Malaysia has a two-tier healthcare system, consisting of a public scheme alongside a private health sector, but your options as an expat will be limited when it comes to public healthcare. We will look at those options below. Malaysia does not have a national health insurance scheme as such, and the current system is not … Read more

Finding reliable and trustworthy banking services is an important part of living and working abroad, and expats will find that, in most countries, a range of options are available. You may well wish to maintain a bank account at home, for paying bills and other activities, but you will probably also need a local bank … Read more

Malaysia has a two tier system of healthcare. Overall, healthcare in the country, both in the public and the private sector, is of a high quality. Malaysia is a growing destination for medical tourism, such as for dental and optical treatments, and more private clinics have been springing up in recent years. Health in Malaysia … Read more

As an expat living in Malaysia, your eligibility for national insurance coverage will be limited. However, your employer may sign you up with a private healthcare package, or you may take out comprehensive private cover elsewhere. Either way, it is advisable to make sure that your insurance at least partly covers the cost of prescriptions, … Read more

Malaysia has over 100 hospitals that can provide maternity care, and around 40 of these have specialist Ob/Gyn services. Healthcare in the country is generally of a good standard, although overcrowding has been reported in the public sector.If you are an expat in the country and are expecting a baby, then you may wish to … Read more

Malaysia is currently a destination for medical tourism, and you can find a high standard of healthcare in its private sector. Government-sponsored healthcare is also deemed to be of a good quality there.As an expat, your options for accessing government-sponsored healthcare under national health insurance will be limited, since Malaysia does not run such a … Read more

Malaysia does not run a national health insurance scheme, as such, for expats, so you will have three options. You can access public healthcare, which you can pay for either out of pocket or through your existing international health insurance; you can use private clinics, which you can again pay for either out of pocket … Read more

It is not difficult to keep fit and well in Malaysia. From jungle trekking and trail hiking to cycling and watersports, there are many forms of exercise available. We will look at some of your options below.If you are living in Malaysia, it would be a shame not to make the most of the country’s … Read more

Renting property If you’re looking to rent accommodation in Malaysia, you shouldn’t have a problem. You don’t need residency in order to rent an apartment, and in fact proving that you have secured accommodation is a requirement for foreigners who are looking to apply for a temporary stay visa.Both unfurnished and furnished accommodations are available. … Read more

Malaysia has limited national health insurance provision, and most of the cover that does exist applies neither to expats nor to dental and ophthalmic care. You therefore have the options of accessing public treatment and paying out of pocket, or via your private insurer, or of using the private sector.Costs will be competitive in comparison … Read more

Malaysia is a popular destination for many expats, who travel to the country for tourism, business and residence. Although Malaysia’s economy has been significantly growing over the past few years, the rate of this has somewhat slowed recently. However, there are still jobs available in many industries. If you are thinking of travelling to Malaysia, … Read more

Working in Malaysia is an attractive prospect for many expats, and there is a range of jobs available, particularly in cities such as Kuala Lumpur. Teaching, IT, tourism and finance are all potential sectors for expat employment. The Malaysian government is trying to encourage local companies to hire Malaysian personnel above overseas workers, so this … Read more

Of all the hurdles that you may have to overcome as an expat, the one that can be the most time-consuming and confusing is without a doubt your visa. What visa do you need? How do you apply for it? Will the visa cover your family? These are some of the most frequently asked questions … Read more

Malaysia is a progressive melting pot of cultures and lifestyles, where tropical beauty meets modern infrastructure. This country is a land of contrasts, as its towering skyscrapers look over wooden houses that have been built on stilts and people live in harmony regardless of their race, religion or background. Its multicultural characteristics and stable economy … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Malaysia and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.KL Expat MalaysiaFacebook Page | Instagram KL … Read more

Malaysia is a multicultural country in Southeast Asia inhabited by a population of over 31 million people. Expats find it to be a welcoming place to settle with a healthy work/life balance and a friendly culture. According to the 2016 HSBC Expat Explorer report, Malaysia ranked as the 14th best country worldwide for expats to … Read more

Best described as a bustling and diverse melting pot of different races, Malaysia is one of the most multicultural nations that you will ever see. Its local population comprises Malay (50%), Chinese (22.6%), Indigenous (11.8%), Indian (6.7%) and other people. More than 8% of the residents are foreigners. The country is home to a huge … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Malaysia and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. Malaysian Meandershttp://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.co.uk/ The expat adventures of a Texas family living in … Read more

Getting an offer to work in another country is bound to be a very exciting prospect. It could give you the chance to boost your profile, realize your ambitions, and build a new life for yourself as well as your loved ones. However, it is important to remember that adjusting to a foreign place isn’t … Read more

Malaysia offers excitement, adventure and opportunity for expats. A booming economy, rich culture, a high level of development and friendly locals make the country a vibrant and energetic place to live and work. There has been a long history of empires and immigration in Malaysia, making for a hectic mix of ethnic backgrounds and a … Read more

