Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Report of what it's like to live there - 05/03/09
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, 6th expat experience.
2. How long have you lived here?
Almost 2 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
20 odd hours from East Coast. Usually you fly through Korea, Japan or Taiwan. It is a very long trip followed by an hours drive to the city.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Modern apartments very near or somewhat near the Embassy. Most are new. All very nice. Houses are further out and most have not been updated in a very long time. Apartments all have pools and security as well.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I find things more expensive here though not unbearably so. There are two expat friendly shops in the Ampang area where you can find treats from home. There is also Carrefour or Tesco for cheap household items.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More craft items for the kids.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All the big chains here, though none serve pork. There is a Chili's, Carl's Junior (aka Hardee's) Dunkin Doughnuts just opened as did Papa John's.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We have ants sometimes and geckos in our high rise apartment. People in houses sometimes get monkeys outside in the yard.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO currently.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There are plenty of maids from several different countries. They are somewhat pricey - 1500 RM is a mid range price I guess. Most people have at least a PT maid. A few do without.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Most apartments have small gyms. There is a nice gym at KLCC some people have joined. Yoga studios are around.
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?
At the bigger places it is ok. Some people never use them, but we do all the time for groceries and have not had any problems.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a few churches around, the Mormons are here. No Jewish services as far as I am aware. No Israeli passport holders allowed in the country...
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Star or Straight Times are the local papers. Cheap.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most people speak good English or at least some.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very hard. There are open manholes on many sidewalks and some sidewalks are very high - presumably to keep mopeds off.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Subway is ok and cheap but hardly goes anywhere. Taxis are plentiful, unless it is raining or you really need one. Some taxi drivers are better than others about using the meter and not trying to rip you off.
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?
They drive on the other side here. Any car would be fine as long as you can get parts. Either buy it off someone leaving or order a used car from Japan or Singapore.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Depends on where you live.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You can pretty easily buy a cheap one here or a new SIM card for your old one.
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?
Not sure.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are vets here. Most expats use the same chain.
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?
For diplomatic spouses there is no work unless at the Embassy. No teaching jobs, nothing. There has been a new law passed and now some expat spouses can get work permits somehow.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Fairly casual, often women bring a sweater as AC can get cold.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
It is moderate, though if your walking along busy streets there is a lot of exhaust to deal with.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
I think we had typhoid and rabies.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Houses have been broken into. The Embassy is trying to steer people into modern new apartments. There is the occasional purse snatching story here.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue fever is around. We have a small MED unit. There are 2 expat friendly hospitals to choose from. Serious things may involve a medivac to Singapore.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
About 92F all year, every day. Thunderstorms every day during certain parts of the year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
All embassy children (minus one family at Port Klang) go to ISKL.vWe have kids at both campuses and are pleased.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ISKL seems to handles mild learning issues. There are two autism schools run by locals that are spoken highly of.
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?
Preschools are not great here. They are ok. Some are cleaner than others. All are locally run. Children's House is one, sort of near the Embassy but classes sizes are large. Steps Ahead is another, it is clean, has AC and inside a mall.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
ISKL has afterschool programs and weekend soccer and t-ball leagues. One Embassy kid does fencing another horsebacking riding and there is a ballet school not too far away.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty large.
2. Morale among expats:
It varies. Europeans seem to love it here and find it cheap.
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?
Embassy community is not going to provide you with enough of a social life. Make friends outside the Embassy.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it is good for anyone, but keep in mind that you will go through the guidebook suggestions pretty quick.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It is a Muslim country but there do seem to be quite a few gay and lesbian locals.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
It depends on which of the three ethnic groups you are dealing with. Foreigners don't have too many problems but there is a lot of internal racial tension at times.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel. Air Asia is based in Malaysia and tickets can be cheap - some people do have problems with flights being delayed or canceled. Swim year round. Bring all your bathing gear.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not a whole lot. Furniture maybe.
9. Can you save money?
Maybe, if you don't travel a lot or buy a lot of Western import items.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No I don't think so.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter coats and idea that Malaysia is a first world nation. It is working on it, but not there yet.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen and bathing suit
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Consul's File.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Consul's File.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Watch Malaysia's 'Malaysia Truly Asia' commercials and know it is not quite like that all the time. Anthony Bourdain does a show in Malaysia as well.
