Why You Should Consider Retiring to Malaysia | Live Well on $687/mo

[@richlandzee8686]

My situation is opposite and unique. I am Malaysian currently living and working in US for 30 years now. Years ago, I considered becoming a citizen since I've built my entire career and retirement nestegg here, UNTIL I found out how hard it is for foreigners to retire or even become a permanent resident there. The MM2H program used to be very affordable, but now it's the opposite, so I have decided to keep my Malaysian citizenship for now. The only thing that I hate about Malaysia is the hot and humid weather. Healthcare is surprisingly excellent. I essentially spent about USD$400 for a full body comprehensive medical exam from a nice private hospital last month when visiting family. Imagine how much this optional procedure would cost here. US Healthcare is excellent, only IF you have the $$$$. The 1:4.5 exchange rate is why it attracts so many foreign retirees. Just my 2 cents.

[@Ameng3471]

Hello comrades, by now i bet you wd understand the meaning of hujan emas di negeri orang hujan batu di negeri sendiri 😂😂😂 If you wish to come back, welcome home. Make sure your flight is with MAS and listen to their captain's landing note, its the best

[@davidfarr1093]

Lived in Kuala Lumpur for 5 years, absolutely loved it. However I caution you to not trust the cost of living expenses stated, especially rent. We lived in an expat area to be close to our children's school. The rental cost in that area in 2006 was more than 3k USD per month for a 3 BR, 3 Bath condo, keep in mind that was 2006. You can find much cheaper rents in other areas, but the cost given don't match my experience. Purchasing property downtown can be extremely expensive, I looked at a nice condo across from the Petronas Towers, price was more than 3M USD in 2007 for a 2000 sf apartment. I loved KL, great place to live, but think the average cost data given doesn't apply to where expats want to live.

[@lindadorman2869]

I spent 3 months in Malaysia in 2017 and planned to retire to Penang or KL. Modern infrastructure, great food, excellent healthcare, beaches, shopping, English-speaking and affordable cost of living made it an ideal location. But they suspended the MM2H visa program, reinstating it in 2024. Now I no longer qualify given the hefty financial requirements including a fixed deposit in a local bank and property purchase - nearly $300,000. Sadly, Malaysia is no longer an option for the average retiree.

[@stephanielau1705]

😮 requirement of $300,000 US funds for residency in Malaysia.

[@paradise6606]

I wonder if their banks insure that 300k in their banks or are they all all depositors unsecured creditor like America.

[@lindadorman2869]

@@paradise6606 Good point! I also don't know if these accounts pay interest. Not sure why I'd want to put my funds in a foreign bank instead of earning 4% in a HYSA or investing in the stock market with 10% YOY gains.

[@jenjen59]

@@lindadorman2869 Linda , do check out the Malaysia SEZ mm2h requirements...considerably lower (altho having to buy a property still sucks big time!)

[@icedteamama176]

It’s way too hot for me to stay long term. Couple of weeks would be my limit. 😅

[@blah2blah65]

That cost comparison done on glass where he had to write everything backwards was very impressive!!

[@ccncomics]

😢Jeff! I bumped into your channel and I’m like”oh that’s for old people” but then you started saying things that felt like you knew me!!! I guess I got old and no one told me 😢. Im 12 years ish from retirement and I didn’t see that as something happening soon to plan that far ahead, but you tough me that is even late . You doing great work here. Crushing my reality but with good intention.

[@larsenjbl]

My wife and I lived there on a temporary work assignment in the early 90s. We were NOT in KL, and let me tell you, at least back then, the amenities in smaller cities (we were in Seramban) leave a lot to be desired. Heat, humidity and plenty of rain - as others have mentioned - are definitely a consideration, but they also lead to significant insect and even snake presence. The people were very friendly and we enjoyed observing how several significant cultures are blended into a single society.

[@KayH6]

We have developed alot since that donkey years for sure

[@mom2bbjandag]

My retirement location: right where I am. Paid for house and car. Off grid utilities. Have a garden, raise fish, hunt. I can live well on $800 right here in the rural south. 😊

[@kevinfestner6126]

I agree.

[@NatashaCherryNC]

Where?

[@mom2bbjandag]

@@NatashaCherryNC rural southeast U.S.

[@thepassdude5173]

Nice cost break down. Can you please do this for Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines? Seems many expats choose these other countries too.

[@muubie]

I think it would be a great idea to dedicate a whole episode to a single retirement destination. Maybe even interviewing folks who have done that so we can get a real boots on the ground perspective.

[@saachaksatie]

I lived there for 4 years and I miss it so much..

