I would know since Ive lived in three US states and six foreign countries. We had previously lived in China for two years, so it is delightful to be able to easily navigate the island and communicate in English. But when you just want to hang out and grab a glass of wine with friends, the options are far and few between. The incredible sights that populate Penang Island are abundant with venues such as; the famous Batu Ferringhi, a popular beach destination that also features hotel resorts and many other activities, Malaysias first floating mosque, Penang Hill, and Penang Road, all serving as must see destinations. Thinking about moving here in a few years. We were always asking the stall owner, what they were, and how to cook them. It took 10 days to get the parts for our A/C, and it wasnt some old unit that had to be repaired in Singapore; it was still under warranty, and it took 10 damn days. Seberang Perai is on peninsular Malay. Housing in Penang is often deemed to be a blissful mix of condos, bungalows, villas on the hillside, to apartments and luxurious condominiums by the beachfront. Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I've been living in Penang as an expat since 2013. Ask any question about living here, moving here, or anything about life in Penang, and youll get a zillion answers. Eat where the locals eat and you cant go wrong. Located in the Northwest of the country, the city attracts many expatriates thanks to its heterogeneous population and its cultural diversity. Sometimes it will pour for an hour or so during daylight hours, but then the sun comes out and dries up everything, leaving no trace of the storm. There are plenty of countries to choose from to lower your healthcare costs, but its not just about the price. Newish apartments sit beside crumbling traditional Chinese and Malay homes, which gives expats a chance to live among true locals. The weather in Penang is typically warm and humid, with . In most communities, there are also monthly Newcomers' Events especially for those who have recently joined the American community in Penang. Either they plan to buy at a later stage or keep on renting, waiting for the market to recover. You can still feel its multi-cultural heritage as you wander through Chinese and Indian temples, and smell incense burning throughout the streets. Jun 17, 2023, 1:00 PM. Its a popular place for expat families to live. KUALA LUMPUR Given past British involvement in Malaysia, you can get by solely speaking English here, especially in KL. Both months are considered the driest with less than nine days of rain each month and only three inches per month. Finding a home here is best done in person. Hi there! Cost of Living in Penang, Malaysia | Expat Exchange It consists of Seberang Perai, formerly known as Province Wellesley, and comprises mainland territory that has an area about three times that of Singapore at the Straits of Malacca. Im sure its a case of supply and demand. Monthly rents range between RM 2000 ~ RM 5000 (USD 482 ~ USD 1200). Top 4 Areas to Live in Penang: A Guide for Retirees & Expats, These cookies are set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and are used to store whether or not visitors have consented to the use of cookies, These cookies are used to monitor the email newsletter's performances, Penang has warm tropical weather which is highly appreciated among foreigners that come from cold countries. It makes it very easy to adapt and eases any culture shock. Below, Ive listed some distinct features that diversify Penang from other places within Malaysia, but also regionally: Deciding whether you should buy or rent is not always easy. Most of the MM2H-holders and foreigners who choose to live here are European, Americans, Singaporeans, Korean, Chinese professionals, and retirees. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. More and more are popping up these days, but still, there is a gap in the market here. Penang is the 2nd most expensive city to live in Malaysia. All of the doctors speak English and most were trained in the UK, U.S., or Australia, so the standard of care is to Western standards. Your additions are spot on! Construction completed/started, costs, etc? Prices in the South are not as high compared to the North and theres more affordable space available for developers. They are. Adam. They are a very welcoming bunch, and its not hard to find your tribe. That being said, we have a car and a scooter and have gotten used to the no-rules-road-rules. MM2H is one of the best in Southeast Asia if you are looking for a long-term visa program. Makes it great for families and people with dogs., With two huge fancy malls, a big hawker food center, sea views (kinda) and tons of high rise condos, Gurney is a popular and convenient pick for many expats. Malaysia also offers the MM2H visa which is renewable and gives you the right to stay for 10 years at a time. Of course, there is petty crime here and the odd machete stabbing, but its still less than anywhere else in Malaysia. More and more people and their damned cars and motorcycles. Travel2Next.com provides travel inspiration and information about world travel. Cay. A former outpost of the British Empire, the state of Penang in Malaysia's north-west consists of Penang Island (home to the state's capital and UNESCO World Heritage George Town) and Seberang Perai (the largest and most well-known place here is Butterworth). I put together this Penang neighborhood guide to help you find an area that suits your interests, personality and needs the best. If you read my last blog about culture shock, youd know I am still in the adaptation and acceptance stage and quite happy to be