A local bank account is very useful for bill paying when you settle in Gozo.  Maltese banking regulations require some specific documentation before you may open a local bank account.  All is explained in this article.

Regulations in Malta require banks to know their customer before providing him or her with a bank account.  If you do not hold a Maltese ID card, this is accomplished through a bank reference from your bank in your country of origin.

When you decide that you want to open a local bank account, go to the bank branch you've decided to deal with and request an to open an account (bring your passport and another photo ID).  You will be asked to fill out a request for a bank reference which the Maltese bank then sends to your bank back home.  They send the request for a reference via snail mail and then the reference must also be returned by mail.  As you can imagine, it can be a lengthy process.  You may be able to speed things up by calling your home bank and alerting them to expect the request.

In any event, expect to be without a local account for at least a couple of months.  This should not be a problem for you with local businesses or a landlord as these people are familiar with such delays and do not seem to mind dealing in cash (make sure to get receipts).