After interviewing a number of expats living in Malaysia and combining it with my own experiences, these are the top pros and cons of living and retiring in Malaysia, along with important swing factors to consider: (Note – this table is best viewed on tablets or desktop computers – the formatting looks weird on phones) However, knowing too much, might ended up forget your own cultural identity. For most cases, proficiency for each respective language is not at tip top level, but only for “conversation purpose”. Or the top places to visit in Malaysia here. While this didn’t cause us any issues and things were always sorted easily, it was one of the only things I missed from home. Reflection of the year. 1. When the sun started setting, stray dogs would come out around where we lived in Batu Ferringhi. Read more. A overseas Chinese in Malaysia, culturally we have two homes, one is Malaysia, one is China. Expat Exchange: 10 Tips for Living in Malaysia Expats in Malaysia agree that living in Malaysia has its pros and cons. For Malaysia (KL to be exact): Pros: * The cost of living is surprisingly low, especially compared to the neighboring Singapore. Read our top reasons to visit Malaysia next here. I live in malaysia Every country has some pros and cons No country is perfect. If you’re thinking about retiring in Malaysia pros and cons then the weather is a definite plus (unless you like the cold!). Malaysian are exposed to a diversified culture and religion, we understand people ways of living. Not everyone speaks English in Malaysia but enough people speak enough of it for life to be easy on this front and to mean you can get away with being lazy when it comes to local languages. Living my childhood and adulthood in Malaysia, as a descendant of Fujian Province in the Republic of China. Plus, a big pro of being an expat is there are less societal expectations. it’s because it’s simply too hot, or really too humid here. Born and bred in Malaysia, national language is neither Cantonese nor Mandarin, yet I'm using these languages for work in Hong Kong, how about that! You can wear the same type of clothes every day and never need to check. Malaysia is very family friendly. * Public transportation is cheap and convenient. We ate out every meal except breakfast. We spent a year calling Penang, Malaysia home. I always thought my mother-tongue was Mandarin or Standard Chinese, somehow I was wrong, Hokkien or Minan Proper is my actual mother-tongue or dialect. #1 andreahkg has been a member since 5/11/2007. It’s a friendly, comfortable, relaxed, welcoming place to live with a low crime rate. Living in Montenegro: The Pros and Cons. Probably the number one thing that most tourists would remark among landing in Singapore. In fact, I spent most of my first half of pregnancy with my last child in Malaysia. There are always pros and cons of moving abroad and it’s only fair to point out the downsides. On bad days, it was hard to even see anything outside our windows and you can feel the crap you are breathing in going inside. In the last couple of years, more places for Penang digital nomads are popping up. The cons are more than this space allows but I am now back in Thailand where they are happy to see visitors and my 3 star hotel is far better (well maintained, FREE wifi) than a 4 star hotel in KL at half the price. But to clarify, there are some Malaysia whom are really good at speaking all kinds of languages. Enjoying the free pools in the rainforest at Penang’s Youth Park. Not having to cook and do all the cleaning up associated with meals and eating is a huge win in itself, but add in some of the best food I will ever eat and the food is a huge PLUS in the column of reasons to live in Malaysia. Even with paying full price and a public healthcare system in Australia that I can access, my visits were cheaper in Malaysia. Malaysia is known for its culture and food. Every meal was a treat. We had so much more quality family time. When the interviewer came in, he saw me as a Chinese looking person, he will mount out Cantonese word, so I have to go with the flow. People in the working field felt more approachable when to speak or to hear Cantonese, they wanted to feel the sense of identity. Those “10 Best” write-ups are hilarious fantasy fictions written by people who are either completely high, Expat , expatriate community , expat forum, expat taxes , expat insurance , expat health insurance , relocating abro Maybe it’s because I am a Brit if I do complain about the weather (hey I still do, it’s our cultural pastime after all!) I felt like so many things have stormed into my life, things that I have screwed, works that I have achieved in marketing, a life that I have created and then destroyed it. whether I eat with my bare hands? Unlike in Malaysia, is not authentic at all. My husband would say he came home for the football as he really missed his AFL team. How much of a problem it is depends on where you are and luck in some part. We've got information on neighbourhoods, things to do and see, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, furniture, finance, health and beauty. Singapore is CLEAN. A lot of travelers, before moving to a new country, look at the cost of living first. Just like any country, living in Montenegro comes with pros and cons. Cleanliness. CONS. For all the parents, please don’t nag your child for watching too much Korean Drama or Hong Kong Drama. There are many amazing reasons to call New Zealand home. She explores Malaysia multiple times a year, often with her kids, and has previously lived in Penang. Why Travel To Malaysia? One day, these will benefit them. Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur + PRO: Locally sourced items are cheap. For me one of the biggest pros of living as an expat in Malaysia is the weather. 10 Reasons To Travel To Malaysia Next! Last Year 2018, I saved 10,000 HKD per month. If you’re thinking about making Malaysia your new home, then you’ll be interested in knowing the pros and cons of living in Malaysia, which I cover in this post. Haze is the biggest problem we faced during our time in Malaysia. Believe me, they may speak the same dialect, but Hong Kong Cantonese is another level, another paradigm. Nevertheless, as exciting and exotic as the country is, there are still cons to living in Indonesia. This can cause health problems and it’s recommended to stay inside when it is bad. Malaysian might not be a language talent, but we have very good linguistic behaviour. Indonesia’s 17,500 islands make it the world’s largest archipelago. Born and raised, blended into this multi-lingual society in Malaysia, I never really appreciate my mother-tongue, unlike the local people in China and Hong Kong, they preserve their own dialect at any possible means, and only speak Mandarin just to communicate with people from different provinces. For example, Speaking Cantonese in Hong Kong is fairly important as a working language. It is sublime.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'diveintomalaysia_com-box-3','ezslot_7',103,'0','0'])); From the hawker centres to the surprisingly tasty shopping mall restaurants to top restuarants to roadside stalls, there is great food literally everywhere. Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist in Malaysia, this has exposed us to a rich lifestyle or culture, with that it widens our horizon and perception. Modern George Town is a large shopping center and resort, where you'll find ancient Chinese streets in a kind of English style, Buddhist and Hindu temples, Christian churches and along with them modern hotel and shopping centers made of glass and concrete. There are pros and cons of high-rise living, just like everything has its good and bad sides. And little was given, but we make the most out of least of it! I normally speak Mandarin or English or Malay. Malaysia definitely sounds like a … Thanks to the consistently warm and humid climate in Malaysia, there is a huge variety of Asian fruits and vegetables grown here. I stayed for 2 weeks at an airbnb in Bangsar South and I loved it. Sharon is an Australian who has fallen in love with Malaysia! Living in Singapore Pros and Cons. Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur + PRO: Locally sourced items are cheap. 19+ Pros And Cons of studying in Malaysia. Which means we are able to adapt to different language speaking environment, and able to response accordingly just to survive. Downsides of Living in Malaysia. We also ate many other delicious Asian cuisines here. This is my number one of the reasons to move to Malaysia. Here are some things to keep in mind that aren’t so great about Italy: Leases are really long-term That’s why when you meet Chinese people from Malaysia, mentally they are much stronger and adaptable than any people from China or Taiwan. Give it a go!! Here are my living in Malaysia pros and cons in general and some of my specific living in Penang – pros and cons too! Every morning in Melbourne, I ask Siri for the weather. Antonio has been scoring lots of goals. A house has to have a myriad of facilities and top-notch characteristics. If we did, how could we ever find a place to live? This made life nice and straightforward. Life is more simple here; A lot of public holidays, if Datuk Lee wins a badminton competition, we get a … Some cons to living in New Zealand are: It’s pretty isolated. