Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Report of what it's like to live there - 02/26/15
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?
No (Hamburg, Buenos Aires).
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?
Washington, DC. Long journey, about 30 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
6 months in 2013.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Some good Embassy housing pool options near the U.S. Embassy. However most necessitate a car.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Several decent grocery stores are available.
3. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Definitely mosquitoes and I knew folks who got dengue fever.
Daily Life:
1. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, and at least one is within walking distance of the Embassy, is quite nice, and offers classes. Not sure of cost, but probably comprable to U.S.
2. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Usually no problem.
3. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
In KL, English is definitely fine.
4. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, I imagine so. Sidewalks are rare, ramps are rare. Would present many challenges.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
I always used the blue taxis which were U.S. prices but very nice, clean, safe, reliable. The local red cabs were cheap and made me nervous.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, petty theft affected many at the Embassy. Thieves breaking car windows - with the driver inside - to snatch visible bags. Motorcyclists grabbing purses from pedestrians. Local staff homes being broken into.
2. 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. Can be bad when the smoke comes over from Indonesia.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and rainy, hot and dry. But, not unbareable. I've never done well in heat but KL didnt bother me. The challenge is just dressing modestly as a woman when it's warm.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Know there was an American school attended by Embassy kids which was well liked.
Expat Life:
1. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Not a good city for singles in my opinion. This is a family-friendly post, so singles will feel left out.
2. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, there are prejudices, mostly against people of Indian descent. When trying to report her bag being stolen, a colleague told the police the perpetrator was Malay. He replied, "you must mean Indian," and would not accept her description of the thief.
3. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Getting outside of KL made me appreciate the country a lot more. Made local friends who were great.
4. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel outside of KL! If you can only stay within KL, there are malls. Lots and lots of malls.
5. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There aren't many nice local items on which to spend money. Some folks rave about the food (I found it greasy and lacking vegetables).
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Fantastic jumping off point for everywhere else in Southeast Asia, beautiful beaches.
7. Can you save money?
Yes, but you should travel a ton, too!
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It's not walkable, except for a little bit downtown. As a walker, I really missed being able to get around by foot. Also, as a single woman walking around, I didn't feel safe once it got dark out. That restricted my freedom. Visiting Singapore for a weekend was a breath of fresh air.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Nope. I'm glad I went for 6 months, but not being able to walk around freely (or even drive given the local driving style, left side of road, and roads that don't make a lot of sense), I felt very limited. Maybe if I had been there with a family, it would have been better.
