Pros Of Living In Malaysia
Living in Malaysia as an expat has various advantages. Whether you plan to relocate temporarily or permanently, these excellent factors will persuade you to purchase a flight promptly.
Low Cost Of Living
Malaysia offers a significant benefit of being affordable, and this is especially true in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city. With only $1,000 a month, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Comparatively, the rent is over 70% less than that of the United States.
An apartment in a luxurious part of the city could cost as much as $750 while a similar sized apartment in a less affluent neighborhood could be available for as little as $450.
Housing costs become even more affordable when you move away from the major cities entirely.
The cost of utilities, which consists of electricity, WiFi, and gas, is approximately $50 per month, which is an affordable amount.
Living in Malaysia offers significant advantages in terms of healthcare expenses, as there is an established public healthcare system in the country. Nonetheless, the costs are so reasonable that expatriates often choose the private healthcare sector, which amounts to approximately $15, in case they encounter any medical problems.
The cost of buying a car is extortionate, but public transportation is cheap and reliable. It’s also very affordable to run a moped, which many foreigners choose to do instead. You can get a plate of traditional Malaysian food for under $2 if you choose to eat locally.
The living expenses in Malaysia differ based on the location, with Penang being slightly less expensive than Kuala Lumpur. Nonetheless, regardless of your chosen place of residence, you can expect the costs to be considerably lower than those in western countries.
Delicious Food
We have a fondness for all Asian cuisines, but Malaysian food stands out as exceptional. This is due to the varied cultural influences in Malaysia, with the population consisting of three primary groups – Malays, Indians, and Chinese.
Following the Opium Wars during the 19th century, large numbers of Chinese inhabitants sought refuge in Malaysia. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Malaysian authorities encouraged the migration of Indians across the border to work on plantations at low wages.
Consequently, Malaysia has become a fusion of diverse culinary influences. No matter where one is situated within the borders, they can easily locate Indian eateries dishing out piping hot chapatis freshly baked inside a clay oven, as well as Chinese establishments featuring delectable buffets.
Nasi Lemak is the quintessential Malaysian meal, comprising of coconut milk and pandan-infused steamed rice served with a spicy sambal, boiled egg, cucumber, fried peanuts and anchovies. Customization is also possible, including options such as fried chicken.
In Malaysia, being a vegetarian or vegan is not difficult as there are numerous restaurants that provide food for Tao Buddhists, who mostly follow a vegan diet without garlic and onions. Furthermore, Indian food contains a lot of vegetables, and it is effortless to customize Malaysian dishes to exclude meat items.
English Is Widely Spoken
Malaysia is a great option for those who don’t want to undergo much acclimatization since a large portion of the population, including healthcare professionals and public transportation officials, can communicate in English proficiently or even fluently.
Adjusting to life in Asia is made extremely easy by the fact that road signs are typically printed in both Malay and English.
English becomes less prevalent as you venture away from the major cities, and it’s not as frequently possible to communicate with a native speaker in your native language. However, even if you are unfamiliar with Malay, you can still manage in small communities throughout the nation.
Contrarily, if you remain in the urban areas, communication shouldn’t pose a challenge, and it’s possible that you won’t need to acquire any language skills (although we recommend it!).
Simple Living
Malaysians have a knack for enjoying a laid-back and leisurely lifestyle. Unlike Western nations, where striving for success is a never-ending pursuit, Malaysians are perfectly happy taking it easy and savoring life’s uncomplicated pleasures.
In Malaysia, you will encounter a reduced burden of contemporary life, allowing you to relax and let go of the constant urge to be productive as you feel your mind and body unwind.
Having an outdoor lifestyle and great weather contribute to crafting a content-focused way of living, wherein you’ll appreciate the simple pleasures like witnessing an exquisite sunset or trekking through a tea plantation to a greater extent once you learn to live in the present.
Multi-Cultural Society
As mentioned previously, Malaysia has a diverse population with over 20% of Chinese origin and over 6% originating from India. In addition to the three primary cultures of Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian, the country also draws in people from various other nationalities such as Singaporean and Persian.
Malaysia’s abundant cultures have contributed to its rich traditions evident today. Mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches are conveniently located close together, showcasing an array of customs, including the classic Malaysian Joget dance.
Malaysia is a country that is rich in diversity, spanning from its street art to its food and religious practices.
Cons Of Living In Malaysia
Although there are advantages and disadvantages to living in Malaysia, it’s important to take note of these factors to avoid any unexpected surprises or letdowns upon arrival.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a problem that Malaysia, like many other destinations in Asia, faces. It is particularly noticeable in densely populated cities like Penang and Kuala Lumpur, where a heavy smog layer can envelop you.