[@darrylk808]

Malaysia would be my 1st pick for retiring overseas. The problem is the visa. MM2H got more expensive and have a longer stay requirement. The states do it differently, and Sarawak is the one with the best terms. US citizens get a 90 tourist visa on entry. It's a great place to visit if you have a nomadic retirement. I'm glad you covered Malaysia. It's my favorite SE Asian country. I go there every year to escape the cold in CA.😂 Petty crime is very rare. It's 10x worse in European cities. If you've been to Paris, Rome, etc.

[@fordwayne3833]

Thanks so much for the valuable research you bring us. What's interesting is that most people, if they had that high amount to deposit in their bank would not choose to reside there, the weather is too hot and humid and rainy most of the year, and it's too far from Europe and America for people who want to regularly vacation there. Europe has much better options. They call it a 2nd home visa and yet their requirements are more in line with having a main home there. A 2nd home is where you live part of the year, and a person can easily live there 3 months visa free twice a year, then choose another low cost country for the remaining months, why bother with all the rediculous restrictions especially since $150,000 in the bank can be earning at least 15% average gains easily in the right investments.

[@icedteamama176]

Great points! The incredibly hot and humid weather is a huge deterrent..I’m from Malaysia. South Korea and Taiwan would be better options.

[@itsnotme07]

One more thing to note. Driving in Malaysia is on the Left side of the road, with you sitting on the right side of the car. If you will have a car there, suggest before you do anything with a Visa....find a right hand drive vehicle to rent on Turo and rent it for 5 days to a week. It is a different perspective. Many in Malaysia do not even own a car, so you might not need it.

[@tornoni]

Note: The population of Malaysia is ard 34 millions and the number of vehicles are ard 36 millions. So the everyone owns a vehicle or more.

[@itsnotme07]

@@tornoni Always good info, I'm just going by what my co-worker tells me. He lives in KL.

[@Ameng3471]

​@@itsnotme07are your co worker local or foreign worker? Motorbike is not unusual and normally used by kl workers to avoid traffic jam in the city center. But i cant judge peoples life tho.

[@itsnotme07]

​ @Ameng3471 My co-workers are local mostly. I think one is a foreign worker from India. Yes, many have motorbikes.

[@kevinfestner6126]

Darn this has been and is a great channel.

[@rnikko6472]

In addition to the required real estate purchase and fixed funds deposited in their bank, the mandatory agent and imposed fee for the MM2H Silver program is a substantial RM 40,000 or USD 8,900 at an exchange rate of 4.5 to 1. Such a high fee is unreasonable and exceeds the financial capacity of most individuals.

[@Donkeyearsa]

Its not $687 a month its more $2,000 a month as you have to have $300,000 in the country to get a visa to live there and $2k is what you would be losing out on in investments assuming a 8% return on investments. The $.3 mil would make it extremely hard for the majority of retirees. I would not be willing to invest that kind of money in a country outside of the USA. I would want to only have a few months of money in the country at any time as I would want to be able to pick up and leave if things got dangerous for me.

[@stephenr2195]

I think you guys missed a major criteria or at least for us, we have visited all 5 of the countries on your previous list as well as Malaysia but for us the best fit was the Philippines. To be honest they fail a bit in the infrastructure list but having English being the dominant language was a major factor. Want to know what's in the meal you are ordering or food you are buying at the store, want directions, legal contracts, want to have conversations with the neighbors, it is all in English.

[@he-him1009]

Another consideration is that you cannot sell the home for 10 years regardless of the length of time you remain in Malaysia. This means that if you decide Malaysia is not for you or you need to move back to your home country that you still cannot sell the home you purchased. That money is tied up for at least 10 years. Not to mention that there is a glut of housing in Malaysia (at least on peninsular Malaysia). Which means that there is always too much housing. It is not like in the USA where property values almost exclusively go up. You might not even be able to find a buyer after 10 years since they can buy new just as cheaply. I really looked hard at Malaysia as my retirement destination but the changes in the visa requirements in the last couple of years have made it out of reach for most people on a budget. Still wish I could go there but not feasible anymore for me...

[@Ameng3471]

It is called retire, i bet your retirement period is more than 10 years. If you wish to stay in shorter time, there are many other visa type that may suit you such as digital nomad, work, student. Regardless, enjoy your retiremnt journey 😊

[@DMBall]

How likely is it that you're going to be getting a visit in Malaysia from your American friends and family? Or you're returning to the USA to visit them? Once a year, maybe? The old adage about the grass being greener on the other side of the street still holds.

