Penang, Malaysia
A retiree in Penang, Malaysia loves living in Malaysia. She appreciates the low cost of living, quality healthcare and that she and her husband have been accepted by locals. She worries about their visa situation. They are currently under tourist visas and that is iffy. They feel like they are at the whim of the immigration officer.
Penang
My husband and I choose to retire abroad early. I was 43 and he was 59. We had seen and experienced most of our home country and was looking to experience different cultures.
Full time
We choose Malaysia for it's cost of living and multicultural society.
First we went to another country. Was there for 4 years, but it just became obvious that it was too expensive.
6 years
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We long ago stopped comparing countries to the US and just accepted places for what they were. With that said the most challenging aspects for us would be the need to travel home to visit our family. This is a costly trip and while we enjoy visiting family, don't enjoy that we are the ones who are expected to return. None of our family has come to visit us.
When we stay in a place for some time, we build friendships. We are recognised in shops and markets. It's wonderful to be accepted as a "local" even though we are still foreigners. When you can move about with confidence and ease in a foreign country you see more than just a traveler.
Nothing really. The problem is putting it off. Life is to short.
Penang is a wonderful place. A large small town I call it. English is widely spoken, people are friendly, many cultural attractions and events. There is a large expat community here. Although we do not live amongst expats.
Malaysia offers a retirement visa. With that said, we find the financial requirement for this visa is high. We are currently under a tourist visa and that is iffy. Not something I would recommend; however, there are many expats doing this. You seem to be at the whim of the immigration officer. We live our lives 3 months at a time with a back up plan. Malaysia is missing the point. We are pure consumers here. While we can't financially do the retirement visa, we have plenty of money to pay our way. There is no middle ground with Malaysia. They seem to want to attract the wealthier retirees.
We have rented an apt, fully furnished. It's wonderful. We pay more than the average rent for a local because of the location and size. The best way to find good apartments is to walk around in areas you like and talk to the security guards. They know everything!
I would love to stay in Malaysia permenately. Financially it is a viable place for us to live as retired.
The retirement visa financial obligations are most important. Otherwise you could still do it but chances are after a few visa runs you are going to get hassled by immigration.
We live quite well on less than $2000 USD a month. Actually about $1500.
We have not used medical care here, but understand through other expats who have that they have been quite satisfied. There are an abundance of healthcare facilities on Penang.
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No. We feel safe walking around day and night. With that said, we don't go out to bars in town at night or hang out in places like that.
Penang has good buses but they can be busy at times. Sometimes they pass you by because they are full during holidays or peak times. Taxis are a hit and miss, need to know and negotiate prices. Car rental is reasonable. Traffic is busy and congested most of the time. Driving is stressful but you do get used to it.
Yes and no. Depends on what building you are living in.
I'm submitting this report anonymously. Malaysia does not have free speech. Well it does and it doesn't. Anything said against the government or Islam could land you in trouble. It's kinda crazy, I love it here, I want nothing more than to just to live and be a consumer and soak up the culture. I've found that Muslims as well as Chinese and Indians are friendly here and lovely people. I don't trust the police, or the government institutions like immigration. I know if we choose to do the retirement visa, it would be ok with the process, but am left feeling vulnerable with just a tourist visa. There is a level of distrust here with regards to the government not only with expats but locals as well.
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Penang Index
An index of all of our site's Penang information.
Malaysia Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Malaysia on our Malaysia forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Malaysia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Malaysia.
Expats in Malaysia offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Malaysia.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Malaysia.
Expats in Malaysia recommend that newcomers talk to friends and learn about the best hospitals, clinics and doctors in their area before a medical emergency arises. Plus, obtaining expat health insurance is recommended.
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
Get a Quote
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
Get a Quote
Penang Index
An index of all of our site's Penang information.
Malaysia Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Malaysia on our Malaysia forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Malaysia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Malaysia.
Expats in Malaysia offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Malaysia.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Malaysia.
Expats in Malaysia recommend that newcomers talk to friends and learn about the best hospitals, clinics and doctors in their area before a medical emergency arises. Plus, obtaining expat health insurance is recommended.
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