Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Report of what it's like to live there - 04/17/17
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?
This is our fourth expatriate tour.
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?
Malaysia is a long way from the U.S. We usually fly to Tokyo and then enter the U.S. in California. It is at least 24 hours traveling door to door.
3. How long have you lived here?
We have lived in KL for two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Husband's assignment with the US embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nearly all of the US embassy employees live in apartments throughout the Ampang and downtown area. Commutes are easy, nothing is far. You do get stuck in traffic depending on the time of day. My commute to work is just five minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is relatively inexpensive, especially if you are willing to eat local food. We love the food stalls near the international school. We have found this to be the least expensive city we have lived in. However, dairy items cost more than in the U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
No need to ship anything, we have found everything here including holiday items.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Kuala Lumpur has an amazing variety of restaurants within all price ranges. We love the Thai food, dumplings, Chinese food, and there is good Indian food. You can also find good Western food as well. The malls have all the U.S. chains.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Lots of insects here, glad to be in a high-rise apartment where it isn't too much of an issue. Lots of mosquitoes, we always have bites. It is a small sacrifice to live in such a great city.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is really easy to find. You pay around $4.50 an hour.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Most apartment buildings have gyms and pools.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, it's very easy to use U.S. credit cards. We have had no issues. We use cash a lot as well.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You do not need to know Bahasa to function in the city. Language classes are available and inexpensive.
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sadly, the city is not wheelchair-friendly. If there are sidewalks they are not well maintained.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We mostly use Uber, it is inexpensive and readily available.
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?
I would recommend buying a car here. Repairs are cheap if you have a local car. There are always lots of vehicles for sale in the embassy community. So glad we did not bring our minivan. This is Asia and parking spots are very compact.
Phone & Internet:
1. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We bought an unlocked iPhone here upon arrival (same prices as U.S.) and I use a pay-as-you-go plan. I spend around $20/month for phone and internet. Was easy to get a SIM card, you just need your passport.
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?
I am currently employed as a teacher at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) along with a few other embassy spouses. A bilateral work agreement was passed two years ago allowing diplomatic spouses to work.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are many volunteer opportunities at schools for individuals with disabilities and refugee schools.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
This is a Muslim country so expats are expected to dress modestly. Shorts are fine, just not too short.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There is petty crime, you need to be careful when walking with a bag or purse outside. Most apartment buildings have excellent security.
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?
Air quality is good most of the year. We did have really bad air for two months last year when the Indonesians were burning their palm fields. This occurs every year, but the haze last year was especially awful.
3. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Our daughter has a nut allergy so we are very careful. Luckily the school provides a nut-free menu so she is happy eating lots of Asian foods from the cafeteria vendors.
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. Lots of tropical rain storms.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
My three children all attend the International School of Kuala Lumpur (I have a child in each division). We LOVE this school. It is our all-time favorite international school to date. Amazing opportunities at ISKL in every division. ISKL truly is an international school, there is not one dominant culture. They do a great job of facilitating a feeling of inclusion and kindness. It does not matter how much money you have, or where you come from, all are accepted by their peers. My kids all had friends shortly after arriving. I have been very fortunate to work at the school the last two years. I have immensely enjoyed working with such professional and caring teachers.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ISKL offers learning support in all divisions. There is an LR teacher per each grade level. Students with mild learning difficulties are mainstreamed with push-in and/or pull-out support. Additionally, ISKL has now started an intensive needs program in their middle school. This program will expand to all divisions in 2018 when ISKL debuts their new campus. More information is available on the school website.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Lots of after school activities, including most sports, are offered at ISKL.
Expat Life:
1. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Highlights of living in Kuala Lumpur: the school, the food, and the cheap travel around Asia. We have already been to Singapore, Bali, Cambodia, Australia, China, Japan, and Vietnam. Malaysia is central to many amazing destinations. The first thing I did upon arrival was to get scuba certified. There are great diving opportunities in this area.
2. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots to do in the city, every weekend there is something going on. Many parks, museums, concerts, etc.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, we will be very sad to leave.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen and bug repellent.
