How to Move to Malaysia— A Guide For Expats

The cost of living in Malaysia is pleasantly low compared to most Western countries. Affordable housing, food, and transportation make for a comfortable lifestyle. The healthcare system is excellent, with modern hospitals and clinics providing high-quality, affordable medical services, attracting many expats for medical tourism.

Malaysia's cultural diversity is a highlight, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous communities coexisting happily. Their festivals, cuisines, and traditions enrich daily life. The country is also famous for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and diverse wildlife, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The friendliness and hospitality of the locals make it easy for expats to integrate and make new friends. Cities like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and George Town, Penang, offer modern infrastructure, shopping malls, recreational spots, and efficient public transportation, making suburban living not just convenient, but also enjoyable.

Moving to Malaysia can be a rewarding experience filled with new opportunities and adventures. The country's affordability, quality healthcare, rich cultural experiences, and natural beauty make it a popular choice among expats. While adjusting to the weather may be a challenge (think Florida), the overall benefits make it worth the effort.

Why Move to Malaysia?

©iStock/blackcatimaging

Malaysia warmly welcomes those considering a move, offering a pleasant climate, rich culture, affordable living, and vibrant lifestyle. Like Hawaii, it has an energy that attracts artists, adventurers, and expats with a spirit for adventure. It’s a place where you can truly thrive and feel at home.

Pleasant Climate

Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, perfect for those who love sunshine. You can enjoy outdoor activities, beaches, and natural attractions anytime without worrying about the seasons. However, if you crave cold winters for a change, Malaysia might not be the place for you.

Rich Culture

Malaysia is a vibrant cultural melting pot, and this diversity shines through in the country’s festivals, cuisine, and traditions, offering a rich, multicultural experience. You’ll get to enjoy various cultural events, savor delicious foods, and learn about different customs and traditions. Ones that I guarantee that you won’t be familiar with.

Affordable Cost of Living

One of Malaysia's major draws is its affordable cost of living. Compared to many Western countries, expenses for housing, food, and transportation are significantly lower, almost one-third to one-quarter lower. This affordability allows for an exceptional lifestyle, whether you’re living in bustling cities like Kuala Lumpur or more serene locations like Penang, Langkawi, or Kuching.

Vibrant Lifestyle

Malaysia offers a wonderful blend of modern living and natural beauty. Cities like Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Kuching, and Johor Bahru have all the modern conveniences, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and efficient public transport. It's like home but with an exotic twist. For nature lovers, Malaysia’s stunning beaches, rainforests, and mountains provide endless adventures and relaxation, with 880 islands waiting to be explored.

Quality Healthcare

Malaysia has an excellent healthcare system with modern hospitals and clinics offering high-quality, affordable services. English-speaking medical professionals make visits stress-free. This attracts many for medical tourism, with over 1 million visitors in 2023. Plus, you can enjoy a holiday before or after your procedure at a fraction of the cost back home.

Friendly Locals

Malaysians are known for their warm hospitality. Thanks to the friendly locals, it's easy to make friends and feel at home as an expat. This welcoming community makes transitioning to a new country smoother and more enjoyable.

With its pleasant climate, rich cultural diversity, affordable living, vibrant lifestyle, quality healthcare, and friendly locals, Malaysia is a top choice for expats. The country also boasts a 'club' culture with five-star facilities for boating, tennis, racquetball, golf, pickleball, squash, and hiking at a fraction of the cost back home. These clubs are great places to meet new friends and become part of the community.

Steps to Moving to Malaysia

©iStock/MikeFuchslocher

Research

Researching different regions and cities in Malaysia is crucial for choosing the right place to live. Each area has its own charm, lifestyle, and cost of living. Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city with modern conveniences but higher living costs. Penang offers a rich cultural heritage and a relaxed vibe. Coastal spots like Langkawi boast beautiful beaches, while the Cameron Highlands provide cooler climates and lush greenery. Employment and educational opportunities vary by region, with urban centers offering better healthcare and amenities. Knowing these differences helps you find a location that perfectly fits your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.

Prepare Documents

When preparing to visit Malaysia, you only need a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration. A visitor’s visa will be issued upon arrival. If you’re moving to Malaysia to live, your MM2H agent will handle all your relevant documentation. You'll receive an MM2H stamp in your passport, allowing you to stay in Malaysia for up to 15 years. It’s a simple and smooth process, setting you up for an exciting new chapter in Malaysia.

• Click here for the latest news on the MM2H.

• Click here for more info on Visa and Residency in Malaysia.

Language Barriers

There are no language barriers, as English is the first language of business and is taught in all schools across Malaysia.

Finances/Cost of Living

Living costs in Malaysia vary by region. Kuala Lumpur is the priciest due to higher rents, food prices, and transportation costs. Penang is more affordable, with cheaper housing and a vibrant food scene. Coastal spots like Langkawi are costlier due to tourism, while rural areas and small towns offer the best value.

To manage your finances, create a budget covering rent, utilities, food, transport, and healthcare. Save on food by shopping at local markets, using public transport, or living close to work to cut commuting costs. Opening a local bank account can reduce transaction fees. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget ensures financial stability.

Housing/Rent/Accommodation

Finding housing in Malaysia is all about matching your budget, preferred location, and lifestyle needs. In Kuala Lumpur, popular expat areas like Bangsar, Mont Kiara, and KLCC offer modern amenities, international schools, and vibrant communities. Penang’s George Town and Batu Ferringhi are loved for their historical charm and coastal living, while Johor Bahru’s Nusajaya is great for those working near Singapore.

Start by browsing online real estate platforms and expat forums for listings and reviews. A local real estate agent can provide valuable insights and help with the rental process. When choosing a home, look for essential amenities, safety, and access to public transport and supermarkets.

Visiting neighborhoods and properties in person gives you a feel for the area. Ensure the rental agreement clearly states the lease duration, monthly rent, security deposit, and maintenance responsibilities. You can find a comfortable home that suits your needs with careful research and planning.

Working in Malaysia

Malaysia offers diverse job opportunities, especially in technology, finance, manufacturing, and education. Major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang are hubs for multinational companies. It's also a great spot for digital nomads due to affordable living, reliable internet, and vibrant coworking spaces. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers long-term residency for retirees, attracting those seeking a warm climate, rich culture, and affordable healthcare. Overall, Malaysia is ideal for professionals, remote workers, and retirees with its welcoming environment and supportive infrastructure.

Healthcare

Malaysia has a robust healthcare system with modern hospitals and clinics offering high-quality services at low costs, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. While public healthcare is comprehensive, it’s not available to expats. Private healthcare offers shorter wait times and more comfort. Expats can choose from various health insurance options, including international plans from companies like Allianz, AIA, and Cigna, ensuring extensive coverage and access to quality care without financial strain.

Safety

Malaysia is generally considered a safe country for expats, but it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in busy urban areas. Basic safety tips include avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night, securing your belongings in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing, and being cautious when using public transportation.

It's advisable to keep copies of important documents and emergency contact numbers handy. For reliable information on safety, expats can refer to local news outlets, the official website of the U.S. Department of State or their respective embassy websites, and online expat communities like Expat.com or InterNations, which offer current advice and experiences from fellow expats.

Moving Your Pets to Malaysia

To bring your pets to Malaysia, ensure they have a valid vaccination record (rabies shot given between 30 days and 12 months prior) and an identification microchip. You’ll need an import permit from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) and a health certificate from a vet. Pets might be quarantined for 7-10 days, depending on their origin. Get your pet used to travel crates early and consult your vet about travel issues to ease the journey. Also, research pet-friendly accommodations and services in advance.

Expat Locations in Malaysia

Malaysia offers several popular expat destinations, each with unique features. Kuala Lumpur is a major hub with modern amenities, a vibrant lifestyle, and great job opportunities. George Town in Penang boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning colonial architecture, and an excellent food scene, offering a blend of urban and relaxed coastal vibes. Johor Bahru, near Singapore, is growing in popularity due to its strategic location and expanding industrial base. Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu attract retirees with their beautiful natural landscapes and laid-back lifestyles, perfect for a quiet life.

5 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Moving to Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Malaysia|Wendy Justice

I have been an expat for over 12 years in the vibrant, ex-British East India city of Penang. Here are a few things I can tell you about expat life.

Making the actual decision to live or retire overseas is far more difficult than actually moving and doing it. That’s the first thing. The second thing is that I wish I had done it sooner.

Thinking and planning ahead of time can be stressful, but the actual act of moving to another country is nothing short of enthralling. The anticipation is just marvelous. You can certainly plan to the end, but I can tell you from experience that there is no need for you to do that when considering Malaysia.

