‘Very difficult’ Expats share the one challenge about life in world’s ‘best’ expat country

Brexit: British expat discusses difficulty of living in Spain

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The InterNations Expat City ranking found that Kuala Lumpur was the best expat destination in the world. Over 80 percent of expats think locals in the Malaysian city are friendly towards foreigners.

But while Malaysia is a fantastic destination for British expats, there’s one thing that foreigners find “very difficult”.

Speaking to the HSBC Expat Explorer survey, one expat said: “Make sure you arrange schooling well in advance.

“The waiting list in the international schools is long and it is very difficult to get your children into a school midway through the academic year.”

Many expats like to send their children to an international school but it’s important to enquire as soon as possible.

International schools can be very oversubscribed and if children do not speak the language, it can be difficult for them to attend a local school.

British expats must always respect local laws and customs wherever they decide to move in the world.

One expat in Malaysia said: “Learn about local customs to avoid social faux pas.

“What name to use when referring to local people, not shaking hands with Muslim women, dos and don’t during fasting month, what gifts not to give to Chinese clients etc.”

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia and around three fifths of the population are Muslim.

Muslim-run food outlets will usually close during the day throughout Ramadan and it’s respectful to avoid eating in public until the fast ends at sunset.

As well as being a fantastic expat destination, Malaysia is also an extremely popular tourist hotspot.

One of the expats told HSBC: “Malaysia is a wonderful country to live in and visit, it is so diverse with excellent activities.

“Diving, beaches, golf, movies, tea plantations, jungle, animals etc. The people are so open and friendly and the cost of living is very reasonable.”

Expats in Malaysia will be spoilt for choice when it comes to weekend trips with orangutan tours, kite flying festivals and stunning beaches to explore.

The Langkawi island district is the ultimate paradise escape with crystal clear water and deserted beaches.

Another expat added: “Prepare for a two day hike up the 4k mountain of Kinabalu- it’s fantastic. Snorkelling on the islands is a joy.”

Malaysian food is widely considered to be some of the world’s best cuisine. Popular dishes include nasi lemak, a coconut rice and prawn sambal dish, and beef rendang.

Malaysia is a very multicultural country and many expats say the people are extremely welcoming to foreign residents.

Expats can expect a tropical climate with extreme heat and humidity. The average temperature is 27 degrees.

During monsoon season, heavy rainfall is common and expats will need to take care of strong winds.

Source: Read Full Article