there. Cimeron. Private cars and motorcycles are the alternative for those who want to leisurely traverse the island at their own pace and they are available for purchase and rent. If you eat native fruit, like mangos, papayas, and bananas, its much cheaper than the imported apples and oranges. Overall, living costs in Penang are lower than in many other cities throughout the world. Having some good old-fashioned fun after the sun sets is almost everyones favourite past time, be it drinking at the pub or having a nice meal with family or friends after work. You can get it in landed houses, but for condos/apartments, the building has to have it, or none of the units can get it and some of the big developments in Batu Ferringhi still dont have high speed internet. The ExpatGo Guide to Living in Penang - ExpatGo Not including travel, we spend between USD$1600 to 1833 a month but we could easily spend more and probably spend less if we were careful to stick to a budget. But it was also the most rewarding one. Below Ive covered three of the main reasons why we continue to see this trend. Your email address will not be published. We have been looking for information through the real estate websites (iproperty, propertyguru, ) and It seems, and we would like you to confirm us, that the keys of price difference are (assuming the same neighborhood and size), whether you rent a high floor level apartment with ocean views and fibra or not, Is it right? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this awesome blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. How do I find a place to live in Penang? - Expat Exchange We get five-star health care, every bit as good as we had in Chicago, for a fraction of the price. In this ongoing ExpatGo series, we meet and get to know some of the Penang Governments list and directory of hospitals, External directory of hospitals in Penang. Read our disclosure. 2. is it good to raise family in Penang, young kids. An Expat Talks about Retiring in Penang, Malaysia - Expat Exchange Large array of high rise condos to choose from. In my 20s as a single woman, I lived in London, Cape Town, and Brazil but I always ended up going back to Chicago, my hometown. You can go shopping at a high-end mall with some of the same stores youd have in the states. If you arent up for driving yourself, the buses are very clean, super cheap and always freezing. If you are thinking about retiring in Malaysia or moving to Penang, these blogs can help give you the bigger picture of life in Malaysia: Hey friends in Penang, tell me what Im missing. Im not saying imported items arent expensive in other places in Malaysia. Penang Why did you choose to retire abroad? But for an overall comparison, it is a great site. Penang, Malaysia By Joshua Wood, LPC Last updated on Mar 10, 2023 Summary: The state of Penang is a made up of two parts, Penang Island and Seberang Perai. The 4 Best Areas for Retirees & Expats to Live in Penang Lots of tourists, so the area feels more transient than neighborhoody, and it can get crowded. Can you advise if there are any decent SCUBA diving locations in the region? It certainly is the best visa for us since we work online and get 10 years without having to worry about it. Our Malaysian policy covers us if we are hospitalised and there is no deductible. You can splurge on a Gucci or Kate Spade handbag and then get kitted out in H&M, but if shopping is your thing, especially for name brands, head to KL. Hello are the visas available again yet to enable us to retire in Malaysia ? To offer you a better experience, this site uses cookies, including third-party cookies for re-marketing purposes. And since raw sewage gets pumped out into the bay, the sea water quality may not be great for swimming. The Penang authorities are starting to crack down on the whole visa run thing so you cant get pop over the border to Thailand for a few hours. It is one of the suitable places for expat to reside in Penang. Unique housing mostly old converted shop houses. Summary: The cost of living in Penang, Malaysia is generally considered to be quite affordable. Is Penang a safe place to live? You can download our E-Book and then well keep you in the loop. I know a lot of people want to get here and move right in but that isnt the best idea. There are malls at every corner. The brief but substantial downpours usually occur in the mid to late afternoon, but the sun will come out again afterward. It was a feeling we got while strolling around. It changes your perspective and opens your mind. The expats who live here tend to either want to live in a big city or they want to be able to access a big city for entertainment or for work purposes. Where do Expats Live in Malaysia? They lack the UNESCO architecture and charm of Georgetown, but its within close proximity. There are also 2 international schools in Tanjung Bungah, Dalat International School, and Tenby International School. Its not an overwhelming difference in price, but its there. November is somewhat less rainy with about nine inches. In. People think of it as a retirement visa because you are not allowed to work and if you apply for it before you are 50 years old, the monetary requirements double. But to actually spoil ourselves with crystal clear water and fantastic coral, its best to go to Perhentians, Tioman, or Kota Kinabalu. You can buy a car from a local dealer, or better yet, buy it from an expat who is leaving. Autumn brings the second and more severe of the monsoon seasons. In a somewhat questionable move towards digitalisation, the government has stopped issuing physical visas Once again, Malaysia has proven to be an expat favourite. The weather in Penang is warm