Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Report of what it's like to live there - 03/05/09
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?
No. Tainan, Taiwan and Nanjing, China.
2. How long have you lived here?
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
State Department - Foreign Service Officer.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
The Korean Air flight from Dulles through Seoul is ok taking less than 24 hours of flight time. Most other approved options double your travel time due to long layovers and at least two stops.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy housing is varied but usually quite nice. Mine has a pool but no gym. Some apartments have great views and some have a lot of character. There are a few places that are a bit soulless though.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are pretty cheap and readily available. There is not much you can't find here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
It is all here, but clothes and shoes are cheaper in U.S. Outdoor gear should be brought. Baby supplies are very expensive. Most electronics are more expensive here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Tons of food. American chains like Chili's, Tony Roma's, Wendy's, etc. Most chain restaurants are halal - so, get used to beef ribs and chicken ham. The Chinese restaurants all serve pork an there are some good european places that focus on the pig. Food is quite reasonably priced but it runs the full spectrum.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We had ants for a time but they went away. Roaches exist but are manageable. Mosquitoes are plentiful. They fog for mosquitoes regularly but I think it just forces them indoors.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO is best and the pouch is pretty good for the other stuff.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We pay between US$4-5 per hour for live-out, part-time help. It is readily available but varies in quality.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Some apartments have them. There are a few private gyms. The Embassy has some very basic facilities.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Safest to stick to cash but I have used my card at IKEA and other more reputable places.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Most are here.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Astro satellite TV is about US$30-40/month with ESPN, HBO, etc.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very little spoken Bahasa is needed because English is almost universally spoke. It does help to be able to read a few words but you'll pick that up in no time. I speak some Mandarin but most of the Chinese in KL speak Cantonese. So, you will have to work at it to find people to practice with.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not very accessible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Safe and affordable.
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?
Importing a car can take a while and it is expensive. They tend to hold their value though. I bought a car off of a departing expat for not much less than he paid for it. I expect to be able to sell it for close to that after almost 2 years of use.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, ADSL but the connection to the US is slow. I pay almost US$100 for the fastest connection available but you can get the basic package for like US$30 or so. The speed within the region is excellent but downloading movies or watching YouTube can be noticeably slow.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
GSM. I have an iPhone that I unlocked. I use my embassy SIM. No problems and it works great.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
7 day mandatory quarantine for our cat. The facility was acceptable and you can visit but it is like 45-60 minutes away.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Vets are available.
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?
Not for embassy spouses. The Embassy will not let you work even if you find a job, which is hard anyway.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Smart casual is the norm for social events, meaning Batik shirts or suits with no tie. Work is typically dress shirts, slacks, and ties but no jacket.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
It has been very reasonable while I have been here. Maybe a day or two of high haze. The pollution from cars and buses is annoying and quite noticeable while walking.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Pretty safe but I know some women have been mugged.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent medical care. Prince Court is a first rate hospital and GlenEagles is nice too. Relatively cheap.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, humid with quite a bit of rain. But you do get used to it. It can be tough to keep your house at the right temperature; A/C makes it too cold but turning the A/C to a higher temp leads to condensation. Turning it off is too hot.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are people from all over. A lot of Brits and Aussies live here permanently.
2. Morale among expats:
High.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Eating out.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Anyone can fit in here but I would say the embassy community is very family centered - few singles.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
The Bumiputra affirmative action policies can start to get on you even though it doesn't really impact expats directly. I would say that the racial tension is subtle but it rears its ugly head every once in a while.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Malaysians love their shopping malls and they have a lot of them. My main past time is eating. There is a lot of good food here, both local and international.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Pewter?
9. Can you save money?
Depends. Food is pretty cheap but almost everything else is more expensive. Things like movies are very cheap (US$2-4).
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, it is so comfortable living here.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
TV and DVD player - multisystem devices are cheap here.
3. But don't forget your:
Electronics - aside from TVs and monitors, quality electronics are actually more expensive here.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
"My Life as a Fake" by Peter Carey
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
"My Life as a Fake" by Peter Carey
7. Do you have any other comments?
KL is not really a historic place. You have to get out to Melaka and Penang to really feel Malaysia.
