Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Report of what it's like to live there - 03/18/11
Personal Experiences from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
3. How long have you lived here?
1 year
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Working at the U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most people (at least the ones without children) seem to be getting assigned to apartments within a 1-2 mile radius of the Embassy. The apartments vary in size and quality, as to be expected, but are acceptable.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most things are easily available. Local brands are generally cheap; international brands can be quite expensive ($8 for a box of Cheerios!).
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Plenty of American fast food; McD's, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc. Prices maybe 2/3 of what you would see back in the States?
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
As Malaysians don't eat pork and Indians don't eat beef, there are quite a few places that are vegetarian (or nearly so).
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There can be a lot of mosquitoes.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Live in maids will run you $250-$500 a month, depending on nationality; Indonesian/Bangladeshi maids tend towards the low side, Filipinas on the high side.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, quite a few. The Embassy also has a mini-gym downstairs.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Most places accept it readily. Some places only accept cards that have security chips embedded, which U.S. banks generally don't issue, but most places are fine with 'normal' cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, but I don't use them myself, so I don't know the cost.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most speak English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Malaysia is not very pedestrian friendly, period, much less handicapped-friendly.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and yes. Careful of taxi drivers trying to gouge you though!
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Car servicing/repair is generally much cheaper than back in the U.S. Tinted windows can cause import problems, and left-side drive cars will cause some raised eyebrows.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes; TM/Streamyx has a virtual monopoly, and has recently rolled out its fiber-optic network, 'Unifi'.It goes from $50 for 5 mbps lines to $80 for 20 mbps lines. In places where Unifi is not available, most people use the standard 'Streamyx' connection, which ranges from 1 mbps to 4 mbps for roughly $25-$50/mth. Traffic shaping is used, and P2P is tightly throttled.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Most companies use GSM.Cell phones generally are unlocked, but calling plans can be a bit pricy. Phones tend to be more expensive than in the U.S., or even down in Singapore; people have been known to make trips down there to pick up cheaper iPhones.3G mobile internet is available, but it isn't the greatest.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Spouses of diplomatic staff are not permitted to work in Malaysia, outside of the Embassy.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business formal/business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Generally no; Malaysia is a secular Muslim country, and Malaysians are generally quite hospitable.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
So far, I have been unimpressed in my interactions with local hospitals. Quality international hospitals are available, however.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid all year around; it's southeast Asia!Lots of rain, especially around 4-6 PM.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
None that I am aware of at the Embassy, at least.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Sizable, but the community is not that tight-knit, due to how easy it is to integrate/interact with locals.
2. Morale among expats:
High
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Plenty of bars and clubs, especially in the Bangsar region. There are casinos up in the Genting Highlands as well, if that is your cup of tea.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes; there are plenty of places to take the family, and singles will find plenty of watering holes as well.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, and definitely looked down upon by many to say the least.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are some tensions between local Malays and local Chinese, and you'll hear about the odd Islamic radical from time to time, but overall, Malaysians are very hospitable and welcoming to foreigners.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel south east Asia dirt cheap!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Batik shirts
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
AirAsia: hands down the best low-cost carrier anywhere, it allows you to visit all of southeast Asia (and as far as China/Japan/England), usually at a fraction of the price of full-cost airlines, especially when discounted.
11. Can you save money?
Easily, if the travel bug doesn't eat up all of your money in plane tickets!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, but in large part due to AirAsia.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothing.
3. But don't forget your:
Umbrella!