year-round, so you'll need lightweight clothing options. George Town is a bustling, colorful UNESCO World Heritage City, which is fascinating to walk through. If you decide to buy a condo or a house here, youre able to reach shopping malls such as Gurney Plaza & Paragon Malls, hawker centers, and other amenities within walking distance. Malaysia. You can enjoy a nice 3-4 bedroom unit thats fully furnished, and with sea view or hill view, at this price level. Its one of the reasons why retiring in Penang is so popular, not just for expats but for Malaysians as well. If you dont care to live with a view or by the beach, you can rent a nice two- or three-bedroom place for about $550 to $650which means you could easily live on $2,000 a month or less. Understanding the the cost of living in Penang helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more. Thats a little too laidback for me. As a highly industrialized city, Penang provides many opportunities to . Can you afford to live there? A couple can live here for $1,500 if you really watch your spending, but if you want to splurge and spend $2,500 you will feel like royalty. Dan writes of his own real-life situations and details he has learned while trying to settle his family on this . Rents are very low in comparison and there are many units available in a number of modern condos. I was 43 and he was 59. Besides medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics, Penang also has a profusion of pharmacies that sell over the counter drugs for those who dont require dire medical attention. There are three coffee morning meet-ups every week, which is a great way to start meeting people. Close to Georgetown and not a bad commute to the Free Trade Zone. Entertainment in Penang Penang has no shortage of fun things to do when it comes to recreational activities. You can find more leisure activities and points of interest compared to the Southern parts, especially in areas of Georgetown to Batu Ferringhi. The cost of a nice 2 bedroom home in Penang is typically around $100,000 USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home can cost around $150,000 USD. We will prob come back in a few months to check out some places to buy and get a better idea of living here feel free to shoot me an email if you can help! Buses are the most popular mode of travel, with Rapid Penang consisting of paid bus routes while the Central Area Transit (CAT) buses provide free transportation for all on selected routes. In 2013, they were sick of the rat race and decided to rewire their lives by turning it upside down and moving across the planet. Thank you for reading! Michele Chan-Thomson is an American expat living in Malaysia. We went home in January and sold everything, including two businesses and by September of 2013, we had moved to Penang. Its a very exciting blend that is unique to most places. And stay tuned Sharon and I are working together to create an even more in-depth neighborhood guide for those who want more details about each location. Besides dancing and drinking, a visit to a late night market in Penang is also a must! A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Penang can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost from $600 to $1,200 USD per month. When looking for a place to retire, cost of living is the first concern for most. In Chicago, we had American friends, yes they had different backgrounds, but they were all American. Penang, Malaysia is that place. Prices are around RM 10,000 (USD 2400) per sqm and onwards. Living In Penang Expat Guide part 2 - Best Places Suitable To Live An American expat living in Malaysia - Expat Arrivals Buying in 2018, with the current exchange rate, is at the same status quo to buying a property 4-5 years ago. Hi Michael. 7 Reasons Retirees Are Falling In Love With Malaysia Rent in a modern highrise with a pool, a gym, and security guards will cost between $750 and $800. If youre staying in George Town, try to choose a hotel with a pool for your midday cool down breaks; youll need them. It is a former British colony, so English is widely spoken. A former outpost of the British Empire, the state of Penang in Malaysias north-west consists of Penang Island (home to the states capital and UNESCO World Heritage George Town) and Seberang Perai (the largest and most well-known place here is Butterworth). Life in Penang Culture and Leisure Expatriates in Penang can look forward to Malaysias favorite pastime: dining out, Penang having taken this obsession to new heights. It is big enough to feel anonymous but small enough to feel quickly at home. Brilliant! The islands along the east coast of Malaysia (Redang, Perhentian, and Tioman) are practically rain-free during this time so if youre looking for beaches, head to the east coast. Regardless, those that prefer their night air unfilled with heart-pumping music can also visit the assorted themed or speciality bars around the island that focuses on providing an alluring and relaxing environment to unwind and relax. They knew we wanted to move overseas, but thought it would be closer, like Costa Rica. June through August averages between seven to eight inches of precipitation with 15 to 17 days of rain per month. For more information on our data policies, please read our. If youre lucky to be staying somewhere with a good view of the seas, youll be treated to a light show like none other. If you find it hard to decide whether you should buy or rent real estate in Penang, you can find valuable information at the end of the article. One should also take note of the local police hotline: 04-2221522/04-2691999 together with the national emergency hotline: 999. Having the option