MALAYSIA
Malaysia is another interesting country for retirement consideration. It neighbors Thailand, which is incredibly popular as a retirement haven, and yet Malaysia is not as popular, even though it offers many benefits that Thailand does not, including a remarkable, official welcome mat called the "Malaysia, My Second Home" program.
It is probably easy enough to figure out why Malaysia is not as popular as perhaps it should be, so lets get that out of the way. The reasons include:
- A general perception that Malaysia is a more regimented society than Thailand, with less of a sense of "fun" in the air.
- A slightly higher cost of living than Thailand.
- For non-Muslim Americans, the culture shock of living in a majority Muslim culture with a Muslim government (for example the Malay women will be wearing often colorful head coverings).
- There can be occasional instances of open anti-Americanism, currently related to widespread oppposition in Malaysia to America's support for Israel, and the war in Iraq.
- Israelis are banned from visiting Malaysia, and there have been explicit statements against Israel as well as extreme anti-Semitism from Malaysian government leaders.
- The financial requirements to stay are greater than Thailand requires, but are still within the grasp of many middle class Americans.
For those who haven't already clicked away, let's look at the many positive aspects to retirement in Malaysia, including:
- The people speak English!
- A wide choice of locations, some of which include Kuala Lumpur a modern metropolis, Mellaca a charming smaller seaside city in the south, Penang Island in the north, and the cooler highland hill town areas in the interior.
- The food is incredibly delicious and varied. Many people know that Singapore food is some of the most interesting in the world. In Malaysia, you have a similar cuisine to Singapore, with Chinese, Malay, Nonya, and Indian food featured.
- The government has a remarkably well organized and accessible retirement visa program. It includes an option for early retirees under the age of 50.
- Non-Muslim women are not expected to wear head coverings as is the case in more fundamentalist Muslim nations.
- Foreigners can buy real estate. (Unlike in Thailand, where foreigners are restricted to buying condos).
- Malaysia is a modernizing, peaceful, and safe country.
- There is diversity in Malaysia. The island of Penang is majority Chinese ethnicity. Because of the colonial period, there are a lot of British people there.
- The people are for the most part friendly and welcoming.
- Many wonderful side trips are available within Malaysia, and to neighboring Asian nations.
- Westernized "ghetto" neighborhoods are available for expats that desire that level of comfort.
OK, if you are still with me, how does a person qualify to stay in Malaysia?
There are two different tracks, for those under 50, and those over 50. Those under 50 face stiffer financial requirements. Applying for health insurance in Malaysia is required.
Check out the following link for a lot more details: