I saw your video for a second time and I see many places that I visied when I was there in 2007 on a 7 week business trip. Next to my childhood days in the Philippines that was my best time in Asia!
Never considered Malaysia as a tourist or retirement destination until I saw you video. I am convinced to at least stay as a tourist for 30 to 40 days. Longer if I truly enjoy it (also depending upon visa rules). Thank you making the Penang Malaysia video.
Penang has some of the world’s best food. Cheap cost of living, fantastic appartments. Friendly people. Traffic is heavy in Penang though and no LRT so far (being built). Corruption exists but minimal compared to elsewhere. Penang is the most Chinese place in Malaysia. Penang is smaller than KL, so not the huge traffic jams. You can get a long term retirement visa (Malaysia my second home). Note: the MM2H visa scheme was amended in Aug 2021 to be unviable for all but the rich.
All true. Though the 3 month stamp upon entry is hassle free. Just pop out to Vietnam once every three months for some people is good enough. Thanks for commenting. It helps our business. Best, Dan
Best option there is the double decker red bus. Get a 24 hour pass and leave in the afternoon the first day and go early the second day. 2 tours of different areas for one price.
Hello Nyx Doc! Thank you for taking the time to share. Love back at you! Our TH-cam channel grows when people like, comment, or subscribe. It is like you are giving us a pay raise every time! So we really appreciate your help! Best, Dan
food is cheaper than thailand food court,eateries on every corner.alcohol is expensive.bars etc not much about.beaches fine not crowded.locals friendly and speak good english.plenty of malls and shops.Grab taxis affordable if you on vacation to get around.my thai gf said this is best place we have ever been in 5 yrs.we used tune sim card in malaysia which we picked up at kl airport and worked fine and arrived into penang by train kl to butterworth which was nice and comfortable 4.5 hours then boat to penang.
Yes, it is a great city. You should check out Vietnam too. Watch my videos on that. It doesn't have all the Visa hassles of Thailand and its cheaper than Malaysia.
I love penang because vegetarian food is everywhere. Alcohol is always expensive in Malaysia but I found the best liquid store in town and it in the tourist area!
I know. So little effort to find and so cheap to eat. We hardly cooked at all there. The best places we found are on the web page so we can go again when we are there later this year: vagabondbuddha.com/penang-malaysia-retire-cheap/
I guess I would be interested in knowing how old you are, when you became a digital nomad, your salary when you did this and if you have a national pension
Great question wilkin.simon, I am 61 for a few more months. I became a digital nomad at 47. You should grab my free eBook for the whole story! vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ Thanks for watching and commenting! Dan
KL was favoured over Penang for development but the second chief minister Lim Chong eu who led Penang for 20 years set up industrial parks and invited the big names like Intel and Dell providing thousands of jobs to the locals. Without this one man foresight Penang today would just be a tourist spot like Langkawi.
Advíce about not buying foreign real estate is good one. I suppose if you have moved your family and consider it permanent, then may be. Renting gives you lot of flexibility to move around.
My Late Father was a cab driver in Newark NJ for a number of years . He often shuttled passengers between Manhattan and Newark airport . Once He picked up Shirley McLain there and drove her to the Waldorf. She was to attend the New York premier of her latest movie . He said she was beautiful and very Friendly !!!
At Straits Garden Suites, where Dan paid $22/night, the cheapest room currently is $58/night. This is typical of what I consistently find: any property mentioned in a TH-cam video in the past is currently charging 3X more for rent.
Yes. That often happens. Once people share great places online, that puts upward pressure on the pricing. So you need to learn how to fish. Check out this report so you can find cheap places all over the world even in the same city where we styed before. We just found a place in Bali using these concepts for $12 USD per night. Even though most places onAirbnb were $40 night or more. Here is our technique: vagabondbuddha.com/how-i-find-perfect-apartments-traveling-the-world/
I’ve been curious about Penang for a while. A friend of mine from the area recommended I take some time there alongside KL. Due to the pandemic, I had to skip Penang on my last trip. I look forward to a slower paced Malaysia than what exists in KL, though I love the variety of food and shopping in KL.
Just go to the web page at the more information link below any video. There will be a "Food and Life" video there that has the inside of the apartment or accommodation for each city. Thanks for commenting Russ.
I loved Penang when I visited this year. Agree with everything you say in the video and appreciate all the additional information related to actually living there.
Thanks Emel. It is a lovely place. Going back there in about 3 weeks. Stay tuned. Thanks for commenting. It helps our business in the youtube rankings greatly. Happy New Year, Dan
And when you are here again , do spare a thought about the countless Penangnites who had/have to leave their beloved island for affordable homes elsewhere .
@@zainulzainul1880 oh is it like that? did not know this, but can imagine it. I'm originally from Germany and there is a (small) Island called Sylt, very famous and only for the rich, that has exactly the same problem. Locals can only live there, if they own a Hotel.
Interesting to hear your opinion about Penang, I've been there pretty often and quite long. First time must have been 1998. I like it a lot, but I miss the beach just in sight. Batu Ferringhi is too far away and not really beautiful. The same with Melaka, its nice to be there for some weeks (the best time is around Chinese New Year) but not for very long. KL - I don't like it at all, actually I avoid it. When I fly into Malaysia I go from KLIA directly to Melaka (cheap Bus). I lived for almost 3 years on Tioman Island SE coast, close to Singapore. Made my Visa runs to Singapore every 90 days, but this is over now, Singapore forbid it. And on the Island it is a very very basic life. But for that time, I enjoyed it a lot :)The last 2 years I'm more around in Laos and Vietnam, there are some really nice places to stay for 2 or 3 month.
Hi Angie, Thank you for sharing this information. Would you be interested in doing a recorded telephone call about your experience of living around SE Asia. You sound very interesting? People love to hear stories like this from the horse's mouth. If so, please let me know on our Facebook page or my contact link on Vagabond Buddha as follows: facebook.com/vagabondbuddha/ vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Warm Regards, Dan
@@VagabondAwake thank you so much, I will add you on FB, but I'm sorry my spoken english is too bad for a record, I'm from Bavaria/Germany and have a quite strange accent ;) but it is nice to share thoughts about how it is to live in Asia, not only be on holidays for some weeks.
Sounds good until you see the income requirements for the "retirement" visa,better known as the 10 year renewable visa. If you're rich,yeah of course then it's "cheap".
As an American, just do a Visa run every 90 days. They stamp you with 90 more every time I go. Just rent so if the law changes in a few years, you just jumpa jet to the new hot spot. Easy peasy AE. Thanks for commenting. Dan
@@NYUTisch Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
Hi friend all facts you said was correct, but my problem is visa/stay. last time I stayed in JB every time my 90 days allowance without visa expired I went out to Singapore for a few days and reenter , then problems started, they start asking me questions like return ticket, show money, hotel booking, what am I doing etc, the more I come and stay in a particular year, the more they ask. I know there is 10 year visa but I have to buy a house or condo and deposit money in their bank and process is hassle for me. Only hundreds of foreigners are granted 10 years stay since that program started. Any other way to stay long in Penang/Malaysia?
@@VagabondAwake thanks brother , do you know in JB in Malaysia you can hang out with Thai, Philippines, Vietnamese and Indonesians even in Hijab? my problem is long stay
Dude you look like Stan Laurel! Remember him? From Laurel and Hardy? Btw some great old flicks. Be sure to check out “The Flying Deuces” probably they’re best effort. 😎👍😄
Hello... Your Videos are excellent and I follow some of them; you have given description of living in Penang. What would be cost of living for a retiree couple from USA to live in Penang, in a decent (1500 sq feet) condo with sea view in gurney or north?
It will vary greatly based upon age of building and distance from the water. But for a 1 year lease as opposed to an airbnb temporary place, I would estimate in the range of $450 to $800 a month plus utilities. But you will need to be on the ground here to get the best deal. So rent temporary online and when you get here, look for your perfect deal.
Great video！I just returned from Penang recently and thinking that's one of my potential retirement places. Going to do some research on Penang healthcare facilities.
Maker sure to check out KL and Malacca too before making a final decision. My top 2 in Malaysia are Penang and KL though. I will publish why in a few days. Stay tuned. :-) Thanks for commenting Gigi. Dan
Penang has great private health care. Insurance is cheap, though most expats just pay upfront. Naturally the top specialists are in KL. Regionally best specialists in Singapore. The only issue is no retirement facilities if you develop a medical condition requiring long term care, apart from hiring a maid. Thus older retirees in ill-health need to return to country of origin.
@@miken4591 Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
@@anonymousgoatee479 Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
How did you get those price for housing? Did you research or did your GF find it for you? Newspaper, real estate agent or ??? Thanks Much for your work!
True. Not everyone agrees with my advice to buy local in their home country. Let me give you and example, the 1 bedroom condo we rent when we are in Malaysia, rents for about $22 per night. That is about $600 per month. That condo would sell for about 100k USD. A 100k USD condo in the USA would rent for about $750 per month. That is for month to month. Without the vacancy of 20 to 30% , or turnover that an Airbnb owner experiences. So I just don't think it is as good an investment. Best, Dan
@@VagabondAwake ah i see,thanks for the explaination. Now i understand why you said that. I used to work in a resort in malaysia's east coast and its a pretty much an international resort and thats how i got to meet these expat im talking about,i think they are just the rich type because they actually have a few properties in malaysia.
@@FazShara Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
@Kimi Furmily Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
@@VagabondAwake Thanks for your answer. I was recently almost rejected at immigration when I came in on another tourist visa. I'm married to a Thai and we have a house and car here plus our daughter is in school. I don't have enough money in the bank to get a 1 year marriage visa so have just been doing tourist visa + extension in-country. Seems that they're cracking down on it now, so I'm looking at other options. I lived in Da Nang for 4 months last year setting up a small business so my heart is kind of set on that place. Have you been?
@@pubbets7290 I'm just at the moment in Hoi An, have been in Da Nang before, for 3 weeks, and also been there 2 years ago. Imho the internet in Vietnam is better than in Thailand or Malaysia, but depends of course which place. I would choose Da Nang in front of Penang, as much as I like Penang. Da Nang is cheaper, has a traffic that is quite "tolerable" for Vietnam, and the Beach is one of the best for a City.
Hello Nyx Doc, thank you for your personal note of encouragement. It really does make a difference for us when we know people appreciate what we are doing. Your comments also cause TH-cam to show our video to more people so your note is like paying us a small tip $$ for our time. Thank you, Dan
ya, JB wants to be the Twin City of Singapore which is ridiculous. Tioman Island, where I stayed for 3 years or so, is also very expensive now, for the most rundown wooden chalet with naked light bulbs on the ceiling, no fridge, no aircon, no nothing, but a bed with bad mattress you pay 60 RM or more, that's what I pay for a pretty good hotel room in Melaka.
Fyi, can’t download ebook from site and when you hit your contact button the email is blank. If you need help with that, let me know. Videos are great!!!
Thank you for the comment Tim. I just fixed the contact us form. I really appreciate your help with that. I just check the link foe the "Fire Your Boss" book from Qiang's computer and it is working. Was it the "Fire Your Boss" book link that you couldn't get to work? Did you confirm your subscription and receive the email with the link from me? Feel free to reply on the contact page if you prefer. Thanks, Dan :-)
We really like it too UFO. That is where Qiang is from. Thanks for watching our videos and thanks for commenting that helps our business grow! Please subscribe if the mood strikes. Best, Dan
You may know that I don't recommend buying real estate until you have lived somewhere a few years. I also recommend exploring several countries before picking your favorite. Additionally, Malaysia has a minimum purchase price requirement for foreigners so all the more affordable property remains available to Malaysians. Last time I checked that was about $250,000 USD minimum price for foreigners. Here are some videos on the subject: 1. vagabondbuddha.com/why-retired-expats-should-not-buy-real-estate-overseas/ 2. vagabondbuddha.com/why-you-should-not-get-a-retirement-visa/ 3. vagabondbuddha.com/top-10-mistakes-international-retirees-make/ Best of luck, Dan
Here is more information about it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_My_Second_Home But I recommend you don't get it right away. Here is why: vagabondbuddha.com/why-you-should-not-get-a-retirement-visa/
Just start by staying in the airbnb apartment we did. During that first month, get to know the island and pick you neighborhood. Then walk that neighborhood looking for rent signs. You should be able to get a better deal for a long term rental than week to week or month to month, but only if you are standing face to face with the landlord.
You need to pay one month deposit, and you can rent monthly. Relatively cheap rent. You can get nice 3 bedroom apartment for just 700rm per month. Does not include utility fees and internet.
great place to live and you CAN work 2 things for long term stay guys especially you have 24 hrs to get through so what are you going to do all day stay away from G Town as rents + prices are rising fast now all the inns are getting reno'ed Be careful where your condo faces with all those lovely glass window/glasshouse views if you want to rent or buy one Malaysia isnt the cheapest option but definitely has the best food is safest great medical and easiest rules to stay (cf Thailand with the new getting us slowly removed plan) Unlike the neighbours Malaysia is visa friendly and you can come/go for 3 months visa couple of years at least (go to Bkk one day + return) MM2nd Home is only for well heeled farangs most of us prob dont have enough monthly retirement income for this one last little warning Malaysia is NOT gay friendly especially east coast Treng and Kelantan
Thanks for commenting Nik. It is great to have experienced people saher what they have learned. I love how I only need to do a boarder run once every three month in Malaysia. In that way, it is a little like Mexico for Americans. We can stay in Mexico for 6 months without doing a border run. Yes, Gay friendly is more of a western concept. In many other parts of the world you have to appear platonic in public.
@@VagabondAwake have you ever experienced what happens, when you have an overstay? If not, you are lucky. They get really nasty. One time I was sick on Tioman Island, really bad stomach, vomiting and diarrhea, lasting for one week. I could not go on the ferry for 2 hours and the bus to KL for 7 in this state, so I finally had one day overstay. I went to the doctor on Tioman and he wrote a Medical certificate for me, in Malay, to confirm I was really sick and not able to travel. And got me a lot of medication to "plug me up". So I arrived at KLIA airport to buy a new flight to Bangkok, unluckily at a Friday evening, and they did not let me go. Said, I have to sort this matter out with the immigration office in Putrajaya. Which was closed of course until Monday. And so I had 4 days overstay. At this office it took me hours to line up and whatever until I got someone to speak to. He almost refused to read the letter from the doc, then he refused to talk to me any more and sent me to a young woman, I think she was very inexperienced and followed the laws literally. nothing to discuss, I had overstayed 4 days, whatever reasons don't matter. They forced me to buy a flight to my home country! I don't have anything there! This was a very expensive detour. And then it happened again, 3 years later. this time it was 1 day again, I went to Singapore, they gave me an hour of interview on the border, the guy said, for me it's now only 80 days instead of 90 in the future, show me that law. He threatened me with prison terms! And after 2 months in Singapore, when I went back, with the night bus to Penang, they took me in again, and questioned me for 1 hour. The bus was long gone, it was after 1 am, and I stood there alone on the street. I was lucky enough to get another bus at that time, the border is a different one, not Woodlands, it is literally in the middle of nowhere, there was not one single person there except of me. So the quintessence of this long story: be very, very careful not to overstay, and not in any country in SE-Asia.
