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Asia's best-kept secret for expatriates, Malaysia has a
vibrant mix of foreign and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable
melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions.
A sizable enclave of foreigners (Brits, Americans,
Australians, and Canadians) live full time or maintain holiday homes in
Malaysia, and you'll find that just about everybody speaks English, since its
compulsory in local schools.
Not only are three world-class playgrounds (Thailand, Bali,
and the Philippines) all within a few hour's travel from Malaysia, but with
miles of white sand coastline, tropical islands, and beachfront property
galore, it has all the makings of a fairy-tale setting.
Despite being the capital of a developing nation, Kuala
Lumpur is a modern cosmopolitan with clean streets and sidewalks and every
modern convenience to found in New York or London. Home to the tallest building
in the world, there are also FedEx and UPS offices, international banks,
English cinemas and bookstores, western-style supermarkets, French and German
bakeries, Chinese, Indian, and Italian restaurants, gourmet coffee, Cuban
cigars, Internet cafés and some of the best shopping in the world!
One of the few things that lend a "Third-world"
feel to the capital are the open-air night market, where local merchants peddle
everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to meat and fish, to exotic animals
and traditional handicrafts International
Tax planning Labuan.
All the major newspapers are available at newsstands,
including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Financial Times, the
International Herald Tribune and The New York Times. Cable and satellite TV
provides access to a wide variety of English-language programming, including
CNN, the Discovery Channel, Filmnet and many more.
Despite the local Muslim population not drinking alcohol,
Kuala Lumpur has some of the liveliest nightlife in the region and there are
more than a fair share of clubs and bars, where tourists, expatriates and locals
alike mingle and party. Though the official religion of Malaysia is Islam,
great tolerance is shown for other religions, with many beliefs being
represented and their adherents practicing openly, including Christians,
Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists and Jews (the nearest synagogue is in neighboring
Singapore).
Compared with other major Asian cities (Tokyo, Singapore,
and Hong Kong, for example), Kuala Lumpur is downright cheap. Even in the
over-priced tourist spots you can get a good meal for two for around $20.
Outside of these places, a 3-course meal for two with all the trimmings,
including drinks, will set you back no more than $10...a doctor's visit $8 to
$15 and live-in domestic help $200 a month.
Rental properties are readily available and not overly
expensive by American or European standards. The cost of 2-bedroom rental
apartments begins at around $225 per month, with 3-bedroom houses starting at
$35,000. Naturally, comparable housing in expatriate communities or the
luxurious suburban homes that date from British colonial period can set you
back considerably more.
Other properties recently on offer include: Labuan
Offshore Companies
A 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 725-square-foot apartment with a
dining room, a kitchen, ceiling fans, a walk-in closet, and parking, costs
$45,215.
A small two-story bungalow with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a
kitchen, a living room, and a dining room going for $35,700.
A penthouse apartment, close to downtown, with a sea-view
and a 350-sqare-foot terrace. It comes fully furnished and has 2 bedrooms, 1
bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining room. The asking price? $75,000 .
A spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2500-square-foot
condominium with a large living room, an elegant dining room, a fully equipped
kitchen, and a pantry, for $125,250.
Though there are expensive restaurants and accommodations,
there's simply no reason for you to check into a five-star hotel when you can
stay in a clean, friendly hotel in the city center for $40 a night where every
meal costs less than $5 per person.
CRIME-FREE AND FOREIGNER FRIENDLY
Of course, cheap living shouldn't be the only deciding
factor when choosing a new home. As well as being very affordable, Malaysia is
safe.The government's real no tolerance policy means street crime is virtually
nonexistent.
The Malaysian government, through its "Silver-Haired
Program," offers expatriate resident retirees extremely attractive
benefits. Outside of nationals of Israel and Yugoslavia (Serbia and
Montenegro), the program is open to citizens of most countries. To qualify, you
need only be over 50, show you can bring a guaranteed income of about $1300 per
month into Malaysia (or open a savings account in Malaysia with $40,000), and
have a local sponsor (which can easily be arranged).
Penang, a small island off the northwest coast, has been
called the "Pearl of the Orient" and its beaches are a favorite
tourist destination. The coastline is also dotted with many small, quiet
seaside villages. The tropical rainforests and jungles offer many opportunities
for exploring lush mountains, trekking through the jungle, or even taking a
riverboat safari. The bountiful sea surrounding Malaysia provides for some of
the best scuba diving and fishing anywhere in the world (Malaysia's seas are
home to the Black Marlin, tuna, mackerel, sailfish, barracuda and a host of
other species).
PRACTICAL BENEFITS
Medical care is good, with excellent hospitals and clinics
in all the major towns. Doctors speak English, and the majority gained their
qualifications in Western Europe or North America.
Although foreign residents must arrange private health
insurance, visiting tourists who have an accident are entitled to free
emergency treatment in public hospitals. A consultation with a private doctor
in most cases will cost just $8 to $15.
When it comes to banking, management methods and the range
of services offered closely follow the British model. Plus, most major world
banks have full-service branches in Malaysia.
Many expatriates living here off investment income keep
their cash growing tax free in Labuan, an offshore tax haven administered by
Malaysia, and then bring into the mainland what's needed for living expenses.
Labuan is also perfect for anyone looking for a private, offshore bank account,
a tax-free corporation, a trust, or other offshore structures.
Led by Malaysian Airlines, the national carrier, the island
is served by many major airlines, linking it the world through its
international airports. A good network of modern roads covers the distances
between towns, and Malaysian telecommunications are among the best in the
world.
If you've ever thought about living overseas, you owe it to
yourself to investigate Malaysia.
Copyright 2005 by Shannon Roxborough
Shannon Roxborough is an international lifestyle expert with
close to 20 years experience. He has helped hundreds of clients with overseas
living, retirement and travel matters. Read
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