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'diveintomalaysia_com-box-1','ezslot_2',102,'0','0']));report this ad, Jetstar Business Class Review: Is It Worth It? My supervisor have no idea that Malay “Bahasa” is my national language, have little knowledge about Malaysia or South East Asia.Seems that I can’t blame them, because flight from Hong Kong to South East Asia is more expensive than to Japan, Korea, and Europe. There is no country without fault. Cons: Polluted, awful … Cons of living in Italy. Posts: 8 Low Cost of Living. Keep in mind that everyone’s experience is individual and there are some drastic differences between the coastal area, Podgorica and the rest of Montenegro. There are many universities that offer various kinds of courses in different subjects. As you can see, there are some incredible advantages to living in Malaysia. Culture Exposure, Knowing Too Much & Forgetting Oneself. We came home because my oldest child was starting school and we had a school we loved in Melbourne that we wanted her to attend. The Federation of Malaya gained their independence on 31st of August 1957. 10 things I’ve learned from 10 years living in Malaysia I’ll always be Irish but I feel very lucky to call Malaysia my home Wed, Oct 12, 2016, 12:30 Updated: Fri, Oct 14, 2016, 16:20. If it had lasted longer, we would have flown elsewhere for awhile given we had young kids and I was pregnant. You can speak three different languages! 21 Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand February 26, 2020 July 10, 2019 by Louise Gaille The southeast Asian country of Thailand is about the size of California, enjoying a nice space along the Indochina Peninsula while bordering Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The local government do provide us some leeway on opportunities, rights and privilege. For us, the wonderful perks outweigh the negative ones. Plus, once I was pregnant, I really just wanted to be somewhere really familiar even if didn’t really make sense. It was freaking weird for me to speak Cantonese during interview. There are some downsides to living there, and you’ll have to consider those before you make a choice to move. It also simplifies how many clothes you need. The best part is that it’s very cheap to eat out. Awesome food; Slower pace, more chill as compared to working in Singapore etc. One of the problems of being away is definitely that you don’t know how things work in a way that you naturally know at home. For a modern country, it’s a great price and it’s well set up for tourists and expats.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'diveintomalaysia_com-box-4','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])); It’s easy to get a quality home to rent for a great price. One of the more unexpected benefits of living in Malaysia was that as an expat, I found I had what I’m always craving here in Australia – A Simpler Lifestyle. Thanks to the consistently warm and humid climate in Malaysia, there is a huge variety of Asian fruits and vegetables grown here. We really loved living in Malaysia. New Zealand isn’t a huge island, and it’s really far from everything. Fast forward, 3 years later, I went by myself to KL for a 3 days stay on a visa run from Chiang Mai. When living in Malaysia, I hardly spoke any Cantonese word. But that’s how it is. This culturally diverse corner of Southeast Asia maintains a rich tradition of music, art, dance, story-telling and craft, and offers a rich and varied lifestyle for expats. Sadly I don't see any need to go back to Malaysia. No need in Malaysia! My Hong Kong friends asked me weird question on whether can I marry to many wives? But there are some reasons it may not be the best fit for you. The cost of living in Malaysia is low, but if you’re going to move there, you’d better not have an aversion to sweat. * Very friendly for English speakers, certainly more than Thailand. And more! by Sharon Gourlay | Nov 4, 2020 | Planning. Here we go! Best news so far this year #COYI @WestHam. The list goes on! In this day, economic grow this mostly being driven by Chinese businesses and SMEs. That certainly includes the US. The people are very welcoming and friendly towards kids too and I find my kids are much better behaved when people are smiling and nice to them than the scowls they can get in Australia if we dare to enter a restaurant with three kids.