Lot's of foreign banks pay high interest rates but those high rates represent higher risks in my opinion. In the US at least your money in a bank is insured by the federal government up to $100,000 (maybe more now. I haven't checked in years)
I use Uber in Malaysia. It is cheap and safe. I have never tried renting a Scooter in Malaysia. I only rent scooters in the wild wild east: Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines.
Cheap for foreigners , while Penangnites can't afford a home there , or forced to dwell in birds nests . Is the state government serving foreigners or Penangnites ?
I saw your video for a second time and I see many places that I visied when I was there in 2007 on a 7 week business trip. Next to my childhood days in the Philippines that was my best time in Asia!
Thanks for sharing!
Peranakan Mansion sangat baik. Visited Penang for the 3rd year running in 2019 as we fell in love with the place.
Great Vlog!
Thanks for watching! Please subscribe if the mood strikes. It will help our business grow. Thanks, Dan
Never considered Malaysia as a tourist or retirement destination until I saw you video. I am convinced to at least stay as a tourist for 30 to 40 days. Longer if I truly enjoy it (also depending upon visa rules). Thank you making the Penang Malaysia video.
You are welcome Theo.
Penang has some of the world’s best food. Cheap cost of living, fantastic appartments. Friendly people. Traffic is heavy in Penang though and no LRT so far (being built). Corruption exists but minimal compared to elsewhere. Penang is the most Chinese place in Malaysia. Penang is smaller than KL, so not the huge traffic jams. You can get a long term retirement visa (Malaysia my second home).
Note: the MM2H visa scheme was amended in Aug 2021 to be unviable for all but the rich.
All true. Though the 3 month stamp upon entry is hassle free. Just pop out to Vietnam once every three months for some people is good enough. Thanks for commenting. It helps our business. Best, Dan
Best option there is the double decker red bus. Get a 24 hour pass and leave in the afternoon the first day and go early the second day. 2 tours of different areas for one price.
Thanks for the tip. We just rode the local buses for pennies. How much is the pass?
good sensible vlog. I'm working as an Expat in Sarawak. great country I've not been to Penang though
well done
Have you been to the Sepilok Monkey Reserve on Borneo? So cool!
i m from kuching but staying in KL. I miss kuching sometimes n d food there😍🤣
thank u so much. Lots of love from here in Iran
Hello Nyx Doc! Thank you for taking the time to share. Love back at you! Our TH-cam channel grows when people like, comment, or subscribe. It is like you are giving us a pay raise every time! So we really appreciate your help! Best, Dan
food is cheaper than thailand food court,eateries on every corner.alcohol is expensive.bars etc not much about.beaches fine not crowded.locals friendly and speak good english.plenty of malls and shops.Grab taxis affordable if you on vacation to get around.my thai gf said this is best place we have ever been in 5 yrs.we used tune sim card in malaysia which we picked up at kl airport and worked fine and arrived into penang by train kl to butterworth which was nice and comfortable 4.5 hours then boat to penang.
Yes, it is a great city. You should check out Vietnam too. Watch my videos on that. It doesn't have all the Visa hassles of Thailand and its cheaper than Malaysia.
I love penang because vegetarian food is everywhere. Alcohol is always expensive in Malaysia but I found the best liquid store in town and it in the tourist area!
I know. So little effort to find and so cheap to eat. We hardly cooked at all there. The best places we found are on the web page so we can go again when we are there later this year: vagabondbuddha.com/penang-malaysia-retire-cheap/
let me guess, it's the Antarabangsa ?
I guess I would be interested in knowing how old you are, when you became a digital nomad, your salary when you did this and if you have a national pension
Great question wilkin.simon, I am 61 for a few more months. I became a digital nomad at 47. You should grab my free eBook for the whole story! vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Dan
KL was favoured over Penang for development but the second chief minister Lim Chong eu who led Penang for 20 years set up industrial parks and invited the big names like Intel and Dell providing thousands of jobs to the locals. Without this one man foresight Penang today would just be a tourist spot like Langkawi.
Thanks for sharing Mike. Do you live in Penang?
Very informative with reliable information given in a relaxed way that inspires confidence. Thanks for your efforts.
Glad it was helpful Robert. Are you living in Malaysia now? Thanks for commenting you are making our business grow. Best, Dan
Advíce about not buying foreign real estate is good one. I suppose if you have moved your family and consider it permanent, then may be. Renting gives you lot of flexibility to move around.
