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Malaysia | What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Malaysia? | Digital Nomad Exchange
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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Malaysia?

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We asked retirees what they find the most challenging about retiring in Malaysia. They wrote...

"We long ago stopped comparing countries to the US and just accepted places for what they were. With that said the most challenging aspects for us would be the need to travel home to visit our family. This is a costly trip and while we enjoy visiting family, don't enjoy that we are the ones who are expected to return. None of our family has come to visit us," said a member in Penang, Malaysia.

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"Not being able to travel as freely during the Covid pandemic. Sarawak was even shut of from the rest of Malaysia for over a year...which successfully kept the more severe forms of Covid at bay compared to other countries. Vaccination rates were very high here, they got teens and younger children fully vaccinated (and no...there were limited side effects in over 2.5 million population). Sadly events and indoor dining were put on hold for a time. But now that has swung 180º and they are even having large outdoor festivals with no apparent increase in disease rates or upticks in serious illness. People do still mask indoors. The other major aspect of living abroad is staying engaged and not relaxing too much. So avoiding getting fat and unhealthy. I work hard to maintain a daily fitness regimen, and as the food is so good and diverse here, to limit portions," remarked another expat who made the move to Kuching, Malaysia.

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Other Questions:

What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Malaysia?

If you live in Malaysia, newcomers to Malaysia would love to hear your answer to this question.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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