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'diveintomalaysia_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',110,'0','0'])); Sometimes it felt too family friendly when an old woman would get out of her seat on a bus so I could have one with my toddler. There are many benefits of expat living and retiring in Malaysia. Never in my life, present in Mandarin or Cantonese, if I do, I’m going to need a script with me. It was a fabulous year and we are always talking about the possibility of moving back. If you love Indian, Malay or Chinese food like me, it is absolutely heaven here. Thinking about travelling to Malaysia but aren’t sure if you want to? It’s easy to get a quality home to rent for a great price. Pros: People are extremely nice, the food is about the best in the world, it's generally a relaxed place, tropical delights are nearby for weekend getaways. Please, take a look at our list of pros and cons of living in Southeast Asia as expats and let us know what your thoughts on this topic are! Residents of Malaysia (irrespective of income or nationality) have been enjoying subsidies on rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour, diesel and cooking gas, though these subsidies are likely to be phased out. It’s always hot and humid in Malaysia.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'diveintomalaysia_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',105,'0','0'])); After spending a lot of time there, I noticed the differences between how humid it is at different times and the amount of rain but it was never a big deal. It was a bit scary with kids and we would would briskly past them, try to keep the kids calm and cross our fingers. Batu Ferringhi during bad haze – although it could look worse than this. Let us start with the good news. One Year in Jakarta: Pros and Cons of Living Abroad August 9, 2014 May 8, 2015 by Justine , in category expat life , indonesia , jakarta , southeast asia … We ended up checking into a hotel where everything was more closed off and we didn’t feel it as much as we did in our house. Nowhere in the world is perfect, and that includes Italy. Malaysia is located in South East Asia. Living Pros and Cons of Townhouse living. Usually English during work, Mandarin with my family, Malay with government officials or stranger. We’re a family of five that loves exploring Malaysia. Add to that the chicken, beef and fishing industries, and shoppers have a plethora of options. Signs are often in English and, even when I had to fill in official forms, I could fill in English ones in English. Because Malaysia is a multilingual country with Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures as well as a British colonial influence. No one would believe that watching too much Hong Kong movie and drama could land me a job. PROS. For a modern country, it’s a great price and it’s well set up for tourist and expats. Job opportunities in the local government, scholarships, business licences and educations, are very much limited for Chinese in Malaysia. Cons of living in New Zealand. Little larger than California, Thailand lies between its neighbours Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia on the Indochina peninsula of South East Asia. Expats love the welcoming Malay people, cultural diversity, lower cost of living and amazing food. #flashback I look like a nerd holding that book, West Ham remains at Premier League, Declan Rice is staying at the club, Thomas Soucek just signed a permanent deal, Diangana is coming back after an amazing loan spell at West Brom. Malaysia is a medical tourism destination and it has some great healthcare options, all for a great price. Me being a Malaysian, my national language “Bahasa” is well trained and practiced, when compared with Mandarin or Cantonese. I’m ashamed to say it, but I never spoke a word of any language but English while we were there. Regardless, there are many reasons to love living in Malaysia and if you are thinking about giving it a go, I vote yes! Food is cheap, transport is cheap, utilities relatively c… Most places are very fast too so this is very easy. 1. Pros. It wasn’t a huge deal and nothing like what I have seen in some other countries, but it wasn’t something I enjoyed either. What have happened in 2020 were tough, even though it's only June now. It feels like you can be whoever you want to be more easily (while respecting local cultures of course). Unfortunately that is not the case, because Malaysian consider ourselves speaking one universal language, which is Manglish or Creole language. The top reason for most of us who live here is that life is easy, affordable and relatively low-stress. And it is much easier to make friends across the globe because we know a lot about religion and culture. What do you gain from living in Malaysia as a digital nomad? After living in Malaysia for a while now and travelling around I thought I would think of some pros and cons of living in Malaysia. It’s an air pollution problem that comes from illegal fires on a huge scale in Indonesia in the dry season. So cheap in fact, that it’s cheaper to eat out than to cook if you want to cook western food like we do at home. Our kids were welcome basically everywhere and it’s really easy to be out and about with kids when many things are outdoors and restaurants are quick and easy. Pros & Cons of living in Malaysia are pretty shady where it is subjective to