I prefer the flexibility of moving without ownership transaction costs.
Your series is so inspiring that I want to do a series myself on taxi industry in New York city & cities round the globe 😅
Go for it. :-)
My Late Father was a cab driver in Newark NJ for a number of years . He often shuttled passengers between Manhattan and Newark airport . Once He picked up Shirley McLain there and drove her to the Waldorf. She was to attend the New York premier of her latest movie . He said she was beautiful and very Friendly !!!
Very interesting blog . Penang sure is a great place to retire to . Stunning location.
Absolutely
Great show . Love the diggy. Thanks guys good luck
At Straits Garden Suites, where Dan paid $22/night, the cheapest room currently is $58/night. This is typical of what I consistently find: any property mentioned in a TH-cam video in the past is currently charging 3X more for rent.
Yes. That often happens. Once people share great places online, that puts upward pressure on the pricing. So you need to learn how to fish. Check out this report so you can find cheap places all over the world even in the same city where we styed before. We just found a place in Bali using these concepts for $12 USD per night. Even though most places onAirbnb were $40 night or more. Here is our technique: vagabondbuddha.com/how-i-find-perfect-apartments-traveling-the-world/
Very useful information thank you for your good video. I'm thinking of retiring and moving to Malaysia
Glad it was helpful! There is a bunch of nice people in that place. :-)
@@VagabondAwake thank you sir
Awesome and very thorough. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve been curious about Penang for a while. A friend of mine from the area recommended I take some time there alongside KL. Due to the pandemic, I had to skip Penang on my last trip.
I look forward to a slower paced Malaysia than what exists in KL, though I love the variety of food and shopping in KL.
Penang (Georgetown) and KL are my two favorite cities in Malaysia.
Great vlog, thank you, wish I could see your accommodation for the price stated...I may have missed in the vlog though..👍😃
Just go to the web page at the more information link below any video. There will be a "Food and Life" video there that has the inside of the apartment or accommodation for each city. Thanks for commenting Russ.
This video is old. It's November 2023. Do you still recommend Penang, Malaysia?
Yes, we were in Georgetown about 2 weeks ago. Love it. Stay tuned for video.
I loved Penang when I visited this year. Agree with everything you say in the video and appreciate all the additional information related to actually living there.
Thanks Emel. It is a lovely place. Going back there in about 3 weeks. Stay tuned. Thanks for commenting. It helps our business in the youtube rankings greatly. Happy New Year, Dan
And when you are here again , do spare a thought about the countless Penangnites who had/have to leave their beloved island for affordable homes elsewhere .
@@zainulzainul1880 oh is it like that? did not know this, but can imagine it. I'm originally from Germany and there is a (small) Island called Sylt, very famous and only for the rich, that has exactly the same problem. Locals can only live there, if they own a Hotel.
Interesting to hear your opinion about Penang, I've been there pretty often and quite long. First time must have been 1998. I like it a lot, but I miss the beach just in sight. Batu Ferringhi is too far away and not really beautiful. The same with Melaka, its nice to be there for some weeks (the best time is around Chinese New Year) but not for very long. KL - I don't like it at all, actually I avoid it. When I fly into Malaysia I go from KLIA directly to Melaka (cheap Bus). I lived for almost 3 years on Tioman Island SE coast, close to Singapore. Made my Visa runs to Singapore every 90 days, but this is over now, Singapore forbid it. And on the Island it is a very very basic life. But for that time, I enjoyed it a lot :)The last 2 years I'm more around in Laos and Vietnam, there are some really nice places to stay for 2 or 3 month.
Hi Angie,
Thank you for sharing this information. Would you be interested in doing a recorded telephone call about your experience of living around SE Asia. You sound very interesting?
People love to hear stories like this from the horse's mouth. If so, please let me know on our Facebook page or my contact link on Vagabond Buddha as follows:
facebook.com/vagabondbuddha/
vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Warm Regards,
Dan
@@VagabondAwake thank you so much, I will add you on FB, but I'm sorry my spoken english is too bad for a record, I'm from Bavaria/Germany and have a quite strange accent ;) but it is nice to share thoughts about how it is to live in Asia, not only be on holidays for some weeks.
@@VagabondAwake my FB is
facebook.com/angela.hehenberger
I think I'm the only person with this name ;)
I always enjoy your videos. Keep it up.
Will do!
Nice. Penang is vibrant.
Very vibrant and colorful. The street art especially.
a very thorough presentation!
Glad you liked it!
I really enjoy watching your vlog.
Very cool. Thanks Mark. All the comments help our business. Happy New Year! Dan
awesome info, thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting Glenn! You are helping our channel grow. Please subscribe if the mood strikes. Merry Christmas, Dan
Sounds good until you see the income requirements for the "retirement" visa,better known as the 10 year renewable visa.
If you're rich,yeah of course then it's "cheap".