Malaysia is organized. Everyone on the East Coast speaks English, and all the contracts that you will need for your apartment, for instance, are also in English. This makes it all so much easier and takes a little of the stress out of the actual move.

In saying that, there are a few things you should know before moving to Malaysia. They are not big issues, but they would have been good to know ahead of time, which is why I want to share them with you.

1. There is a Vibrant Expat Community

Malaysia has been home to expats since 1786, and there is a vibrant, thriving community of us in the cities of Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang. There are also a plethora of Facebook pages to help with everything that you need to know. Little things like, ‘Who is the best internet provider?’ ‘Where is the best butcher?’ All of these questions and more can be found answered on the various sites on Facebook. Most, if not all, of the sites are managed by expats themselves, retirees who have walked the walk and lived the life for many years.

When my wife, Lisa, and I moved here in 2009, there were only two organizations that helped expats with information and pointers in Penang, and neither of them exists today. Now, though, there are at least 10 that I know of just the click of a button away.

2. Driving in Malaysia

Driving in Malaysia has always been a challenge, and it’s not just Malaysia; it’s Asia in general. The road rules here are…mostly suggestions.

I remember coming for a holiday here in the 1990s and being appalled at seeing trucks and cars overtaking on blind bends. With the advent of good jobs, better salaries, and a gentleman by the name of Boon Siew (Mr. Honda), there are now more motorbikes on the roads in Malaysia than ever before.

If you hit a motorbike or get hit by a motorbike, nine times out of ten, you will be in the wrong. And it doesn’t matter if the motorbike in question is coming down the wrong side of the street either.

What to do? In the event of no one being hurt, just damage to the motorbike, you can either make a police report which involves both of you heading to the nearest police station, or you can agree to pay for the repairs to the motorbike.

If the rider is hurt and an ambulance is required, wait for the ambulance to arrive and then make a police report within 24 hours. In this instance, it’s always better to take a local with you just to smoothen any language barriers.

Lastly, lines on the road, denoting the lane that you or other drivers are in, are mere hints or suggestions. As are red traffic lights. It’s a silly thing to say, but always use your mirrors, and when a light goes green, take off slowly and watch for the unexpected. And don’t get angry if you see Malaysians driving in the middle of the lane. If you do, you’ll be angry a lot!

3. I Wish I had Done it Sooner!

This is a no-brainer and easier said with hindsight! That being said, the leap of faith would have happened 10 years earlier if I had known that my lifestyle, my standard of living, in Malaysia, was going to be so good.

There is an ease of life in the east that you don’t find anywhere else. A peacefulness, and calm, that’s just part of Malaysia. It’s a hard one to put your finger on. Just like the rain here is heavier than anywhere else in the world. It has a weight to it that you cannot explain; it has to be experienced.

Malaysia saturates all of your senses—sight, taste, smell, hearing, and touch. And when you think that you have had enough, something else will assault you in a lovely, unfamiliar way.

4. Durians – The World's Smelliest Fruit, or is it?

“Comparisons have been made with the civet cat, sewage, stale vomit, onions, and cheese; while one disaffected visitor to Malaysia declared that the eating of the flesh was not much different from having to consume used surgical swabs.” The Oxford Companion to Food.

I have a confession to make. I love it. The smell actually makes my mouth water, and I don’t find it offensive at all. That being said, it is banned from all hotels in Malaysia, and in Singapore, it’s a fineable offense to take one on public transport.

5. The Friendliest People in All of Asia

Malaysians are hands down the friendliest people in the whole of Asia.

I don’t say that because I live here; I say it because it's why I stay here. I have choices; I can live anywhere I like, but I’m here, and Malaysia is happily my home.

Final Word on Moving to Malaysia

Moving to Malaysia offers a richly rewarding experience, brimming with vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and a lively atmosphere. You'll find numerous perks to relocating here, including an affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare services, diverse job opportunities, and welcoming expat communities.

Major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru cater to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone. However, be prepared for some challenges, such as cultural differences, bureaucratic processes, and regional variations. Embracing these with an open mind will help you adjust smoothly.

Thorough research, careful financial planning, and a positive attitude are essential to ensuring a successful move. Dive into the adventure and explore our other resources for more detailed insights on your journey to Malaysia. With the right preparation, you can fully enjoy your new life in this diverse and dynamic country.