Guides for Expats in Malaysia

Want to live in Malaysia? On this page you’ll find common topics that will help you overcome the challenges of living, working, retiring, and starting businesses in Malaysia. Be sure to check back every month as we add new posts about becoming an expat in Malaysia.

Essential Reading

Here are some of the most important guides you must read when moving to Malaysia:

Moving to Malaysia: A Guide for Expats to Live Here 2021-06-18 by Paulo de Melo “Malaysia, Truly Asia” describes the country I am proudly living in now. It is a melting pot of multiracial culture… ... Read more
Cost of Living in Malaysia: How Much Do Expats Need Per Month? (2022) 2021-03-19 by Paulo de Melo What you can expect to pay each month in one of Southeast Asia's best kept secrets. ... Read more
Health Insurance in Malaysia for Expats: What You Need to Know in 2022 2022-08-26 by Irene Chan Need health insurance in Malaysia? These insurance companies may be what you’re looking for. Find out how to get the… ... Read more
A Guide to the Cheapest Way to Send Money to Malaysia 2021-09-22 by Aisha Preece Malaysia has a closed currency market. This means you can't purchase the local currency Ringgit Malaysia (MYR), outside of Malaysia… ... Read more
An In-Depth Guide to Renting an Apartment in Kuala Lumpur 2021-05-20 by Aisha Preece If you are an expat who is looking to move to Malaysia soon, one of the first things that you… ... Read more
Credit Cards in Malaysia for Foreigner: An Ultimate Guide 2021-03-11 by Aisha Preece If you are an expatriate in Malaysia and are just setting up your home and life here, one of the… ... Read more
An Expat’s Guide to Finding Work in Malaysia 2021-09-06 by Paulo de Melo One of the most important things to do when moving to Malaysia is securing employment for yourself. Here are two… ... Read more
The Complete Guide to Dating in Malaysia as an Expat 2021-12-21 by Paulo de Melo From meeting people to picking a place to go, this guide reveals everything about the once taboo subject. ... Read more
Shipping to Malaysia: Services, Costs, and Customs 2021-01-21 by Staff Writer “Is it safe to ship my belongings to Malaysia?” “Will my items safely arrive?” “Which shipping company should I use?”… ... Read more

What Do You Want to Read About?

Looking for an International Moving Company?

We have partnered with Sirelo, the leading moving company comparison service to help you find the most suitable moving company that can move your belongings worldwide, no matter where you are, and where you will be.

Here's what you'll get:

Five free quotes within 24 hours from the most suitable moving companies you know know much you need to pay right away
Real customers' reviews of each mover - see what others have to say about their service
The same exact price movers would charge if you had gone directly to their website - no hidden fees or markups
A comparison of the most suitable movers all in one place - save hours of research

Latest Articles for Expats in Malaysia

A Complete Overview of Personal Income Tax in Malaysia for Expats

A Complete Overview of Personal Income Tax in Malaysia for Expats

2022-09-222022-09-22 by Paulo de Melo

As an expat in Malaysia, you have to know the country’s income tax rules. Some people might tell you that you don’t have to pay … Read more

Health Insurance in Malaysia for Expats: What You Need to Know in 2022

2022-09-212022-08-26 by Irene Chan

Reviewed for factual accuracy by Carsten Creutzburg

Need health insurance in Malaysia? These insurance companies may be what you’re looking for. Find out how to get the best health insurance for your needs.

Popular Insurance Companies for Expats in Malaysia

Popular Insurance Companies for Expats in Malaysia

2022-07-152022-06-20 by Paulo de Melo

There are many insurance companies in Malaysia. According to Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM), a national trade association of all licensed direct and reinsurance companies … Read more

An Expat’s Guide to Buying a House in Malaysia

An Expat’s Guide to Buying a House in Malaysia

2022-09-212022-05-12 by Paulo de Melo

First-time home buyer in Malaysia? This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process.

Networking in Malaysia: How to Connect to the Right People

2022-10-232022-02-02 by Paulo de Melo

Whether you’re moving to Malaysia for a job or coming here for a vacation, knowing what’s waiting for you can be advantageous. If you are … Read more

The Complete Guide to Online Dating in Malaysia

The Complete Guide to Online Dating in Malaysia

2023-01-042022-01-05 by Paulo de Melo

Malaysians are generally shy and wouldn’t just approach someone who catches their eye. They are more likely to hit someone up online, which is why … Read more

The-Complete-Guide-to-Dating-in-Malaysia-as-an-Expat

The Complete Guide to Dating in Malaysia as an Expat

2022-10-142021-12-21 by Paulo de Melo

From meeting people to picking a place to go, this guide reveals everything about the once taboo subject.

The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best VPN for Malaysia

2022-07-252021-12-05 by Paulo de Melo

The trend of using a VPN (virtual private network) has been increasing steadily. It can help increase your cyber security while also allowing you to … Read more

Shipping From Malaysia: Procedure, Costs, and Customs

2021-12-072021-12-01 by Staff Writer

Ship from Malaysia to almost anywhere in the world with this easy-to-follow guide.

The Complete Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Malaysia

2021-12-072021-11-27 by Staff Writer

Thanks to modern technology, a missing tooth doesn’t have to permanently destroy your smile. Dental implants make it easy to replace one or more teeth. … Read more

A Guide to Finding the Best Dentist in Kuala Lumpur

2021-11-232021-11-17 by Staff Writer

A great thing about living in Kuala Lumpur is having access to clean and safe dental clinics with highly qualified dentists and staff. In fact, … Read more

How to Get a Work Permit (Work Pass) in Malaysia

2022-06-282021-10-28 by Paulo de Melo

So you have decided to explore the career opportunities available in Malaysia. Do not forget to read An Expat’s Guide to Finding Work in Malaysia … Read more