As an American, just do a Visa run every 90 days. They stamp you with 90 more every time I go. Just rent so if the law changes in a few years, you just jumpa jet to the new hot spot. Easy peasy AE. Thanks for commenting. Dan
They are needlessly complicated and that takes care of those of us w no means or no intention to jump the hoop 😖
@@NYUTisch Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
Humidity my friend makes all the difference
So true.
Hi friend all facts you said was correct, but my problem is visa/stay. last time I stayed in JB every time my 90 days allowance without visa expired I went out to Singapore for a few days and reenter , then problems started, they start asking me questions like return ticket, show money, hotel booking, what am I doing etc, the more I come and stay in a particular year, the more they ask. I know there is 10 year visa but I have to buy a house or condo and deposit money in their bank and process is hassle for me. Only hundreds of foreigners are granted 10 years stay since that program started. Any other way to stay long in Penang/Malaysia?
Go hang out in the Philippines for a while. You'll love it.
@@VagabondAwake thanks brother , do you know in JB in Malaysia you can hang out with Thai, Philippines, Vietnamese and Indonesians even in Hijab? my problem is long stay
Dude you look like Stan Laurel! Remember him? From Laurel and Hardy? Btw some great old flicks. Be sure to check out “The Flying Deuces” probably they’re best effort. 😎👍😄
Moonlight Bay is great place to retire. 2 min walking to beach and quiet relaxing environment. PM for more info
Thanks for the tip!
Hello... Your Videos are excellent and I follow some of them; you have given description of living in Penang. What would be cost of living for a retiree couple from USA to live in Penang, in a decent (1500 sq feet) condo with sea view in gurney or north?
It will vary greatly based upon age of building and distance from the water. But for a 1 year lease as opposed to an airbnb temporary place, I would estimate in the range of $450 to $800 a month plus utilities. But you will need to be on the ground here to get the best deal. So rent temporary online and when you get here, look for your perfect deal.
Thanks .
No worries! Thanks for watching. :-) Dan
thanks for the great videos
Glad you like them!
Always great video
Thanks for the visit
Great video！I just returned from Penang recently and thinking that's one of my potential retirement places. Going to do some research on Penang healthcare facilities.
Maker sure to check out KL and Malacca too before making a final decision. My top 2 in Malaysia are Penang and KL though. I will publish why in a few days. Stay tuned. :-) Thanks for commenting Gigi. Dan
Penang has great private health care. Insurance is cheap, though most expats just pay upfront. Naturally the top specialists are in KL. Regionally best specialists in Singapore.
The only issue is no retirement facilities if you develop a medical condition requiring long term care, apart from hiring a maid. Thus older retirees in ill-health need to return to country of origin.
Gigi Yang try look for the MM2H project (make Malaysia 2nd home), you may ask all the questions you have to stay in Malaysia.
@@miken4591 Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
@@anonymousgoatee479 Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
Penang is my favourite place to stay...
Its really nice. :-)
How did you get those price for housing? Did you research or did your GF find it for you? Newspaper, real estate agent or ??? Thanks Much for your work!
We usually use Airbnb. We pick 5 or 10 and make lower price offers to the landlord. One usually accepts.
@@VagabondAwake Great advise..I just usually paid the asking price. Didn't even think about negotiating! Thank You...Have fun in your retirement.
Ive seen a few expats who actually bought properties and actually rent it out for income
True. Not everyone agrees with my advice to buy local in their home country. Let me give you and example, the 1 bedroom condo we rent when we are in Malaysia, rents for about $22 per night. That is about $600 per month. That condo would sell for about 100k USD. A 100k USD condo in the USA would rent for about $750 per month. That is for month to month. Without the vacancy of 20 to 30% , or turnover that an Airbnb owner experiences. So I just don't think it is as good an investment. Best, Dan
@@VagabondAwake ah i see,thanks for the explaination. Now i understand why you said that. I used to work in a resort in malaysia's east coast and its a pretty much an international resort and thats how i got to meet these expat im talking about,i think they are just the rich type because they actually have a few properties in malaysia.
@@FazShara Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
@Kimi Furmily Google “Carepool Asia” and register to search and get instant recommendations based on symptoms/preferences on 200+ top heart experts in Malaysia and Singapore! 😊
Another good video Dan. How's the internet there? My main income is teaching online so I need reliable and fast internet.
It is as good or better than Thailand in my experience ... which is stellar!
@@VagabondAwake Thanks for your answer. I was recently almost rejected at immigration when I came in on another tourist visa. I'm married to a Thai and we have a house and car here plus our daughter is in school. I don't have enough money in the bank to get a 1 year marriage visa so have just been doing tourist visa + extension in-country.
Seems that they're cracking down on it now, so I'm looking at other options. I lived in Da Nang for 4 months last year setting up a small business so my heart is kind of set on that place. Have you been?
