A retired expat couple who have lived all over the world in their quest to find the best place to retire talks about their time in Penang, Malaysia. They enjoyed the low cost of living, quality of medical care, great restaurants and nightlife. They only negative in their view were the beaches, which were not as nice as others in SE Asia.
Tojong Tokong, Penang Island
Adventure
Full Time
We are currently trying to find where to retire. In the last six years my wife and I have lived in Maui, Mauritius, Mexico (Yucatan), Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and a year on various cruise ships. We are moving to Vietnam in April 2017, currently live in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico.
No
6+ years
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I dislike the double standard in pricing and that is common throughout Southeast Asia, Central America, Africa and Europe.
Sights, sounds and the people. I enjoy the cultures of other people and their friendships. I also find expats a much more interesting group of people then back home. Expats as a whole have much more vitality for life.
Nothing, you learn by doing. I wish I could redo the 6+ years again only to try something else.
Penang Island is great place with lots to do. One of the British most important colony 150 years ago. Third in importance to Hong Kong & Singapore, so lot's of culture from the west and the melting pot of SE.. Some of the best food in the world. I'm not into nightlife but plenty of places if you are. The only real negative was the beaches they are not on the same level as most of SE.
Have not retired.
Renting in every country has been easy by doing your homework before arriving.
Exceeded. We can do almost anything financially because our money goes so much further. A high end Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles with sushi will run around $150 in Los Angeles in Tojong Tokong, Straights Quay, Marina which is high end costs less then $30.00 for two people.
None
In Penang you can easily live for under $800. Our budget was over that but 1/5 the cost of living in Newport Beach, Ca or Maui and a better lifestyle.
Yes, stem cell therapy (my own blood).
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We have never experienced a problem. Then again we take precaution seriously.
Taxi and bus without the hassle of learning how to drive on the British side of the road, British Imperialism, "God save the Queen".
Yes, I would rate it as good but not superior.
Go for it!!!!! This is not a dress rehearsal you only get one life unless your a Buddhist.
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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 international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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 agree that living in Malaysia has its pros and cons. Expats love the welcoming Malay people, cultural diversity, lower cost of living and amazing food. Many find that the noisiness, dirty city streets and dangerous driving conditions can be a challenge. Where you choose to live makes a big difference in lifestyle as well.
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