Moving to Malaysia

"Malaysia is a culturally-diverse country, with a rich history and unique customs. It is important for expats to research and learn about the local culture and customs before they move to ensure they are respectful and adjust quickly. Additionally, expats should obtain all necessary visas and permits before relocating to Malaysia. They should also ensure they apply for a local bank account and obtain health insurance as soon as possible. English is widely spoken, although it is helpful to learn some basic Malay words and phrases. Lastly, expats should make sure to get plugged into the local expat community for support and friendship," said one expat who made the move to Malaysia.

"Try to find a place in a touristy area. It's safer that way. Also consider proximity to supermarket, food stalls, restaurants and shopping. Forget about taking the bus. Taxis are very convenient," explained one expat living in Penang, Malaysia.

"Finding a place to live in Malaysia can seem daunting, but there are several resources available to help. A good first step would be to search online for rental listings that offer the exact features, area, and price range that you are looking for. Additionally, if you are relocating to Malaysia, you could contact relocation or rental agencies that specialize in Malaysia and ask for their assistance. Another option is to contact real estate agents and inquire about available rental units in your desired location, or to check out popular expat websites or Facebook groups where people offer listings and discuss rental opportunities. Finally, classified ads and local publications offer listings of accommodations for rent too," replied a member in Malaysia.

"We live in a 4 bedroom standalone house [bungalow]. Most expats take either a house or apartment, depending on whether or not they have children, or major security concerns. Apartments have better security and amenities, but are typically smaller. Many houses have pools," said one expat in Kuala Lumpur.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Malaysia typically features modern and stylish furnishings, as well as all the conveniences of modern amenities such as air conditioning, a washer-dryer unit and access to internet and cable TV. Many expat homes come equipped with a large terrace or garden, providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for expats and their families. Expat apartments often come with access to swimming pools and gyms, as well as shared recreational areas such as BBQ pits or playgrounds. Security is also a top priority, with most homes and apartments featuring 24-hour security guards providing peace of mind for expats living in Malaysia," said one expat who made the move to Malaysia.

"It's higher. A good furnished apartment in Georgetown would cost around RM.1500-3500 ($450 - 1100)," explained one expat living in Penang, Malaysia.

"Housing rental charges are a lot higher here than in my native New Zealand. Typical monthly rental for a house is between 8000 and 12000 ringgit - say 2500 to 4000 USD. Apartments are cheaper, maybe 1000 to 2500 USD per month," said one expat in Kuala Lumpur.

"It is ultimately a personal decision whether to buy or rent a home in Malaysia. Renting a home offers the flexibility of not taking on a large debt committment, and not having to worry about major repairs or maintenance. On the other hand, homeownership has the potential for increased financial stability and potential for appreciation over time, as well as more control over property value. When making the decision to buy or rent, potential homeowners should research the market, consider the costs associated with both options, and understand their finances. Ultimately, the answer to whether it is the best choice to buy or rent a home in Malaysia depends on individual circumstances," said one expat in Malaysia.

"If you are over 50 or have children attending a Sarawak school (including International Schools) you are not REQUIRED to purchase property. Those 40-50 without kids can purchase a property to qulify though. BUT anyone on S-MM2H CAN buy property if they wish. There are some restrictions. It must be zoned residentially and have a structure on it or being constructed. It cannot be land zoned exclusively commercially, zoned for agricultural, or reserved native land. And if Landed Property it must be valued above a floor of RM600,000 in Kuching, or RM500,000 elsewhere. That's about US$135,000-$113,000. According to the Sarawak Lands Ordinance of 2019 one can purchase strata property (apartments or condos with no ownership of the underlying land) at any price. There is no floor. And one can rent property virtually anywhere and at any price. I rent, primarily because the property market is a buyers/renters market with a lot of vacancies. If a bargain dream-home emerged I might jump. But I live in the midtown area and prices are a little higher here. Downside of condo life is that many units don't allow pets," remarked one expat who made the move to Kuching.

"I wish I had brought a couple cases of wine, a decent barbecue and insect repellant. Those things I brought and didn't need - jeans, long-sleeved shirts," remarked one expat who made the move to Kuala Lumpur.

"When moving to Malaysia, it is important to pack comfortable, loose clothing, as the climate is usually hot and humid. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun. An umbrella or raincoat is also essential; Malaysia experiences rainy season during certain months of the year. Additionally, some medications, such as anti-histamines, may not be available in Malaysia, so you should plan to bring those from your home country. Lastly, since Malaysia is a multi-cultural country, it's important to be aware of cultural customs, religious practices and dress codes in different areas," explained one expat living in Malaysia.

"Probably do all the time and just don't realise! Lost in translation happens a lot when trying to communicate something," remarked one expat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"Yes, a male does not shake a lady's hand UNLESS she herself acts first. You do NOT hug members of the opposite sex. Also, be very careful about complimenting a lady, as she may take this as "interest" in her...especially IF she is married! This was difficult for me, as I am a very friendly (in a non sexual way!) person, who used to hug and compliment everyone. LOL," said one expat in Seremban 2.

"Malaysia is an increasingly popular destination for expats, due to its low cost of living, abundance of job opportunities and near perfect weather year round. In addition, expats can take advantage of Malaysia's wide variety of cultural activities, attractions and entertainment, as well as its multicultural and diverse population. Furthermore, the country is well-connected to the rest of the world with its excellent transport links and modern infrastructure, making it an easy and convenient place to live. Finally, expats can benefit from Malaysia's strong healthcare system and relatively low taxation rates, two of the key draws for internationals," offered one expat living in Malaysia.

"Malaysia offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. The public healthcare system in Malaysia is generally of good quality and is accessible to both citizens and foreign residents. Expats in Malaysia can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for citizens, although there may be charges for certain services. Expats in Malaysia can access the public healthcare system by registering with a local clinic or hospital. They may also be able to access private healthcare services, which are generally of a higher quality than the public system. Expats may need to pay for private healthcare services, but they may be able to claim some of the costs back through their insurance," wrote one expat living in Malaysia.

"Excellent clinics with Providers trained internationally, many with US Board certification -- especially true at private hospitals and clinics," commented one expat living in Georgetown.

"Malaysia has a well-developed healthcare system, providing quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including general and specialist care, emergency services, and preventive health care. The government also provides subsidies for certain medical treatments, making them more affordable for citizens. Additionally, Malaysia has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, who are dedicated to providing quality care to patients," offered one expat living in Malaysia.