@@pubbets7290 I'm just at the moment in Hoi An, have been in Da Nang before, for 3 weeks, and also been there 2 years ago. Imho the internet in Vietnam is better than in Thailand or Malaysia, but depends of course which place. I would choose Da Nang in front of Penang, as much as I like Penang. Da Nang is cheaper, has a traffic that is quite "tolerable" for Vietnam, and the Beach is one of the best for a City.
Angie Globetrotter thank you Angie. My heart is kind of set on Da Nang to be honest 🙂
@@pubbets7290 so if you like Da Nang, do you know this one? best time laps ever!
th-cam.com/video/BbBYXYO-J_E/w-d-xo.html
Very insightful ☺
Glad you think so!
Nice!!!
Thai is one of my favorite foods, and there seems to be a Penang dish on every Thai menu. Now I know that it is a Malaysian dish. Small world.
Great video
Thanks for the visit
Love it
Hello Nyx Doc, thank you for your personal note of encouragement. It really does make a difference for us when we know people appreciate what we are doing. Your comments also cause TH-cam to show our video to more people so your note is like paying us a small tip $$ for our time. Thank you, Dan
The most expensive place in West Malaysia is Johor Baru.
Makes sense. It is next door to Singapore ... one of the most expensive places in the world.
@@VagabondAwake - You're absolutely correct.
ya, JB wants to be the Twin City of Singapore which is ridiculous. Tioman Island, where I stayed for 3 years or so, is also very expensive now, for the most rundown wooden chalet with naked light bulbs on the ceiling, no fridge, no aircon, no nothing, but a bed with bad mattress you pay 60 RM or more, that's what I pay for a pretty good hotel room in Melaka.
Fyi, can’t download ebook from site and when you hit your contact button the email is blank. If you need help with that, let me know. Videos are great!!!
Thank you for the comment Tim. I just fixed the contact us form. I really appreciate your help with that. I just check the link foe the "Fire Your Boss" book from Qiang's computer and it is working. Was it the "Fire Your Boss" book link that you couldn't get to work? Did you confirm your subscription and receive the email with the link from me? Feel free to reply on the contact page if you prefer. Thanks, Dan :-)
@@VagabondAwake That' great. As far as the ebook form, I tried another email and it worked. So it may of just not liked the first email I gave it.
Can you rent motorbikes in this area? And is it?
Practical to Thank of doing so.
I don't think so. I have never rented a motorbike in Malaysia. They have great public transportation though. Buses going every 5 to 10 minutes mostly.
Excellent information
Glad it was helpful!
thanks for videos did not know your lady is malaysian chinese ,which area city are there more malay chinese ? penang or KL ?
Both
Can you tell me how you met your partner? I’m interested to do what you did and travel the world. Thank you!!
Here is how we met: th-cam.com/video/0wrTAs0R3VA/w-d-xo.html
Malaysia is a nice country to retire over alI I personal fell better than Vietnam and Thailand
We really like it too UFO. That is where Qiang is from. Thanks for watching our videos and thanks for commenting that helps our business grow! Please subscribe if the mood strikes. Best, Dan
can we buy a small home in a suburb? we do to want to rent a city condo
You may know that I don't recommend buying real estate until you have lived somewhere a few years. I also recommend exploring several countries before picking your favorite. Additionally, Malaysia has a minimum purchase price requirement for foreigners so all the more affordable property remains available to Malaysians. Last time I checked that was about $250,000 USD minimum price for foreigners. Here are some videos on the subject:
1. vagabondbuddha.com/why-retired-expats-should-not-buy-real-estate-overseas/
2. vagabondbuddha.com/why-you-should-not-get-a-retirement-visa/
3. vagabondbuddha.com/top-10-mistakes-international-retirees-make/
Best of luck,
Dan
@@VagabondAwake most states min RM1 mio ..Selangor min 2 mio !
Is there a lot of condos near the beach to rent?
For beach lovers I suggest Batu Ferringhi Penang. :-)
@@VagabondAwake appreciate the heads up!!! Great channel and information!
she's a cutie, you're a lucky guy
She has great character also. Thanks for commenting. It helps our business grow. Best, Dan
Sir, what is the visa income requirement for Malaysia?
Here is more information about it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_My_Second_Home
But I recommend you don't get it right away. Here is why:
vagabondbuddha.com/why-you-should-not-get-a-retirement-visa/
I can't wait to retire abroad
Are you thinking of immediately settling in one place or exploring the world first?
@@VagabondAwake exploring the world
How would you stay in an appartment ? Can we pay monthly ? Which do you recommend ?
Just start by staying in the airbnb apartment we did. During that first month, get to know the island and pick you neighborhood. Then walk that neighborhood looking for rent signs. You should be able to get a better deal for a long term rental than week to week or month to month, but only if you are standing face to face with the landlord.
You need to pay one month deposit, and you can rent monthly. Relatively cheap rent. You can get nice 3 bedroom apartment for just 700rm per month. Does not include utility fees and internet.
@@VagabondAwake which address can you recommend ? We are pension from the Netherland. Try to look for one which suitable for European. Thanks.
@@cordrine what would I do with 3 bedrooms?