[@tim71pos]

In the international English index survey the United States comes out at number 139

[@beauthestdane]

I'll have to pass, the climate is definitely not for me there.

[@hanmojolo]

Just got back from there. I cannot accept the always on exterme heat and humidity.

[@JBoy340a]

Yep. Visted there a while back to speak at a conference. Spent most of the time indoors. Even walking at 6 AM was oppressive. Their malls are huge because so many people go there to get away from the heat.

[@Ameng3471]

That is why we became night crawler. Day time we congregates in the officw. Everything is alive at night😅😅

[@observer-2LC]

@@JBoy340a I am going back to Malaysia for good after being in Seattle for 27 years, I am nervous about the heat, I grew up there, so hopefully I will adjust, or just stay in the air-conditioned area, and go for walks at the crack of dawn,.

[@JBoy340a]

@@observer-2LC well, they do have a hockey rink in the big mall in KL if the heat is too much.

[@observer-2LC]

@ I heard about the mall. I can't see myself hanging out in the mall but might have to. It would be sad not to be able to walk on trails, the things I will miss about US - four seasons, walking trails, National Parks!

[@NickB-yq7ng]

Wow, English spoken in Yemen-who knew. Can’t wait to retire there! 😑

[@TomScott__]

I'll be traveling to the Philippines scouting retirement locations soon. I'll focus on Cebu, Bohol, and Panglao for now.

[@bhinbayoucity5691]

You might also want to check out Cagayan De Oro in Mindanao. There is a lot less danger there fir fireigners compared to General Santis. The northern coast of Mindanao is safe compared to the SE part of the island. CDO is growing economically with new malls, grocers, condos, & hotels coming in. ....just an idea.

[@stephenr2195]

@@TomScott__not sure what you are looking for but if were looking for a beach type retirement in that area it would be Anda Bohol.

[@TomScott__]

@stephenr2195 Anda Bahol.... thank you.. I'll research that.

[@leweezo33]

Well all this is possible thanks to Derek and Hanel

[@HolySchmidt]

Zoolander :)

[@steve75889]

I will retire this March. I plan to explore Spain, a number of countries in South America, and then Taiwan not communist China. I speak good Spanish and Mandarin. Once I decide where to retire I will use my language in that country and have a great time soaking up the culture and country. I will have enough to support myself. Any thoughts ?

[@stephanielau1705]

Portugal is a another option if you like Iberian Peninsula

[@steve75889]

Thank you, if I choose Spain I will visit Portugal.

[@steve75889]

@stephanielau1705 Thank you, if I choose Spain I will visit Portugal.

[@Ameng3471]

Having to speak english and mandarin, malaysia is the best choice if you wish to use both language beside singapore

[@steve75889]

Thank you for your imput.

[@josephcercy8117]

Thailand and Malasia are among the places I am researching.

[@icedteamama176]

The bank deposits and property purchase…in Malaysian ringgit? It’s incredibly hot and humid there. Personally would consider South Korea and Taiwan instead.

[@gunnerjoe53]

The MM2H has very high cost with money that has to be deposited and you have to buy home / condo etc. The cost of homes carry a minimum cost is very high.

[@paperburn]

Google translate , just came back from the Philippines lens is also a godsend

[@christina5588]

Unfortunately, I try not to download anything from any sites. If you have a page I can print maybe I can get that guide. Thanks for your insights.

[@SharonY515]

Healthcare is excellent in Mayalasia.

[@MargaretWest-m8u]

Retirement becomes truly rewarding when you have two key components: a solid financial foundation and a clear sense of purpose. Making wise investment decisions is crucial to achieving strong returns and enjoying a secure retirement.

[@FrankJaaay]

There are so many choices to make, and for beginners, it's often best to entrust daily investment decisions to an experienced advisor.

[@Toni__Michelle]

I completely agree-having a professional manage my investments has been invaluable. My job doesn’t allow time for in-depth stock analysis, so I entrusted an advisor with my portfolio. I’ve been fully invested since the COVID-19 outbreak, and I’m happy to say my portfolio has grown fivefold in just five years, reaching nearly $1 million.

[@HotManP-l5g]

Would you mind sharing the name of your coach? I’m very interested in exploring this service.

[@Toni__Michelle]

Rebecca Lynne Buie has consistently been my top recommendation. She’s widely recognized for her expertise in financial markets and has a strong track record. I highly recommend her.

[@2Rugrats9597]

Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam.. You cant go wrong with those 3 Countries is Asia as far as affordability, healthcare, safety, Transportation and Friendly welcoming people

[@stephanielau1705]

Malaysia city of my choice for retirement is Penang.