Malaysia’s healthcare system has been ranked as the third best of 24 countries in a recent study conducted by an American publication. It outranked other places such as Spain, Italy, New Zealand, and Ireland. The success of Malaysia’s healthcare system was attributed to the expertise of its healthcare practitioners, the range of available health insurance … Read more

Moving to a different country is a major decision and it can take a while to get accustomed to an unfamiliar culture, language and cuisine. Malaysia is a modern and multicultural country with a local population that is warm and welcoming towards foreigners. Therefore expats are not likely to experience a large degree of culture … Read more

Before you move to Malaysia, it is advisable to consult your GP and check if there is need for any vaccinations or preventive health measures. It is best to do this at least eight weeks before you travel. It’s also important to ensure that you have the proper health insurance that can cover any medical … Read more

When you make the decision to move to a new country, you will face many challenges – and this will start before you make the move! Informing your friends and family will be tough and you might face opposition from quite a few people which would just serve to heighten your own uncertainties. The best … Read more

The healthcare system in Malaysia is known to be of a high standard. In fact, the country is a major medical tourism destination that attracts many foreigners in need of high quality, yet affordable treatments. The healthcare system is aimed at providing care to everyone within the country, however access to such medical care may … Read more

Malaysia is a shopping destination that caters to every type of shopper. This is evident in the many malls, shops and markets in many cities and especially in the capital of Kuala Lumpur. From designer fashion to the latest in electronics, Malaysia offers it all. One of the highlights of the country’s shopping scene is … Read more

Malaysia has a rich and diverse history, and even today is home to a variety of people from many different ethnic groups. As a result, the languages spoken in Malaysia are quite varied too. The most widely spoken language is Bahasa Malaysia, which is actually a dialect of the Malay language. There are several other … Read more

Expats moving to Malaysia may experience some amount of culture shock in the initial period of settling down. The good news is that Malaysia is a country with a diverse and multicultural society. The locals are also friendly towards foreigners and there are many modern amenities available, which would make expats from different parts of … Read more

Malaysia has more than 200 golf courses and has much to offer to golf enthusiasts of any skill level. The golfing experience in this Southeast Asian country ranges from the top tournaments where skill and mastery is on display, to the luxury beach resorts where one can enjoy an afternoon of recreational golf. Golf is … Read more

Spice trading in Malaysia goes all the way back to the 15th century and the country has continued its affair with spices well into modern times. Malaysian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, with many overlapping gastronomic influences. It is not uncommon to find Thai curries, Chinese noodles and Indian gravy dishes in one … Read more

Due to strong governance, the Malaysian economy has continued to thrive and grow despite global economic downturns in the rest of the Asian world. Expats are drawn to this success, viewing the economic performance of the country as a good indication of future growth and prosperity. Many credit the recent economic good fortune to a … Read more

As the federal capital and most populous city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has emerged as a major attraction for white-collar, Western expats throughout the years. Much like Singapore, expats from the United States and Britain are attracted to Kuala Lumpur due to its rising quality of education and health care, as well as its improving … Read more

Sarawak and Sabah comprise what is known as East Malaysia, or Malaysian Borneo. In contrast to the major industrial and commercial centers of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling, the island territory is comprised of mostly lowland rain forests and is home to just about a fifth of the total Malaysian population. Many expats that choose to … Read more

When comparing the respective lifestyles of Malaysia and Singapore, most individuals – aside from proud Malays – would probably admit that Singapore is more attractive as a cosmopolitan destination. However, the clear winner in terms of cost of living is Malaysia: among the expenses associated with Singaporean life are rental prices that are more than … Read more

Malaysia welcomes expats with open arms and as a result, they have flocked here to enjoy the beautiful weather, affordable living and high quality of life for families. It is said to be one of the best countries in Asia for expats. Malaysia consists of two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (separated by the … Read more

Expats flock to Malaysia because of the beautiful weather, the affordable living costs and the landscape. Not only is Malaysia a top choice for tourists, particularly couples on their honeymoon, but it is becoming one of the best countries in Asia for expats. The South East Asian state has a long history of immigration and … Read more

Though Malaysia is internationally ranked as one of the best nations in which to do business (noted elsewhere on this site), few individuals are such committed work-a-holics as to completely cut socializing out of their lives. Even those who are successful enough in their work to afford the best of the country’s amenities may still … Read more

With an employment rate that vacillates between 95-97%, and a low poverty rate that mirrors this state of near-total employment, the outlook for Malaysian quality of life is generally very positive. The World Bank has deemed it as the #1 nation for providing access to credit, as well as fourth overall for “protecting investors,” which … Read more

As of 2012, Malaysia ranks 30th in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product (with the total GDP accounting for nearly $450 billion U.S.) Both its manufacturing base and its status as the global nexus of Islam-based finance have contributed to its present-day status, while the service sector is on the rise as well. … Read more