages of Malta. Maltese is the national language of Malta. Until 1943, Italian was also an official language, therefore a lot of Maltese speak Italian as well. Below are some Maltese words to get you started in Valletta.

English Maltese
Public transport Trasport pubbliku
Restaurant Ristorante
Supermarket Supermarket
Store Jaħżen
Hospital Sptar
Bar Bar
What time is it? X’ħin hu?
How are you doing? Kif sejjer?
Can you help me please? Tista tgħinni jekk jogħġbok?
Where can I find … ? Fejn nista’ nsib…?
How much does this cost? Kemm jiswa dan?
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