Moving to a new country is always something of a leap into the unknown. Even if we are moving for work and we know that our employer is going to do as much as they can to make sure that everything goes smoothly and we hit the ground running, we still need to roll up our sleeves and take that big jump to make it work. However, that does not mean that we should not do any research before we move to give ourselves the best chance of success.
Malaysia has long been a popular destination among ex-pats, from business leaders to recent graduates. There are so many business opportunities in the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur and beyond, and as a country, it is simply a wonderful place to live. There is so much variety to be found, so many different places to explore, so much wonderful food to eat, and such an incredible amount of rich history and culture. If you are moving to Malaysia, then the first thing you should know is that you are moving somewhere truly special. But we also know that you will have a lot of questions, so let’s get started.
What Languages Are Spoken In Malaysia?
The official language of Malaysia is Malay, but it is worth noting that English is widely spoken too. English is the language of business, so if you are moving for work, you should expect to find that you can get on easily enough in English while you settle in. Other languages are spoken in Malaysia depending on where you are, you can expect to hear Mandarin and Tamil.
What Visa Do I Need For Malaysia?
You will need to apply for the MM2H visa, which is a renewable, transparent 10-year visa. It stands for Malaysia My Second Home. If you are moving for work, then you will need to apply for a work visa.
How Is The Healthcare?
If you are moving to Malaysia, you can expect excellent healthcare, especially if you are moving to Kuala Lumpur. However, it is always a good idea to get health insurance. Make sure that you do your research to find a reliable health care insurance provider. Be honest about any pre-existing conditions, or you may risk having your cover voided. Before you travel to Malaysia you should talk to your doctor about which vaccinations you need to get. Dengue fever is arguably the biggest health risk, transmitted by mosquito bites. Remember that they tend to be most active during the day.
Can I Drink Tap Water?
Many ex-pats prefer bottled water, but if you are planning on drinking tap water, you should buy a water purifier. You can also boil water to make it safe to drink.
Where Should I Live?
This is a big question, and it really depends on what you are looking for. Property in Malaysia can be very affordable, and there is a tremendous range of different properties available. Many ex-pats prefer to live outside of Kuala Lumpur to avoid the city’s noise and the hustle and bustle, but then again, the excitement of the big city may be exactly what you are looking for!
The key is finding a real estate site that can show you a range of different options, which is where PropertyGuru comes in. PropertyGuru is Malaysia’s leading property site, and they can help you whether you are looking to buy or rent, whether you are looking for a house or apartment.
How Hot Is It?
If you are moving to Malaysia, then you are moving to a region with a tropical climate. It is always going to be hot, and it is often going to be humid. The rainy season runs from August to December, and then the dry season begins. The temperatures tend to average between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, but the humidity will be a big factor. Make sure that you have lots of light clothes and that you take bottled water with you when you go out during the day.
Is There A Big Ex-Pat Community?
The short answer to this is yes, absolutely. Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding regions are home to many ex-pats, and there will be plenty of clubs and organisations to join to help you start your new social life.
How Safe Is Kuala Lumpur?
Generally speaking, Kuala Lumpur is about as safe for ex-pats as any other major city. As you would expect in any metropolis, there is always the risk of pickpocketing, so make sure that you keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. There is further guidance for female ex-pats that include not getting into a taxi alone late at night, but common sense should be enough to keep you safe. If you have any concerns before your visit, then talk to any locals that you know or fellow ex-pats about their experience.
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