Some people love and some people dislike living in Malaysia. Regardless, Malaysia is diverse country with a lot happening. With some guidance from us, you will soon be living comfortably in Malaysia, zipping through your everyday routine like a local.
Banking in Malaysia
As a new expat living in Malaysia, it can be a little daunting figuring out the banking system here. But don’t worry, as it really isn’t as complicated as you may think.
Malaysia has large number of banks to choose from, both local and international. Some local banks include Maybank and CIMB. Some international banks in Malaysia include, Citibank, HSCB, Royal Bank of Scotland, UOB, and Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia.
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Bringing your Children to Malaysia
So here you are, moving your family to a new country, an unfamiliar culture – maybe a different language, too – and leaving your comfort zone well and truly behind.
As a parent, you’re concerned about your children’s reactions to living in Malaysia; you may feel guilty about uprooting them and moving them away from familiar routines, friends and relatives. It’s vital, therefore, to do your homework, before moving and living in Malaysia.
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Driving in Malaysia
One of the many enjoyable things about living in Malaysia is getting behind the wheel and heading out on the open roads, which take you through vibrant cities, coastal stretches, past highland mists and verdant jungles. Just avoid the rush hour, as the traffic can get beyond frustrating!
Many expats start driving in Malaysia without familiarizing themselves with the local habits (which maybe surprising) and regulations, which can make for a very steep and slightly scary learning curve. It is important to make sure that you take the time to memorize the local road signs and driving words or phrases, and familiarize yourself with the way Malaysians drive.
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Education in Malaysia
Recent developments are putting Malaysia on the world map, as it focuses on becoming a knowledge-based economy. To develop world-class quality education and meet the demands and requirements of the new millennium, as well as to affirm the position of English as a second language, the Government has initiated major educational reforms by formulating new legislations on education.
Malaysia is indeed becoming a dynamic and impressive regional centre for education excellence. Parents will be glad to know that while living in Malaysia, they can enroll their children in some impressive international schools.
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Furniture in Malaysia
If you choose to leave your own furniture back in your home country, there are several options available to you here in Malaysia. When you’re living in your new Malaysian home, you’re bound to want some nice furniture.
Fortunately, furniture in Malaysia is affordable, especially locally manufactured products. You can find local and imported furniture in all the major shopping malls. and there is even an IKEA in Damansara just outside KL if you like to self-assemble!
Second hand furniture is also available but not particularly common. You can check the local daily newspapers’ classifieds pages for garage sales and warehouse sales for good bargains.
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Government Initiatives
The Malaysian Government has a whole range of plans and schemes in place to help promote and accelerate the development of the country and to ensure that the ambition of being a fully-developed nation by 2020 is fully realised. One of the goals is to make the Kuala Lumpur one of the top 20 move livable cities in the world.
It is always important for expats to have a level of awareness of the government’s plans and understand what changes are being made in Malaysia. The initiatives and regulations can certainly positively and sometimes negatively impact living in Malaysia. Fortunately, our website follows and publishes this information very closely.
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Healthcare in Malaysia
There are many advantages in choosing Malaysia for your private healthcare and medical requirements. Malaysia’s medical charges and hospitalisation costs very competitive compared to those in many developed countries. Malaysian medical expertise is also ranked among the best in the world. Thus, you can rest assure that you’ll have access to quality healthcare while living in Malaysia.
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Housing in Malaysia
Malaysia offers a wide range of property types and locations for expats to live in, whether you are looking for a short-term rental or long-term investment. Malaysian property remains a more affordable option, especially compared to Singapore, Hong Kong and other leading Asian countries, which is great news for buyers and renters. Choosing the right property and location to suit your needs is the key to making the most of your time in Malaysia.
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Insurance in Malaysia
Making sure you have good insurance coverage is particularly when living in a foreign country. Employees of major companies will be given some insurance coverage, but it is worth finding out exactly what is covered. If you already have insurance in your home country, make sure it covers you while you’re an expat in Malaysia (and also be sure to keep your payments up to date). We set out below the types of coverage you may want to consider.
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Investment and Financial Planning in Malaysia
Good investment planning can turn your goals from dreams into realities. This planning involves more than trying to pick the “right” investments. How you allocate your money among different types of investments can have a greater effect on investment success than the individual investments you choose.
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Maids in Malaysia
One very appealing aspect about living in Malaysia is that you can get relatively cheap labor, which can make life a lot easier. There are many people who maximise these opportunities to get others to do the more menial tasks in life – domestic cleaning and cooking, driving cars, cleaning cars, gardening, painting and household repairs. Most of this work is not done by Malaysians but typically foreign workers in region, such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Philippines and Cambodia.
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Places to Live in Penang
So now that you’ve decided to live in Penang, it is time to figure out which area in Penang will best suit your needs. Places to consider are Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah (seaside and hillside), Straits Quay, Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, Georgetown, Queensbay and Bayan Lepas.
Read more about Places to Live in Penang.
Post & Courier Services in Malaysia
When you’re first living in Malaysia, you should write to the folks back home or send a souvenir you’ve found at the duty-free shop. Or you may want to tell everybody how great Malaysia is and check how everyone is doing on the other side of the world.
Lucky for you, the postal service here is efficient and easily accessible.
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Telecommunications in Malaysia
Malaysia has a highly advanced communications infrastructure. Landlines for home and business are available almost anywhere in the country. Broadband and wireless Internet services are accessible in a growing area of KL and other major cities – broadband penetration currently stands at 21% and internet penetration at 63.5%. Hand phones are everywhere with 1,026 mobile phone subscribers per 1,000 inhabitants. Indeed, in some parts of Malaysia, you can’t take four steps without hearing a personalised ringtone.
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Malaysia City Guide
If you are new in town, there is nothing like a handy city guide to help you get around and understand a few things about your new city.
Read more about Malaysia City Guide.