The adverse impact on your general well-being due to the low air quality may not appear significant, but it is a significant disadvantage of residing in Malaysia and a crucial factor to mull over before relocating.
Several factors contribute to the air pollution in Malaysia, such as the discharge of vehicles like cars and scooters, and the operation of industrial plants.
From July to October, the annual forest fires and biomass burning may cause poor air quality in the country upon your arrival.
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has revised its guidelines for ambient air quality in 2021, Malaysia still has a considerable amount of work to do to catch up with other countries as it endeavors to enhance its air quality.
To circumvent this problem, go to places that are not major cities like Langkawi Island. Alternatively, if you prefer urban living, you could settle down in Malacca which has a “moderate” air quality rating and a 10-point higher air quality index than Kuala Lumpur.
Mass Infrastructure
If there is an empty space, a building will likely be constructed there. The problem of extensive infrastructure is a significant concern in Malaysia, particularly in large urban areas. Nonetheless, this negative aspect of residing in Malaysia has both advantages and disadvantages.
Excessive construction can present problems for both locals and expatriates, but Malaysia’s superb infrastructure ensures a hassle-free living experience.
Finding a balance can be a challenge, but it is essential to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Urban areas often suffer from numerous careless construction endeavors.
Nonetheless, in municipalities and hamlets throughout the country, deficient infrastructure is prevalent, resulting in subpar public transportation accessibility and sluggish internet speeds.
Corrupt Government
Even though you’re an ex-pat, you’re still subject to the laws of the country you reside in, even if the state of the government doesn’t concern you as much as it would a Malaysian citizen.
The ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia was found guilty in 2020 of seven instances of abusing power, along with committing money laundering and breach of trust crimes.
Although we wish to claim that the corruption terminates there, it is simply false. More than 70% of Malaysians are cognizant of the corruption prevailing in the government and endeavoring to eradicate these dubious conducts, but the progress of this effort is gradual.
Though the matter is intricate and has many facets, the government is reputedly making efforts to decrease corruption.
Everything You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visa when travelling to Malaysia
1. What is a digital nomad visa?
A visa for digital nomads is a legal authorization that permits extended work stays in a foreign country, with fewer complications than a typical work visa and longer than a tourist visa.
The digital nomad visa allows freelancers and digital nomads to reside in their preferred location for a duration ranging from six months to two years, and the renewal process is uncomplicated.
2. Why get it?
Visa restrictions and immigration are considered two major hurdles for digital nomads, according to those in the lifestyle.
Prior to the introduction of digital nomad visas, digital nomads and traveling freelancers were limited to obtaining only a travel visa. This presented a problem since this type of visa prohibited tourists from engaging in work within the country and typically only allowed a maximum stay of 90 days. Consequently, digital nomads were forced to surreptitiously conduct business activities while pretending to be sightseeing.
After their travel visa expires, they must visit the immigration office, endure lengthy waiting periods, and incur renewal fees. Certain nations do not permit visa renewal, thus digital nomads utilize a loophole named “visa run” by temporarily travelling to neighboring countries before returning to obtain a new visa stamp (although some countries prohibit this practice).
Engaging in these activities as a digital nomad for many years will eventually lead to exhaustion, both physically and mentally, as well as emotionally.
If you meet the criteria, it’s highly recommended to consider acquiring a digital nomad visa. By doing so, you’ll avoid travel visa limitations, prolonged queues at the immigration office, and the need to make visa trips. Furthermore, the opportunity to work in an unfamiliar environment can have a positive impact on your creative and productive output.
3. How to get it?
Although the methods and prerequisites can vary, the following is a basic guide on how to obtain a digital nomad visa in any country.
- Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
- Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
- Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
- Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
- Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!
To determine the prerequisites and qualifications for every involved nation, click the hyperlinks located at the conclusion of this piece.
4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?
The requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa vary among countries, but typically, the following are the key components.
- You are location-independent.
- You can work digitally and remotely.
- You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
- You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
- You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
- You have travel or health insurance.
5. How long does the process take?
The duration for the digital nomad visa application may span from 3 to 4 months, and this timeframe is subject to variation based on the country of application.
6. What’s the difference between a travel visa, a work visa and a digital nomad visa
7. Can I bring my family members with me?
Certain digital nomad visas offered by countries can permit the inclusion of family members for an extra cost. In particular, Anguilla (a UK territory), Antigua and Barbuda (located in the Caribbean), Dubai (in the UAE), and Estonia (in the European Union) are among those countries that welcome accompanying family members.
8. What are the typical restrictions I need to be aware of?
The digital nomad visa is an official visa acknowledged by the countries that have joined the program, and it should not pose any obstacles when navigating through the streets.
If you don’t want to get into trouble, a visa won’t be able to rescue you.
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