[@lindadorman2869]

Penang was my first choice too. I even had an apartment in Straits Quay picked out. I had great plans to live there and go to KL every other month, and travel around more of Malaysia to explore Langkawi, Ipoh, Sarawak, Kota Kinabalu, etc...transportation seems to be quite good and lots to see and do all over the country.

[@stephanielau1705]

@lindadorman2869 We might consider coastal area of Thailand if the country's visa residency requirements are less than Malaysia.

[@sirrebral]

The language thing is a bit of a distraction; it's not as big of an issue as many would-be travelers or expats fear. Part of the reason is that the language proficiency data is reported as a national average, which disguises the fact that English-speaking rates are significantly higher in the metropolitan areas where Westerners are most often interested in visiting and living. As someone who has visited 65 countries & territories across 6 continents; I've found that, as the "language of commerce", English is spoken...and written on signage...much more than my friends assume. So while countries like Malaysia or the Philippines make communication easier, particularly in rural areas, it's a big mistake to disregard countries with lower national averages for English proficiency.

[@Mikesadventures-m2q]

I'm going to Malaysia in 2 weeks.

[@deborahmac1997]

Malaysia is not on my radar but interesting.

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks for the comment

[@boink800]

Living on $687 a month is totally irrelevant when the Malaysian retiree visa requirements are much higher than that. Sabah and Sarawak have their own versions of the retiree visa but the requirements are only slightly lower. Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines offer better visa deals.

[@youngtimer964]

But how often will you see your kids and grandkids? That should be a deterrent.

[@shaqisumari304]

Kl suburban area are super good

[@mikeconner7682]

If Malaysia is your second home and you can't use Medicare out of the United States, will you be able to use Medicare when you're back in the USA?

[@nakho3550]

If you pay for it, why wouldn't you?

[@Mexicobeanpole]

Yes. You absolutely can. We haven’t lived in the U.S. for 2 years, but we intend to keep our Medicare in case we get some type of long term non emergency illness. We’d go back to the states for treatment.

[@djmaloney9627]

​@Mexicobeanpole quick question for you. You paid your medicare fees even though you were out of the country, right? You did not stop making your payments at least. That's what I'm assuming. Thamks.

[@bhinbayoucity5691]

Yes, you can use Medicare when youre back in the US, as long as the monthly Part B premiums are paid.

[@stevedice5963]

Basic Medicare does not cover outside USA due to opportunity for fraudulent billing. Medicare advantage will pay for emergency room visits. Most expats can purchase health insurance at low cost. Here in Thailand many use Pacific Cross and pay less than $1200 per year for premium hospitalization, and just pay cash for outpatient. i carried my Blue Cross with my pension from my USA employer and the private hospitals outside the USA are on the network, so they bill Blue Cross directly if i am admitted.

[@MrGilperc]

There was no "video right there. "

[@katydid2877]

So, when people retire to another country do they take their parents, children and grandchildren with them?

[@beverlyweber4122]

That is what Airlines are for...! I go back to America for the 3 month burning/ pollution season.Hang out with the kids, with friends. The kids can come over and enjoy a tropical vacation as their time permits ❤

[@katydid2877]

@@beverlyweber4122 I didn’t realize so many people have money for international travel and so much time off for vacations. I wouldn’t want to miss my grandkids hockey games, or Thanksgiving, or Christmas or their birthday or well, much of anything. But all families are different. Some aren’t very close.

[@stevedice5963]

@@katydid2877 family comes to see you or you go to see them. there is a brief window when you retire and you are healthy enough to travel. you cant get that back. statistically you get a debilitating illness after age 66.

[@Ameng3471]

​@@katydid2877then you cant tick all the boxes to retire outside your border. stay close and enjoy the retirement, all the best 2u

[@observer-2LC]

@@katydid2877 Yup, it's best to be near family, I agree. But I get why poeple want to relocate because of the insane cost of living in US. Your US dollars do go a lot farther in Malaysia, because of the exchange rate.

[@user-mp1lt9cl5v]

How about the Philippines?

[@stephenr2195]

@@user-mp1lt9cl5v that was our choice, as soon as he mentioned infrastructure as a priority I knew the Philippines would not make the cut.

[@Surfbird11]

We considered Malaysia since it has many good qualities but since COVID they have been changing and "reinterpreting" the visa rules several times per year. We need stability above nearly everything for retirement. We certainly don't need Malaysia kicking us out with yet another rule change when we are too old to easily start over elsewhere. Sorry Malaysia, your country is lovely but your greed has ruined what used to be one of the best places to retire.

