Relocating to Malaysia: Expat Communities

With its multi-cultural society Malaysia is an ideal location to consider and one of Asia’s most developed. Beaches, jungles and cities inhabit the country along with good weather. Kuala Lumpur is the largest city and capital, known for its luxury shopping malls, great food and markets, it is a hub for international business and travel. With ongoing efforts to expand its economies, Malaysia is a great place to live.

A challenge is always going to be faced when moving you or your family to a new country. In this article we offer expat’s advice on where to live, whether its Johor Bahru providing easy connections to the busy city of Singapore or Kuala Lumpur with its well-respected international schools. It is recommended by other expats that you reach out or read their stories in order to gain the most from what will be an amazing experience.

Online networking sites and blogs

Below is a list of general links that provide information on life in Malaysia:
Moving: https://www.internations.org/malaysia-expats/guide/moving-to-malaysia-15359
Living: https://www.internations.org/malaysia-expats/guide/living-in-malaysia-15372
Working: https://www.internations.org/malaysia-expats/guide/working-in-malaysia-15373

Driving in Malaysia, congestion and driving licenses:
https://www.internations.org/malaysia-expats/guide/driving-in-malaysia-15637

The following website provides knowledge for property searches, lifestyle, staycations and dining:                    http://www.klexpatmalaysia.com/

This link gives an insight into activities that can be done on your off days:                                  https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/malaysia/11904-leisure-in-kuala-lumpur.html

International schools to consider as an expat living near Kuala Lumpur: https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/international/malaysia/kuala-lumpur-schools-considered-by-expats

Kuala Lumpur

The following blog shares the stories and experiences written by a mother of two, living in the busy city of Kuala Lumpur:
http://mumonthemove.blogspot.com/p/home-page.html

Here a working mother shares tips on moving, day to day life and some interesting facts about living in the capital:
https://www.expat.com/en/expat-mag/2356-a-french-expat-family-in-kuala-lumpur.html

Below provides a link to some leisurely activities that take place both in and out doors:            https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/malaysia/20019-sports-activities-in-kuala-lumpur.html

Interview from a mother of two on her experiences since moving to Kuala Lumper:
http://www.expatarrivals.com/article/interview-with-anna-an-australian-expat-living-in-malaysia

Guide to sports and activities in Kuala Lumpur:
http://www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/entertainment/sport-activities.htm

Ipoh

Connect with fellow expats using the link below:
https://www.internations.org/ipoh-expats

Where to live in and the costs of accommodation:                                                                      https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/malaysia/11893-accommodation-in-ipoh.html

In this link a mother of 3 children tells us about living in Ipoh, the costs of living, work life and the pros and cons of living in a different country:
https://www.migratingmiss.com/moving-to-malaysia/

Johor Baharu

Below the link gives advice on buying and renting in the affordable city:                                    https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/malaysia/11894-accommodation-in-johor-baharu.html

Get in touch with other expats living in Johor Bahru through their expat Facebook page:                    https://www.facebook.com/ExpatsInJohorBahru/

Interview with a mother of four on life in Johor, where to live and nearby international schools:
http://www.expatarrivals.com/article/interview-with-nicola-a-british-expat-in-malaysia-0

Penang

Here is a link to an honest blog describing the pros and cons of living in Penang:                                                      https://sandinmycurls.com/pros-and-cons-of-being-an-expatriate-in-malaysia/

Activities to do in Penang for kids both in and outdoors, from a mother's perspective:                          http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do-with-kids-in-penang.html

Insight into the easy and enjoyable life Penang can bring you as an expat:
https://internationalliving.com/is-life-in-penang-perfect/

The link below offers suggestions on where to live in Penang as well as advice on international schools: https://ohmyexpatlife.com/2018/05/14/penang-neighborhood-guide-for-expats/

Here is a link to the Penang expat community page:
https://www.internations.org/penang-expats

Port Klang

Below you can find information on where to live and the cost of accommodation:                  https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/malaysia/11895-accommodation-in-klang.html

Here is a link to the Klang expat community:
https://www.internations.org/klang-expats

Discussions and help on where to live and schools to use near Port Klang:
http://www.expatarrivals.com/answers/moving-with-family-to-work-in-port-klang-what-are-best-locations-to-live-go-to-school

Social Media Connections

British expat community:
https://www.internations.org/malaysia-expats/british

American expat community:
https://www.internations.org/malaysia-expats/americans

Australian expat community:
https://www.internations.org/malaysia-expats/australians

Social networking groups in Malaysia:
https://www.meetup.com/topics/socialnetwork/my/kuala_lumpur/

If you are interested in a move to Malaysia or anywhere else in the world and would like to speak to Kingpin International about International Tax Opportunities, across Direct Tax, Transfer Pricing or Indirect Tax please contact a member of the team. Alternatively, view our current International Tax vacancies.

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