Not only can Malta boast some of the highest levels of fixed broadband coverage across the EU, but at the other end of the technological spectrum Malta also enjoys the cheapest postal rates in Europe.

According to a March 2014 report by Deutsche Post, which examined postal rates across Europe, Malta pays only 26c for a domestic standard letter, which is significantly below the European average of 62c. The most comparable island states in the survey were Cyprus and Iceland, and these two nations pay 34c and 81c for a domestic standard letter, respectively. The three most expensive countries in Europe for domestic postage are Finland, Denmark and Norway, which pay €1 or more for their local mail (with Norway paying €1.28).

The examination of international letter mail prices (within Europe) tells a similar story, with Malta having the third cheapest rates for letters (out of the countries surveyed) charging 59c, compared to a European average of €1.03. Since the 2013 survey Malta has increased the price of European postage from 37c to 59c which is what knocked it off the top after having had until then the cheapest European postage since 2007. Romania is now the cheapest country offering a European stamp for 48c, and then Cyprus at 51c. The most expensive two countries are Portugal (€1.90) and Denmark (€1.88).

The survey also adjusts the “standard domestic letter” figures for purchasing power parity confirming that Malta still has the lowest price in Europe (a position it shares with Slovenia) charging 36c against a European average of 70c. Finally Deutsche Post consolidates the results, adjusting prices for labour costs and purchasing power. Malta is now identified as having the second most affordable local postal rates in Europe, at an adjusted figure of 47c, behind Slovenia on 40c. The European average is now 86c, with Bulgaria having the highest (adjusted) rate in Europe of €1.64.

For more information download the full report, “Letter prices in Europe” from www.dpdhl.com.