[@kennethanderson1685]

❤

[@victic2277]

It's cheaper in thailand.

[@djmaloney9627]

I'm looking at Portugal right now. For relocation. Anyone have any thoughts?

[@gwenpendragon1678]

It is a good place. Very reasonable in prices. No opressive heat like down in asia.

[@gwenpendragon1678]

Try to hook up with the expatriate community there.

[@KayH6]

We can simply leave our delìvery items outside of our door with 99% that it wont be stolen..ppl always leave shoes outside house without being stolen..cars are being parked outside houses with no issues

[@Mancer1980]

Australia is amazing but insanely expensive. Can I ask why you’ve done so many visits there?

[@jps0117]

I'm curious too. He must go there several times a year. I've been to 36 countries, and there are some other countries on my A, B, and C lists. Australia and New Zealand aren't on any list, as they don't interest me. I'm far more interested in developing countries.

[@prieten49]

The USA ranks 132nd on the World Peace Index!!! That has to be an indictment of... what? The availability of guns? As far as Malaysia is concerned, that $687 a month figure is for a savvy Malaysian who knows all the ins and outs of the Malaysian housing and consumer sectors? Or is it within the reach of any foreign expat who wants to live there? I think inflation has hit everywhere in the world and $687 sounds unbelievable to me. Aha! One has to make a hefty deposit of $150,000 into a Malaysian bank and one has to spend $134,000 on a house/condo. Now it doesn't sound so cheap anymore.

[@daveraven4044]

USA may be in decline like many other countries, but it's one of the best countries to live in today. This is one reason many people are trying to get here. Is the grass greener elsewhere? Find out.

[@seankilduff2038]

This is a retiree channel the influx you describe is a different demographic

[@jaymeez]

Did you say you’ve visited Australia 125 times!? Man you must have a fine girlfriend there lol Good Video btw

[@shaqisumari304]

Dutch huh??

[@6thwatergateplumber]

So it seems Malaysia is a bust for folks with modest sums of retirement income

[@gregbrooks4450]

No chance.

[@Jeff-sm8of]

Expats? These blokes flatter themselves. No Yankee exceptionalism please. No white privilege. Thank you

[@Michael-x9y6j]

HIGH CRIME RATE IN MALAYSIA

[@vthirteen]

Never heard so much BS. Index this , index that, totally wrong ! Don’t rely on hear say, go yourself.

[@thomasmoshier3920]

I spent my career as a registered nurse. There’s a reason why everyone comes to America for healthcare. It’s second to none. You never hear anyone say, “ I think I’ll go to Malaysia for heart surgery.” Let alone any other kind of surgery. They simply do not have the same healthcare standards that we have. And that goes for most other countries as well. Live in these places at your own risk. And while it may be beautiful and you can live there cheaply. You’ll probably live a shorter life span because of it. Something every retiree must keep in mind.

[@DenLD]

This is absolutely absurd. Many countries have health care far more advanced and complete than what the US offers, and a checkup can include many tests that would be expensive US options denied by healthcare. Of the high income countries, US ranks last for healthcare.

[@stephanielau1705]

​@@DenLD You wrote " the truth " . Taiwan has universal health plan for ALL citizens.

[@thomasmoshier3920]

@@DenLD by all means, schedule your next surgery in South America or Asia if you feel so confident. I’ll stay right where I’m at. The standard of care is second to none in America. I spend 30 years on a cardiac Cath lab team that had to maintain strict and constant training and protocols for doctors, RN,s and support staff. That are constantly under state and federal review. Such oversight does not exist elsewhere.

[@stevedice5963]

Tom you have to actually visit the private hospitals in southeast asia that meet "international standards". im not a nurse, but i have worked in healthcare settings and have had to receive a lot of care over my lifespan. i was in Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok. very high quality like being in NYC hospital , more friendly, prompt, professional service with English speaking doctor ( most medical schools teach in english). i was visiting Thailand then and now have retired here. The for profit private hospital has to have a standard of care and oversite internally or their reputation is hurt , they would lose money because nobody would want to go there. Bumrungrad is a hospital that people come to from other countries around the Pacific rim. This week i will be trying a branch of Bangkok Hospital in Hua Hin , which also is very reputable. i will get my yearly physical and my wife will get her yearly mammogram/ultrasound. Both these hospitals are on my NY Blue Cross insurance network and would have to meet the company's standards. i hope you reconsider your opinion and give a fair evaluation of foreign hospitals

[@boink800]

@@thomasmoshier3920 Have you ever worked outside the US? No? Really?