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 account, in order to receive salary payments and handle your living expenses.   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 is generally on a par with that in developed countries.   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, particularly if you have a chronic condition requiring extensive repeat medication. However, if you would prefer to pay out of pocket, then this is also an option.   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.   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.   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 or through international insurance cover; or you can employ a combination of both, using your private insurance as a top-up. We will consider your choices in more detail below.   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.   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.   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.   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, whether for work or pleasure, read on to learn about the necessary visas and permits.   more ...