@@Angie.Globetrotter u can have guest over! Or family.
great place to live and you CAN work 2 things for long term stay guys especially you have 24 hrs to get through so what are you going to do all day stay away from G Town as rents + prices are rising fast now all the inns are getting reno'ed Be careful where your condo faces with all those lovely glass window/glasshouse views if you want to rent or buy one
Malaysia isnt the cheapest option but definitely has the best food is safest great medical and easiest rules to stay (cf Thailand with the new getting us slowly removed plan)
Unlike the neighbours Malaysia is visa friendly and you can come/go for 3 months visa couple of years at least (go to Bkk one day + return) MM2nd Home is only for well heeled farangs most of us prob dont have enough monthly retirement income for this one
last little warning Malaysia is NOT gay friendly especially east coast Treng and Kelantan
Thanks for commenting Nik. It is great to have experienced people saher what they have learned. I love how I only need to do a boarder run once every three month in Malaysia. In that way, it is a little like Mexico for Americans. We can stay in Mexico for 6 months without doing a border run. Yes, Gay friendly is more of a western concept. In many other parts of the world you have to appear platonic in public.
@@VagabondAwake have you ever experienced what happens, when you have an overstay? If not, you are lucky. They get really nasty. One time I was sick on Tioman Island, really bad stomach, vomiting and diarrhea, lasting for one week. I could not go on the ferry for 2 hours and the bus to KL for 7 in this state, so I finally had one day overstay. I went to the doctor on Tioman and he wrote a Medical certificate for me, in Malay, to confirm I was really sick and not able to travel. And got me a lot of medication to "plug me up". So I arrived at KLIA airport to buy a new flight to Bangkok, unluckily at a Friday evening, and they did not let me go. Said, I have to sort this matter out with the immigration office in Putrajaya. Which was closed of course until Monday. And so I had 4 days overstay. At this office it took me hours to line up and whatever until I got someone to speak to. He almost refused to read the letter from the doc, then he refused to talk to me any more and sent me to a young woman, I think she was very inexperienced and followed the laws literally. nothing to discuss, I had overstayed 4 days, whatever reasons don't matter. They forced me to buy a flight to my home country! I don't have anything there! This was a very expensive detour. And then it happened again, 3 years later. this time it was 1 day again, I went to Singapore, they gave me an hour of interview on the border, the guy said, for me it's now only 80 days instead of 90 in the future, show me that law. He threatened me with prison terms! And after 2 months in Singapore, when I went back, with the night bus to Penang, they took me in again, and questioned me for 1 hour. The bus was long gone, it was after 1 am, and I stood there alone on the street. I was lucky enough to get another bus at that time, the border is a different one, not Woodlands, it is literally in the middle of nowhere, there was not one single person there except of me. So the quintessence of this long story: be very, very careful not to overstay, and not in any country in SE-Asia.
Please tell me what bank pays 6%. 😁. Enjoy your videos
I recommend keeping your money in your home country bank.
Lot's of foreign banks pay high interest rates but those high rates represent higher risks in my opinion. In the US at least your money in a bank is insured by the federal government up to $100,000 (maybe more now. I haven't checked in years)
@@VagabondAwake agree
Where are lik ke and notes? Can you even see them on a phone?
Here is how to read them on your phone: th-cam.com/video/NiWiZeWmo-s/w-d-xo.html
sweeling I will come penang
You'll love it.
@@VagabondAwake I fall in love penang girls
You look and even sound a great deal like General Michael Flynn !!! Lol
I don't recall his voice. Maybe I can find him online?
Uh, where did you find any bank paying 6% these days?
Did I say "Banks pay 6%" in this video somewhere? Thanks for watching our videos and thanks for commenting that helps our business grow! Best, Dan
🙏
Thanks Tony!
How much for Scooter Rent per month?
I use Uber in Malaysia. It is cheap and safe. I have never tried renting a Scooter in Malaysia. I only rent scooters in the wild wild east: Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines.
What about health insurance ?
They have it and it is like 70 to 80% cheaper than the USA.
Cheap for foreigners , while Penangnites can't afford a home there , or forced to dwell in birds nests . Is the state government serving foreigners or Penangnites ?
Try Kelantan
You raise a good question. But one I am not qualified to answer. Maybe ask local politicians?
Love Penang
Me too.
you must include the laws of visas
Its 3 months for free for Americans. No questions asked. Do a Vis arun and they stamp you again no questions asked.
@@VagabondAwake after 3 month expire how i can renew visa to stay longer ?
Put away the script and just talk.
Thanks for the constructive criticism Jeff.
Is knowledge of Malay needed to live here?
I don't know a single word of Malay and people are able to help me even before I met Qiang.
I would say No, but after a few days u would be able to order food in Malay - kopi ais (iced coffee) & teh ais (iced tea)
I was just in malasia, and they have some hot ass women there. Well worth seeing
Malaysia is a lovely country. The people are very nice. Glad you enjoyed yourself! :-)
hot ass women in head scarfs?