Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Report of what it's like to live there - 04/24/25
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?
We've lived all over Asia.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Virginia, USA. There are no direct flights to the US so it's a long way home. It usually takes at least 24 hours whether heading east or west.
3. What years did you live here?
2024-28.
4. How long have you lived here?
About a year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The vast majority of people live in apartments. The apartments are generally really nice and spacious. Most have well-manicured shared spaces, big pools, and workout facilities. Everyone at the US mission lives somewhere between the embassy and ISKL. Commute times are a couple minute drive or a 5-20 minute walk either way.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get just about anything. Fruit, veggies, and chicken are much cheaper than the US. Beef and pork are about on par with the US. Fish is a bit more then you'd think but on par or a little cheaper than in the US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing. If I could ship craft beer, then yes. There's not much variety here and it's very expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are restaurants all over. We use Grab for delivery. There are plenty of options on Grab and delivery costs are very low.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really. The occasional roach and ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO/pouch. Don't know much about local postal services.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
People hire nannies and housekeepers, particularly those with young children. Costs vary between 550-700 usd per month.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
I feel pretty safe here walking and running. Bike riding can be a bit hairy but possible.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are typically decent gyms in the apartment complexes. There are gyms in all of the malls, an old dungeon looking thing at the embassy, and facilities (pool, weight room, tennis courts) at ISKL are open at certain times for parents.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely accepted and many places are cashless. I've never had a US credit card not work at a physical point of sale. Haven't used an ATM here.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are plenty of churches with services in English.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most people here in KL speak enough English. Language classes are available through the embassy.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. It would be hard with a wheelchair. The city is not very pedestrian friendly in general.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very affordable. MRT and LRT are especially nice and cheap. Grabs are usually available within a few minutes and are very cheap... like $2 for a short trip into town.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I would recommend a small car because some of the parking garages can be a little tight. Malls have electric charging stations but not sure how common they are outside of KL. Really any kind of vehicle would be okay here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Decent fiber internet is available and about $30 a month. It can take a few days depending on where you live. Many people opt for wireless high-speed internet.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I have a local plan, post paid that runs about $7 a month and works great. I also have Googlefi for two factor authentication, travel, etc and have never had an issue with it here.
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?
We don't have a pet but it's my understanding that there are decent vets available. Malaysia being a majority Muslim country, many apartments don't allow dogs so if you bring a dog, your housing options may be more limited.
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?
Little bit of everything but mostly embassy EFM jobs.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
I'm sure there are some but don't see a lot advertised.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dress code at work is the same as anywhere. Men can wear local batik shirts untucked with slacks and can pass as dressy.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Nothing you wouldn't expect.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air quality is not always great. There's dengue. Medical care is pretty good in KL. For anything major like a surgery, you'd want to go to Singapore.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate air quality. It's almost never green (good). But it hasn't been an issue for anyone I know.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
There's shellfish in a lot of the local cuisine, even if you can't see it.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not that I'm aware of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely hot and humid all year. It also rains nearly every day but usually not for very long.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are plenty of international schools but ISKL is the preferred school. Our experience with ISKL so far has been very positive all around.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ISKL does have a program for children with special needs.
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?
They're are plenty. Not super cheap but reasonable.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
They have everything in KL. Some are affiliated with ISKL, some not... Basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, flag football, swimming, tennis, golf, volleyball, even ice hockey.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's very large. Lot's of expats in the oil and gas industry, retirees.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The US embassy is not very social. The CLO team is outstanding but half the events they organize are canceled due to low interest. Maybe it's just the current cycle but the community is different here, by far more than at any other post we've served. Fortunately, there's plenty going on outside of the embassy. Otherwise, many people socialize within their apartment complexes, meet people through ISKL or other activities. There's no shortage of opportunities to socialize.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
All the above. It's a great city.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Locals are typically warm and easy to connect with.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No. Not even close. Just Google it.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are three major ethnic groups in Malaysia. There are some inequities but compared to most places, they live in harmony. Women are definitely looked down upon, particularly in the work environment.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
We just love the weather, the convenience, availability of goods, ISKL. It's also really easy and cheap to travel regionally.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Chinatown is cool, particularly at night. The Taman Tugu hiking trails in the middle of the city are amazing.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Haven't got to that point yet.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Great food, diversity, it's easy to get around, traffic isn't terrible, and there's plenty to do.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Nothing. It has been fun discovering this place.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
jackets
4. But don't forget your:
golf clubs, tennis racket.
