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It's now 2022 and I have retired from the UK to live in Malacca. My wife is Malaysian and we bought a condo here way back in 2004 off plan . We have no rent or mortgage to pay. I also bought a motorcycle here 10 years ago. For us we enjoy cooking for ourselves and we live a comfortable lifestyle on 1000GBP per month (5500 Malaysia Ringgit). We don't drink or smoke. A 3 bed condo like ours here in Malacca would cost you to rent around 1100 Ringgit a month which is just over 200GBP.
@@Chris-dw6cu Can't give you an expat's perspective as I'm Malaysian, but I can tell you it's a laidback town. It's definitely less hustling and bustling like in the capital where I live. If you live within or near the town centre most things are within walking distance or a short bike ride, driving is actually a little more challenging in downtown if you're unfamiliar with the one-way streets there - if you missed a turn you might need to drive a long way around to get back to where you were. Not aware of any train systems, there's none as far as I know. Like in Penang, you can use Grab for longer distances or rainy days. Much like most parts of Malaysia including Penang in this video, you'll find a mix of the 3 main races in Malacca - Malay, Chinese and Indians - and on top of that, the Peranakan/Baba Nyonya people and the Kristang people who are sort of indigenous to Malacca (you can Google about both of them). That said, you'll get a diverse mix of culture and food, some of which are unique to Malacca. You'll need to Google about the property prices, but it's definitely cheaper than in the capital. A latest news report mentioned that Malacca has one of the lowest average prices.
This reminds me of my expatriate assignment in Penang, Malaysia for 2 years , wayback 2008-2010. I really love it!! Its one of the best decision I made in my career. I consider Penang as my second home. A very beautiful place with nice people, with great culture and best foods. I have no complaints...Lots of memories!! Penang will always be in my heart!!
I was born in Hong Kong, and now living in San Francisco for more than 30 years but thats where ( Malaysia ) I wanna retire at , I used to had relatives there years years ago. Studied Malay pretty much fit me there beside all those good food I like !!! THX man for this video, you just make me thinking 90% change to 98% moving there !
Excellent video! As a first generation immigrant to the US, I arrived in Texas in the early 1980s. I was 19. I immediately enlisted in the US Army and was sent to Mannheim, Germany for 2 years. I've done fairly well for myself but and I love many aspects of living in the US. But sadly it is no.longer the place I once knew post 911. The constant economic and social upheavals here remind me of the 3rd world country I left so many decades ago. There is a growing atmosphere of agitation, restlessness and overall aggressiveness that you encounter on a daily basis. People are simply too much "on edge" all the time. I visited Kaula Lampur and Langkawi back in 2013. I visit San Jose and Jaco, Costa Rica once a year. What I find the most appealing about life in these places is that it is a very relaxed and friendly feeling you get as you go about your day. Now at 62, I am seriously considering leaving the US for the first time. All the major metropolitan areas in the US are horribly expensive and the costs keep going up each year. After putting two children through college at a state school and paying about $12000.00-$16000.00 a semester, it is becoming a bit too much. Food, insurance, medical costs are all going up each year. I just paid $7.99 for a doezen eggs in Hpuston!
That was incredibly well said and I agree with you on each and every individual point you made. It is so sad and frustrating that I equivocate between paying close attention and emotionally withdrawing from watching this horrible play unfold before my eyes. I wish you the very best and encourage to you use your deepest wisdom and intuition to find a place that is peaceful, beautiful and economically more enjoyable.
@@AnyWherebutHere1973 Better think twice; since a few years ago, Malaysia has become politically unstable and anti-foreigner sentiments have started to play a significant role in it. Hence, they put the retirement visa program on hold and are putting more red tapes for foreigners everywhere.
@@nevim007 thanks for your reply. Is this your own experience you are talking about or did you read that somewhere? And if the latter, please give me your source of information. I have Malaysians friends who I talk to at least every week ( I have been there twice in 2018 and 2019) and yes politically it is shaking a little bit but it can't be worse than what we are going through with the covid scam. I also have an expat friend she has returned there last week and is so happy to be back in KL. She was in Paris for a month holiday to visit her family after 1 year and she was shocked how people became zombies with their muzzles everywhere even in places where not imposed, (western Europe).We call each other almost every day. So now the problem is to get there during the MCO, you need a governmental authorisation. If anyone can help, I would be the happiest man on earth. Fingers crossed and I pray every day.
There are lots of Malaysia expat videos on RU-vid, but this one is exceptionally well done and highly informative. As someone who is considering retirement in Malaysia, this kind of quality information is priceless. Unlike many other videos out there the information isn't hyped or topical. This video really digs down into the practical expenditures of living in an unfamiliar place. Many thanks to you, sir.
Go look at Langkawi and Pulau Payar. Taman Negara (sp?) also, the oldest or one of the oldest jungles in the world. An incredibly beautiful country. Watch out for the bugs, though (and monkeys)!
Some of the best 40 minutes I have ever spent in my life ... listening to a good man who speaks the truth with wisdom and intelligence. Thanks for your efforts. Regards from a Hoosier.
@@updatename6637 if you love island.. 1. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UU1YPdYBYfw.html 2. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8GCKoJNJK60.html 3. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-K6pz6a4bgQU.html 4. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mOZYTDwxM6k.html 5. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-04ejKwXV8TA.html
I lived in Malaysia for 2 years and it is true the most friendliest country in the world., the food, climate, people, nature truly truly unique. I fell in love with this place I stayed there for a total of 4 years, while visiting Singapore (very rude people) Indonesia also incredible, food, people and peaceful also. My favorite was Malaysia. The women are truly beautiful but very modest and very very shy. Mmmmm the women wow wow wow. Fruits I had never heard of like Durian, rumbuton, dragon fruit. Wow Malaysia😍😍😍💋💋💋😁😁😁💝💝💝💕💕💕
This video is by far the best I've watched so far. I'm Canadian and I'm seriously thinking to move overseas... Your vid is very informative and detailed...and YESSSS I wanna be happy again.... thank you 😊
Thank you guys! We want to do more and in fact have an episode coming up on Aruba though it won’t be the fully produced version like Penang. Trying to figure out the combination of funding the episodes and making them as aesthetically interesting as possible!
This is the best expat video I watched so far, and I watched a lot! Not only the highest quality videos but also very informative and answered all my questions. Can't wait for your next video. Thank you!
I just found your channel and love it. My advice is not to pay for the whole year unless they required it. Incase there is an emergency in the country example like Covid you will not get your money back. In some countries people were thrown out on the streets overnight during Covid. Some had paid up to 3 years rent upfront.
Hi Robert, I just wanted to say (as an avid viewer of RU-vid food and travel vlogs and documentaries, especially those based in Asia) that this was one of the best programmes I've seen in a long time. I thought the story and content was useful and the pace and your delivery as a presenter was awesome. The quality of your filming and editing was also inspiring and I'm 100% inspired and buying into 'The Expat TV show' and what you're doing. Please keep this going!!! All the best James
Love your sentiment at he 24 min mark. We lived in Penang in the early to mid nineties and it was such a gift. To be an American, live very well but still learn to be a good rep for your culture (accept that your way isn't always the best way) and to be sensitive and open to a different, wonderful and in most cases, better way of doing things. Oh how I would love to do it again!
This video is simply outstanding in all aspects - outstanding video production, well considered narration, believable budget numbers proven out in front of us, and a real joy for the expat experience. I cannot wait to see future episodes! Thank you.
First time on this channel, arrive randomly and like what I see. You spend time and explore the subject where more channels snap at fast pace. You zoom in even return to scenes, connect with people, allow your viewer to engage with the subject. I especially appreciate the closeness and intimacy of experience I receive on this channel
I loved this video. You were so thorough in your questions and seeking out the true cost of what a Westerner would consider a comfortable budget living abroad. While yes, you can always go cheaper and only eat the lowest cost of meals and sleep in a shed for $400USD- thats not what this video was about. My SO and I have been dreaming of the Expat life for the last 3 years and every video we come across is like some fairy tail dream paid for by being 'instagram' or 'youtube' famous. The reality behind living abroad isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but filled with stress and many unknowns. i really look forward to your future content! This was well done.
Excellent Video! So well done, I love the documentary style. We just finished a 6-month stay in Penang and feel that everything is your video is accurate and a good representation of life there. Just subscribed, thanks again.
White coffee is originated from Ipoh, Perak Malaysia. And the experts of the white coffee says that it is combinations of Java Arabica and Robusta beans and it’s roasted up to 80-90% with margarine only without sugar. A regular coffee bean will be roasted 100% with margarine and sugar.
After watching this whole video, and very nicely produced I might add, I'm surprised to see that there are only two videos on the channel. I guess life happens. With this quality, this could have been a huge channel.
I just want to say that this was perhaps one of the best videos I've EVER seen that properly explained the costs with a truly realistic result. I'm looking forward to visiting Malaysia to see where I might fit in the best. Thanks for the video, and keep up the good work.
I went to Penang from Hua Hin Thailand in 2019 then had to go to Langkawi in March 2020. Two weeks each time. Both amazing places. Lockdown now so haven’t traveled since March. Great Video
As this started I had reservations. I thought it would be yet another American trying to recreate America in a foreign land. However, this guy more or less embraced the culture and traditions of the place he was in (apart from the burger and coke, the pool and the must have a/c). I know Penang. I lived there some years ago. It is very good at 'accommodating' the foreigner. It's an easy place to be an ex pat without ever feeling really foreign. If you are a 'virgin expat' this is a good place to start. An enjoyable programme. Thank you.
Since you have experience there, how would you recommend finding good priced monthly rentals in penang? On my initial visit I plan to stay 1-3 months so I do not want to enter into a rental contract, just rent by the month. Would Appreciate any suggestions you could share
what a great video, you really get it - I was in Penang when I was 31, almost half my life ago and got incorporated into the life of a Chinese family to some degree. This is inspiring me to consider living there
Excellent vidéo. Thanks for bringing back memories. I worked in Ipoh for 5 years and used Peneng airport, then also used it for visas for Thailand. I haven't been back in 4 years but getting the itch again.
Oh, how I miss Penang. I visited here often back in 2018 and 2019. The place is beautiful, the food is great, but the best of all, the people here are wonderful. And as a Chinese American, I feel right at home. The first time I visited here, I was shocked. Shocked because I was unaware that there is such a deep-rooted Chinese culture and history in Penang, which I found fascinating.
My first overseas trip was to Penang, decades ago! It was a business trip and I was spoiled! Eager to go back once the door is open again and visit my long lost friend!
Fantastic video. Highly informative. You have solidified Penang as a place my wifi I may look to move to on our next international teaching post. Would love to see more videos!
$2,000 a month! I've been to Penang and I could live there for $500 a month. I lived in Costa Rica for two years on $500 a month. I lived in China for three years on $1,500 a month, and I saved half of my income.
@@gif24gt60 In Costa Rica, I got a punctured ear from a big wave, and a doctor's visit cost me five bucks. I could have had a sex-change for two hundred bucks. You know what, I still might...
Great video , I found Penang interesting, to see again I once visited for a day from a cruise destination, love to go back and stay awhile thanks for the great video
Honda EX5 (cab) its kind of legendary best selling bike northern region. Best choice for ride around 9:40 wow....that shop.. recalled wonderful memories me with my beloved dad. I bought his fav brand new 200cc scooter in cash. Its about around 8k that time. Shop owner the 'uncle' made the arrangement just in a day. Me n dad when for a short trip around Penang then came n collect the bike in the evening. The way Chinese do business. I learned something new that day. Thanks for the recap. Appreciated. For locals and tourist who visit Penang....they wish to own a home there. Best place for retirement as well. Peaceful life guaranteed.
such an original and personal view of this area. It wasn't just about the budget; it was all about the lifestyle and the joys of the expat life that SO MANY other vlogs just miss completely
Just watching this today, and thank you for showcasing my hometown😍 I've been living KL for 16 years and I used to travel back regularly to visit my mom & eat the hawker food. Atm, state borders are closed and My last trip back was Aug 2020. I do miss going back and I hope we'll be able to travel soon. I'm just thankful my siblings managed to bring my mom over before they closed the state borders. Anyhow, back to your video. I do think your estimates for food & transportation are too high. Based on the condo you chose( assume it's in Tanjung Bungah), you should be able to get to a few places via rapidpg with ease, and marketing at the wet markets near Tanjung Bungah could be cheaper than buying from the city centre.