to rent a spacious and modern place for RM 5000 (USD 1200) a month, instead of locking in a big sum of money in an illiquid asset that wont appreciate much in the coming years, many foreigners decide to rent property instead. Walking around Penangs capital, George Town is like walking through another era. I totally agree with you. We chose Tanjung Bungah, which is only 20 minutes from George Town and has a great mix of expat and locals, which was very important to us. There is everything from beaches and shopping to great food and a vibrant culture. Only top by KL. Overall, Malaysia is a very safe country. The storms are fleeting but can be intense, especially as May nears. Most activities will require a 40+ minute drive to the north of the island. Top 4 Areas to Live in Penang: A Guide for Retirees & Expats The rent may be more affordable here, but the groceries are a little cheaper in Kuala Lumpur. Hi Stephanie, The best way to keep up to date on the visa situation is https://www.penangmyhome.com/. They are very pretty to look at and walk on, but if you want to dive into the water, its not the best. There are also two international schools on the south part of the island. I cant remember what her rates are, but Im sure shell be able to tell you. Start reaching out and making connections, so when you arrive, you already have a bit of help from a friendly face. Heres a sample budget for a couple living in Penang: For most people, there is really no such thing as affordable healthcare in the U.S. anymore. Remember to be cautious with your valuables and avoid dark alleys, stay alert, and be prepared for . A mix of first-party and third-party cookies are used. Families with young children can enjoy low-cost education fees with a high quality and standards, Georgetown has been listed as a UNESCO World heritage. hi iv heard its packed and noisy, no quiet places at all, and beaches suck is that right, and property high cost to buy ? Without them, this island could easily have swallowed me up and left me very lonely. There are also many clubs/classes for people to join such as the International Womans Association, cooking classes, and even a classic car club. Street noise and vehicle fumes can be an annoyance. A few years ago, before we had any insurance, I had sinus surgery. This group is set up to meet expats living in Penang, provide good tips or get useful information. The most incredible food in Malaysia is not found in high-end restaurants, but at thousands of food stalls that serve one signature dishoften a familys secret recipe passed down through generations. It doesnt matter if you live in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, or Georgetown. By renting a unit, you have more flexibility and can decide when to switch location, or to leave. If you have a little leftover pocket money, why not splurge and get a cleaning lady for $3.50 per hour, a pedicure for about $13, or even a foot massage for $18? In general, expats are very friendly because theyve already gone through the trials and tribulations of moving to a new country and are happy to share their answers and helpful tips with newbies. There is little to no tourism there. In general, the weather is tropical; hot, humid, and rainy because Penang is just five degrees north of the equator. Can you live in a safe place with all the amenities that you want or will you have to forgo some creature comforts? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If it was better cooked, theyd tell us their fave method to cook it and then other locals standing nearby would join the convo, telling me their fave way and what restaurant to try it at. Those wishing to dance the night away need not look further than venturing to Upper Penang Road, where an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs clutter the street with live music, tantalizing aromas, and pleasure-seeking patrons of various ages. I like the fact that its not far to travel to Singapore or Bangkok to enjoy more spontaneous trips. If you like the outdoors, there are some nice hiking and running trails around the Batu Ferringhi aqueduct, and its just a 10-minute drive to Taman Nagara, the national park. Short-term rentals are easier to find, and co-working places are scattered throughout Penang, Georgetown especially. Going to the gym is also a great way to meet people and get out of the condo, especially since I work from home. It depends on these facts youll pay 2.500 RM or 6.000 RM. They do, however, make delicious craft cocktails. But if your top priority is being near the bridges or factories to keep your commute short, you may want to check out Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru. If you need to see another doctor, get an X-ray or scan, that also happens in the same day. Definitely not true at all. The Northern parts of Penang have been the preferred place for foreigners since long back. Learn how Asian countries compare on foreign property ownership rules, taxes, visa options, capital controls and more. It comprises resort-styled condominiums, suites, colonial-style courtyard terraces, semi-detached houses, and landed properties with private pools. It has a local wet market where we get most of our produce, fish, chicken and pork. With a mix of these cultures, the food is touted to be the best in all of Southeast Asia. Your Expat Community in Penang Connect with fellow expats in Penang Join exciting events and groups Get Information in our Penang Guides Exchange tips about expat life in Penang Discover Events & Make New Friends If you're wondering how to navigate the challenges of life abroad, you're not alone.
Homes For Sale Seffner, Fl,
Rawlings Gg Elite Series,
Articles W
