Many people look ahead to their retirement days- to relax and to pursue interests that they couldn’t previously because of a hectic work schedule. They also look for financial security and an ability to maintain the lifestyle they are used to. A retirement life that provides for all of the above in the United States requires plenty of money. Learn about Malaysia – one of the best locations to retire in Asia.
Nobody wants their standard of living to drop dramatically when they retire, which is inevitable when rising costs and lower interest rates are a reality of our times. Many American citizens realize that retiring in the United States with limited funds and resources compromises their vision for retirement – as a result, they contemplate relocating to countries in Asia, which are more affordable and provide a comfortable, even luxurious, lifestyle.
The Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Cambodia are some countries where one can find a safe retirement haven, friendly people, lower cost of living, and a lifestyle comparable to that in the developed economies. With low air fares, it is also possible to travel to these countries affordable. Malaysia, on account of its strategic geographical location, good weather and high standard of living is considered as a smart choice for people to retire in. It has a legitimate retirement visa scheme called “Malaysia My Second Home”, which makes the process of immigration very simple.
About Malaysia
Malaysia is a tropical paradise. Situated in the heart of Asia, Malaysia has pleasant, warm and balmy weather, with moderate rain throughout the year. There are highland residential areas and resorts with permanent spring-like weather throughout the country. Its geographical locale is such that there are no earthquakes. Malaysia is one of the most politically stable countries in Asia. The rule of law is prevalent and the British Common Law system of justice, with an independent, reliable and dependable judiciary, is in practice. Low crime rates makes it the one of the safest countries to reside in. English is widely spoken by a majority of the people. There are some great places to visit, like the Petronas Twin Towers, Niah Caves, Mount Kinabalu and Genting Highland.
Malaysia has plenty of natural attractions for adventure seekers – forests and oceans – with an enormous variety of flora, fauna and marine life.
Infrastructure and Facilities:
Malaysia has one of the most well developed infrastructures among the countries of Asia. Some of these are summarized below:
Cost of living
Standard And Cost Of Living: Malaysia has one of the highest standards of living in the region with modern infrastructure and facilities. The Cost of living is one of the lowest in Asia and is expected to remain so for a very long time. This is achieved through the local government’s efficient monitoring of the economy to keep inflation low at all times. Support services in the form of full-time housekeepers, gardeners, and cooks are affordable. A night in a decent hotel would cost you anywhere between $20 to about $100 U.S. A meal in a fancy Malaysian restaurant would cost about $20 to $30 U.S, while a decent meal in a cheap local restaurant would only cost you about $2 U.S. A small bottle or a pint of beer can be purchased for about $2 U.S. Bottled mineral water is available in most shops and supermarkets and would cost about 20 to 30 cents. When it comes to transportation, a short taxi ride could cost you only about $4 to $6.
World-Class Telecommunication Infrastructure: Malaysia’s telecommunications network is impressive and is currently being further upgraded. Digital and fiber optics technology is being used to provide high quality telecommunication services at highly competitive prices. Fixed line telephone service is available even in some of the most remote parts of the country. Cell phone access is available nationwide, and one of the major operators in Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia, offers cheap call rates for nationwide calls. Inexpensive Internet access is available almost everywhere in Malaysia, while faster broadband access is available in major cities.
Transportation
Expressways And Transportation: The whole country is well connected with modern road, rail, air and sea transportation systems. Buses, taxis, and trains are comparatively efficient and inexpensive. Malaysia’s modern urban transportation systems make traveling fast and convenient. Malaysia’s world-class expressway system comprises of several types of roads – Federal Roads, State Roads and Municipal Roads, all well maintained by the government.
Mediacal facilities
Health Facilities: Malaysia has state-of-the-art health care facilities at various public and private hospitals that offer exemplary medical support services. The National Heart Institute in Malaysia is capable of handling all types of heart surgery, from normal routine angiograms to the most complex bypass surgery.
Food
Food: Food from different parts of the world is available in Malaysia at a reasonable cost. For example, a hamburger in Malaysia would cost much less than in the United States. Local Malaysian cuisine is even cheaper. With so many races and cultures living together in harmony, a blend of culinary traditions has developed resulting in Malaysia being referred to as ‘Food Paradise’. The tropical fruits of Malaysia are unique, exotic and available in abundance practically throughout the year.
What to do in Malaysia
Recreation, Entertainment & Shopping: The country has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment for the family – theme parks, jungle trails/sports, water sports and one of the highest golf-course-to-population ratio.
Most items that tourists normally like to buy such as perfumes, cosmetics, watches, fountain pens, electronic goods and branded goods can be bought tax free. Quality goods from all over the world are imported and are sold at moderate prices in Malaysia.
You could also dive into the beautiful tropical reefs around Malaysia.
Affordable Housing
Housing: There is a wide choice of housing options in Malaysia – quality residences – terrace houses, semi-detached bungalows, apartments and condominiums. There are also residences available in tourism zones – on beaches, near jungles and theme parks, recreational places and city centers. The monthly rentals for accommodations can range from as low as RM1,500 – 3,800 (US$395-$1,000) for a furnished 3-bedroom condominium in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur to RM16,000 – 20,000 (US$4,737-5,263) for a luxury bungalow in the posh neighborhood of Kenny Hills nearer to the city.
Education
Education: The country has a well-developed educational system – both public and private. International schools exist in all major towns and have English as the medium of instruction. There are also private colleges and universities offering joint programs with other well-known universities and major colleges from throughout the world. Quality education up to the highest level is available. Malaysia is already becoming an educational center of excellence for the region, with most courses being offered measuring up to international standards.
Finance and banking
Financial Facilities: A well-developed financial and banking sector with sophisticated financial facilities is available through domestic and foreign commercial banks and their nationwide network of branches. There are also representative offices of several foreign banks that have established a presence in the country.
Malaysia is a second home for people who want to retire abroad because it to offers good civic infrastructure, a reasonable cost of living and a safer environment. Expatriates enjoy a safe and comfortable living environment with 21st century amenities, good healthcare and medical facilities, excellent educational institutions, and world-class recreational and sports facilities – at costs much lower than in their own country.
Learn more about visiting and possibly living and retiring in Malaysia – one of the best places to retire in the Asia:
Malaysia currency exchange (April 2012):
1.00 USD = 3.06511 MYR
US Dollar Malaysian Ringgit
1.00 EUR = 4.04221 MYR
Euro Malaysian Ringgit
http://wikitravel.org/en/Malaysia
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2777.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html