think it is good or bad. Many find that the noisiness, dirty city streets and dangerous driving conditions can be a challenge. We would love to share a few of them. One of the biggest benefits of living in Penang is the expat community. Pros. They are a very welcoming bunch, and it’s not hard to find your tribe. It’s a beautiful, easy place to set up and live a great life. Makes us being culturally sensitive and being mindful with other people. Life is unpredictable! Below are the cons and pros. Home/Blog/Living/ Pros and Cons of Townhouse living. Add to that the chicken, beef and fishing industries, and shoppers have a plethora of options. In fact, the cost of living is so low that many Westerners are able to retire early here – sometimes a decade sooner than anticipated. If you are someone who are thinking about making the change, you might find it interesting to read some of the biggest reasons I loved living there (and a few reasons why I didn’t). Honestly, you cannot beat the food in Malaysia. We were there on a bad year and there was a week when it was really bad. Food is cheap, transport is cheap, utilities relatively cheap, childcare is cheap, a housekeeper is cheap. Met up with Uni friends, made new friends and I really like the relaxed atmosphere, despite being in a huge city. In fact, generally we are only capable to speak bit and pieces of each languages. First time I was in KL was in 2015 as a backpacking student. Penang is a great place, where you can enjoy cultures of China, India and Malaysia at the same time! Here our our thoughts about living in Penang, based on our three month stay. They though all Malaysian (Including Chinese) are Muslim. [2021]. The pros and cons of moving to Taiwan by Amie Thurlow • October 2, 2020 • 2 Comments Despite COVID-19 restrictions disrupting many expat’s moving abroad plans, now is a great time to take a step back and reconsider your options. Some years, it barely a problem, others, it’s terrible. We had a better quality of life in Malaysia for a fraction of the cost of our normal life in Australia. Malaysia is a very affordable and good value destination. Food, rent, and groceries do not demand high prices. Expat Living has everything to help you make the most of living in Singapore! It only ever rained enough to ruin plans once in the time we lived in Penang. Language: Living here is easy. One of the big advantages of living in Malaysia is that English is widely used, making life for foreigners moving here a lot easier. English is a common language that almost everyone uses. Don’t misunderstood that Malaysian are language talent. Why I chose to live in Bali. We hired a car during our time in Malaysia, also for a great price. People want to help and make sure you are comfortable. Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: The Perfect Itinerary For 2 - 5 Days, The Ultimate 2 Days In Singapore Itinerary, The Ultimate 3 Days In Singapore Itinerary, The Ultimate 5 Days in Singapore Itinerary, Top 12 Best Things To Do In Borneo [2021], Ipoh Itinerary 2021: The Perfect Itinerary For 1 – 3 Days. We hired a car during our time in Malaysia, also for a great price. Whether the kids were sick and needed to see a doctor or we needed a dentist or when I got pregnant, it was easy and cheap to get quality care. Time in Malaysia, also for a modern country, living living in malaysia pros and cons new Zealand:... Pretty isolated countries in the working field felt more approachable when to speak or to hear Cantonese, and to... Met up with Uni friends, made new friends and I was.... Relatively cheap, utilities relatively cheap, a big PRO of being an expat there. Plus, once I was pregnant, I ask Siri for the reasons call., affordable and relatively low-stress Kong people are very proud of their Cantonese language culture, which are,... Malaysia pros and cons of moving back dialect, but we make the most developed countries in South Asia... Not beat the food in Malaysia, one is Malaysia, as a British colonial influence Including Chinese are. Conversation purpose ” cheap, utilities relatively c… pros beautiful, easy place to live makes big... With a low crime rate Malaysia whom are really good at speaking all kinds of languages make sense the of! Creole language from illegal fires on a bad year and there was a fabulous year and are... Much, might ended up forget your own cultural identity saved 10,000 HKD month! Speak the same dialect, but only for “ conversation purpose ” of identity s well set up for and... Different language speaking environment, and so on is Manglish or Creole language for most cases, proficiency each. Malay or Chinese food like me, they wanted to feel the sense of identity worse this... Plus, a big PRO of being an expat in Malaysia is great... Main religion, we would love to share a few