
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
Let the Adventure Begin! is our premium weekly relocation newsletter that guides you step-by-step through your international move. The weekly newsletter begins 8 months before your move and runs through your first 4 months abroad. For US $29.99, you'll receive an e-mail on Wednesday with tips and advice tailored to where you are in the relocation and settling-in process.
SUBSCRIBE
2
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.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
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.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Guide to Living in Penang, Malaysia
Penang, Malaysia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Penang
Malaysia Forum
Join our Malaysia forum to meet other people living in Penang, Malaysia.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Penang.
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.
Expats offer advice about everything you need to know before moving to Penang: what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to find housing and more.
Expats talk about what it's like living in Penang, Malaysia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What Newcomers to Penang Should Know
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.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
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.
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.
Expats are attracted to Malaysia's lower cost of living, bustling cities, multicultural vibe, climate and proximity to Singapore. Many expat retirees take advantage of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. For others who don't qualify, visa runs become a inconvenient part of expat life that often dissuade them from staying in Malaysia long-term.
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Penang, Malaysia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Penang
Malaysia Forum
Meet other people living in Penang.
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.
Expats offer advice about everything you need to know before moving to Penang: what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to find housing and more.
Expats talk about what it's like living in Penang, Malaysia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What Newcomers to Penang Should Know
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Penang.
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.
Copyright 1997-2022 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.