Discover Malaysia

Rental prices are reasonable, especially if housing is included in your employment package or financed by a large expat salary.

Property in central Kuala Lumpur is usually more expensive than in any other areas in Malaysia.

There’s a wide choice of apartments, semi-detached or terraced houses and large detached bungalows. You can also find both furnished and unfurnished accommodation.

Rental agreements are usually valid for 2 years, so make sure your contract includes a termination clause if there’s a chance you might leave earlier. You’ll have to pay a security deposit and another deposit for utilities.

Expats can only buy properties over a certain value, and some areas are out of bounds. The purchasing process may take time. You can get information from a local Land Office in the state you want to live in.

Compared to most Western countries and other expat hotspots in Asia, such as Singapore and Hong Kong, the cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low. Accommodation is likely to be your biggest expense, but you won’t have to spend a fortune on food, particularly if you buy local products. Dining out is also reasonably priced, depending on where you chose to eat.

International school fees are high, so this is something to factor into your budget. Taxes on luxury goods and alcohol can also make them expensive.

Malaysia’s public, private and international schools all have a reputation for high standards. In public schools most classes are in Malay, Chinese or Tamil, but English is taught as part of the curriculum. The school year runs from January to December. Public schools are partially funded by the government, have low fees and adequate facilities.

Private schools in Malaysia follow guidelines set out by the Ministry of Education. Most classes are taught in English, but fees are higher than that of public schools.

Most of Malaysia’s international schools are in Kuala Lumpur. Many follow the British curriculum, but some offer the American or Australian curriculum or the International Baccalaureate. While standards are high and facilities are excellent, there are high school fees.

Both public and private hospitals have good equipment and skilled staff. Anyone can get emergency medical care for a nominal fee at Malaysia’s public hospitals and clinics. When you call an ambulance in an emergency, you’ll be taken to the nearest public emergency room. 

For anything else, you need residency status and a MyKad ID card or foreign workers’ social insurance (SKHPPA) through your employer. You may also be able to get your own medical insurance policy. 

You’ll find pharmacies on the high street and in shopping malls, as well as in hospitals and clinics.

Public transport in Malaysia is reliable, so you’re unlikely to need a car. Traffic can be congested in urban areas, so many commuters travel by train or bus. Bus routes cover most of Malaysia and long-distance coaches are popular for intercity travel. Ferry services also connect most Malaysian islands to the mainland. 

It can be easy to find a taxi in the cities, but they can be expensive – usually unmetered and slow because of the traffic. Ride-hailing apps are also available in Malaysia.

Drivers can use an international driving licence, but you’ll need convert it to a local licence within 3 months. While the quality of the road network varies, highways and city streets are among the best in Southeast Asia.

Flying is your best option for reaching outlying areas.