You are very detailed in doing things and calculating things . This is a very good video in educating people to be clear at what they spending and hidden cost .
This video is absolutely perfect for people looking to retire/live nomadically. I enjoyed it so much I went to watch the next episode only to see there is only one! :( Will there be a whole series of these?
I drove a perodua kancil for a month in Penang. What a cramped vehicle it was. If you wanted to make it up the hills you had to turn off the aircon due to being so underpowered. We (my Malaysian Chinese girl friend at the time and I) drove this car to Ipoh, where she was from and K.L Sunway resort. I had such a great time in Malaysia. Great people there, always nice and hospitable
Oh man, this was an incredible watch. Shockingly high value production. And dude, you're such a true gem of a human being. Respect for culture, kindness, caring about the people, not just out to take advantage of "cheap Asia." Plus you express yourself lucidly and with a certain amount of grace. The world needs more people like you. Thanks for this video. Really looking forward to more. Hell, you could do some lifestyle type stuff, like what does your daily life look like after having settled in for a month or so, or what do locals' lives look like, etc.
Thank you so much for your generous comments. I'm actually at a bit of a loss for words (not normal for me haha). I will have a new video soon, though it will not be the fully produced version that Penang is. I would love to hear your opinion on it. And yes, I am planning on other videos not always involving a particular country, but all kinds of philosophical and financial topics. Thank you for your support!!!
Love it when tubers take the time to make sure their production quality is top notch, right when they start thier channel. Very very well done! Subbed!
Great video and beautiful job. Well done. Very well filmed and explained. I can't say enough. You did a great job on this video, very professional. Thanks for sharing. I hope that you're still together with your wife and kids? Great quality video. Hope to see more on Malaysia from you.
I just subscribed and I'm only a few minutes in but already really enjoying it. Hope you put more content out. So far you mentioned you have a 2k budget "All In" that seems very luxurious for SE Asia. I'm looking forward to finishing this video :)
The effort and research and time taken into this is something I can really appreciate , asking the right questions and getting the realistically precise budget number, though I have to say $2k a month is fairly luxurious for 2. The part about AC, that part right there is so important. If anyone is going to live without AC, pray that their spot is not facing the afternoon sun and is well ventilated. It gets real hot here. The food tho, I believe you can make so much content on it, it's a whole adventure on its own. Before covid, neighbouring countries used to fly in for the weekend for the food and fly back to their country the next day. Our much richer neighbour that is, cousins over there had to admit that Penang food is a whole different level. Miss the street food and cafes so much. I hope you're doing well in the island with all that's going on especially the pandemic and movement control on the island.
Wonderful video. Life is much more than making money and buying stuff.. I'm nearly 50 and I'm dreaming of doing something like this and spend a few years in Malaysia... Thanks for this clip, it's truly inspiring.
Oh yeah, when we lived in Penang, there wasn't much Western food and unfortunately, when traveling thru Hong Kong I would go ga-ga over a great steak, onion rings... but most of the time it was dimsum, wonton noodles, etc. Now we're back in Maine and suffering big, big withdrawal from Penang food!
I resonated deeply with the beautiful message at the very beginning of this video. And realized the more i watched, the more i wanted to began my travels to distant lands sooner instead of later. The energy that was put out during this video was that of kindness and compassion. You have helped to put this lovely city and its people as a must see, and must spend some time getting immersed into the culture there in the near future. Ty so much for doing this and being so transparent with your information and the ideas behind them. Hope you will find a way to share more about ur life and the experiences u have had since being there, or wherever you might go next! Namaste 🙏
im from penang and now i live in london i miss home so much i hope this pandemic will gone soon so we all can travel and go home without worrying BOUT GETTIN COVID I REALLY ENJOY YOR VIDEO THANKS
Thank you for loving Penang. I was Penang born and left for US for college more than 30 years ago. Definitely moving back to Penang when retirement comes up. The first plate you ate is similar to char kueh teo, it is called char kueh kat.