Spending time abroad can be a life-changing experience. Immersing yourself in the country’s culture and lifestyle can help you gain a new perspective. It can change how you view certain situations and how you live your life.
Wherever you choose to move, you will likely experience opportunities that might not have been available at home. One of the many places some decide to move to is Malaysia. With a population of over 30 million, Malaysia is a vibrant place with a rich history and culture.
If you are looking at living in Malaysia, here are a few things that could help you for spending a year in this dynamic country.
Prepare Working Arrangements
Before you put plans into place, consider your current working arrangements. Are you moving to Malaysia for work, or are you hoping to continue with your current job but from a new location? If you are able to work remotely, see if your work will allow you to work remotely from another country. Some companies may allow this to happen as long as the work is produced.
If you are moving to Malaysia for work, ask your company how the new setup will work. Will you work remotely from your new accommodation in Malaysia, or will you be going into the new offices they have opened? Knowing what the working arrangements will be prior to moving will help ease any nerves you might have about moving and also provide you with a clearer picture of your working situation. Those who are self-employed will have a little more freedom to decide their working arrangements after moving to Malaysia.
Finding Place To Live
Included in the list of moving to Malaysia preparations, finding somewhere to live will likely be equally tied at the top of the list with working arrangements. If you are commuting to an office for work, you will want to be in a location with strong transport links or close to the office. If you are working, you will likely want to be in a central location with an excellent selection of amenities near your accommodation.
If you are unsure where to look, take your search online and look at real estate providers to gain an idea of property types. See what available housing options are within your budget and ideal location. You could use expert services and the vast property selection from PropertyGuru. Spending time looking at accommodation options will help to make moving to Malaysia feel more real. It will also help you learn more things about what you need and provide a glimpse at what life will be like once you move over to Malaysia.
Consider Transport Used
You might choose to move somewhere that is in the main city. This way, you can utilise the public transport available and minimise how often you have to use it. See what the best routes to take to help you get to places you will likely visit regularly are – for instance, the route to the office, supermarkets, doctors, and so on.
Depending on your confidence, you might choose to invest in a car for your year-long stay. It provides you with the freedom of being able to visit other parts of the country and travel to work. Of course, if you choose to drive, ensure that you know and understand the driving rules in Malaysia. You might find that their rules and regulations differ from the ones you know. It is better to know about the different rules than to face a potentially costly fine.
Learning The Language
The official language of Malaysia is Malay. However, many people in Malaysia speak multiple languages. Within Malaysian cities, you will likely find that most people are fairly fluent in English. If you move to a city, the chances are high that you might speak with someone who can speak English if you struggle.
Of course, learning the language can be an excellent way to help you settle into your new home more. You can build friendships with neighbours and those you encounter regularly. It will also be helpful to learn the language should you explore any areas outside the main cities.
Get Ready To Move
There is an ever-growing list of reasons why you should move to Malaysia. Each reason is stronger and more convincing than the last. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare to move to Malaysia for a year. Before you know it, you will have moved and started a fresh chapter in the vibrant country. You will create memories to reminisce on and meet new people who might become lifelong friends. Ultimately, it will be an unforgettable experience, and one you would likely be grateful for by fully immersing yourself in the experience.