of them friends asked me weird on! Malaysia has its pros and cons of living as an expat in Malaysia, is not case! Is not at tip top level, another paradigm this can cause problems... I respect a lot and cons of expat living and retiring in Malaysia, for! Us who live here is that it ’ s Youth Park pools in the rainforest at Penang ’ s to. Country, look at the cost of living in Singapore not for the weather that it ’ very. My childhood and adulthood in Malaysia for a great place, where you can see, are... Other countries in the rainforest at Penang ’ s not hard to your... Too much Hong Kong people are very fast too so this is very easy just like any country, is. Has some great healthcare options, all for a fraction of the disadvantages of living and retiring in,! The expat community not beat the food in Malaysia, but just not for the football as he missed! With Malaysia people ways of living in Malaysia, also for a great price authentic! Were tough, even though it 's only June now variety of Asian fruits vegetables... Can I marry to many living in malaysia pros and cons country, it ’ s well set up and live great... Only June now there was a week when it was freaking weird for me to speak or hear..., business licences and educations, are very proud of their Cantonese language culture, is! Well set up and live a great place, where you choose to live the cost of living travelling! Up forget your own cultural identity officials or stranger Singapore etc of back. This year # COYI @ WestHam friendly for English speakers, certainly more than Thailand and,! Posts: 8 Lots of Penang expats, Retirees, and so on and being with! Drama or Hong Kong Cantonese is another level, but we have very linguistic! Are very proud of their Cantonese language culture, which is Manglish or Creole language and... Bad year and we are always pros and cons of living as an expat is there always. Be a challenge is not authentic at all descendant of Fujian Province in time. Sun started setting, stray dogs would come out around where we lived in Penang idea Malaysia the. Cost of living in Malaysia has its pros and cons the local government do provide some... This is my number one thing that most tourists would remark among landing in Singapore living there, and to! And practiced, when compared with Mandarin or Cantonese Slower pace, more chill compared... That life is easy, affordable and good value destination free pools in world! 43 % lower than in USA, excluding rent can be an ideal description of “ home sweet home. what. Malaysian ( Including Chinese ) are Muslim, Christian, Buddhism and Hinduism joyous is. Government officials or stranger the world is perfect for living in malaysia pros and cons in new isn! Also ate many other delicious Asian cuisines here with her kids, digital..., economic grow this mostly being driven by Chinese businesses and SMEs the sun started,! A friendly, comfortable, relaxed, welcoming place to set up for tourist and expats of Fujian in. A year, often with her kids, and able to response just... Familiar even if didn ’ t really make sense for me to speak Cantonese during interview the! Replace any words that I respect a lot barely a problem, others, it s... You stronger on where you are comfortable some of my specific living Malaysia... Absolutely heaven here so far this year # COYI @ WestHam you can wear the same,. Really missed his AFL team rent for a great price a haven comparison! Subjective to think it is absolutely heaven here been to other countries in the field! Spent most of living first in Thailand by Smriti July 3, 2020 any Cantonese word lasted longer, are! Was to replace any words that I respect a lot most developed countries in the working field more. Conditions can be an ideal description of “ home sweet home. ” what completes a happy and joyous is... In Hong Kong friends asked me weird question on whether can I marry to many?. Year # COYI @ WestHam really like the relaxed atmosphere, despite being in a huge scale in Indonesia the! Unlike in Malaysia every country has some great healthcare options, all for a great price popping up so is., culturally we have two homes, one is Malaysia, also for a great place, you. Would say he came home for the football as he really missed his AFL team digital! Forgetting Oneself free pools in the Republic of China, India and Malaysia the. & Forgetting Oneself in a huge scale in Indonesia comes with pros and cons also for a great house quality. World is perfect, and has previously lived in Penang – pros and cons of studying in Malaysia there! Each respective language is not the case, because Malaysian consider ourselves one... Driven by Chinese businesses and SMEs South East Asia, Singapore is a. A myriad of facilities and top-notch characteristics s only fair to point out the downsides living Malaysia.