Malaysia
Why Malaysia?
Malaysia’s become a popular haven in recent years for retirees and digital nomads. This southeast Asian nation provides ready access to a half-dozen other countries in the region, including Singapore and Thailand. A robust food culture welcomes adventurous foodies, while low living costs attract expats on a budget.
Certain challenges may keep some people away, however. The Malaysian government promotes violent anti-LGBTQ policies, allowing no legal protections for queer people. Chronic air pollution plagues Kuala Lumpur, the capital and expat hub, making breathing issues worse for many, while residents breathe easier on the islands and in the highlands. Monsoons can also prove overwhelming for expats unfamiliar with the risks. Overall, Malaysia works best for immigrants who can embrace its rich culture, flaws and all.
Latest Posts About Malaysia
Find Your Zest for Life in These 19 Countries With the Spiciest Food
When you ask people who've left the U.S. what they miss most, they invariably say Mexican food. While they probably mean Tex-Mex, the fact remains that many countries in the world have a real scarcity [...]
International Living’s 2024 Best Retirement Destinations
International Living, the largest website for Americans moving abroad, has released its 33rd annual report of the world’s best places to retire. The report assesses safety, value, and quality of life to deliver a top [...]
Buzzkill: These 16 Countries Have the Harshest Drug Laws
Every country has a system in place for penalizing drug offenses, but were you aware that some countries practice execution as a punishment for drug-related crimes? Below is a list compiled by the American Addiction [...]
29 Countries with Free College Tuition – No Loan Forgiveness Needed
Getting buried under student loan debt doesn't have to be your future. Instead of staying in the U.S. to get a college degree that could take decades (or the rest of your life!) to pay [...]
How Americans Abroad Get Their Mexican Food Fix
One of my all-time favorite posts from Reddit asks Americans what they miss most since moving abroad. Some people name popular shopping institutions (Target, Wal-Mart, and Costco) and American conveniences (clothes dryers, reliable mail service, [...]
A Doggone Shame: Countries Where Pit Bulls Aren’t Welcome
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced an upcoming ban on the breed of dogs called American Bully XL. According to the Independent, the American Bully Kennel Club defines the American XL bully as a [...]
Your Guide to Malaysia
Malaysia is a popular choice for expats, thanks to its low cost of living, modern infrastructure, and tropical climate. However, understanding which visas are available, where to live, and how to integrate into daily life can be overwhelming. Christine simplifies the process, offering guidance on:
- Visa & Residency Options – MM2H, work permits, digital nomad visas
- Housing & Best Areas to Live – Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and more
- Cost of Living – Rent, groceries, healthcare, transport
- Safety & Political Climate – What to expect as an expat
- Language & Cultural Differences – Navigating daily life
- Healthcare & Insurance – Public vs private healthcare and quality of hospital care
- Transport & Getting Around – Public transport, Grab (like Uber), and car ownership
Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or as a digital nomad, Christine provides the local knowledge and expert advice to help make your transition smooth and stress-free.
