After spending over three years living and working remotely in Malaysia, I have learned countless lessons that I wish someone had shared with me from the start. This guide compiles my personal experiences and practical advice for fellow digital nomads considering Malaysia as their base.
Malaysia is not just a convenient stopover. It is a destination that can become a long-term home. The combination of affordable living, excellent infrastructure, and welcoming culture makes it one of Southeast Asia's most underrated spots for remote workers.
Visa Information
Understanding your visa options is crucial for planning your stay in Malaysia:
Tourist Visa
90 DaysMost nationalities receive visa-free entry for 90 days. This includes citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Australia, and many others.
Key Points:
- No pre-approval required for most nationalities
- Technically not allowed for work, but remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated
- Can be extended at Immigration offices (not guaranteed)
- Border runs to Singapore or Thailand are common for resets
DE Rantau Nomad Pass
12 MonthsMalaysia's official digital nomad visa launched in 2022. This is the legal way to work remotely while living in Malaysia.
Requirements:
- Minimum annual income of USD 24,000
- Proof of employment or freelance work
- Health insurance coverage
- Clean criminal record
Benefits:
- Legal status for remote work
- 12-month stay with renewal option
- Dependents can be included
- Access to DE Rantau hub benefits
MM2H
5-10 YearsMalaysia My Second Home is a long-term residence program. Requirements have become stricter, but it is still an option for those who qualify.
Requirements (2026):
- Fixed deposit of RM 500,000 to RM 1,000,000
- Offshore income of RM 40,000/month
- Property purchase requirements vary
Personal Recommendation
If you plan to stay more than 90 days and meet the income requirements, the DE Rantau pass is worth applying for. It removes the stress of border runs and gives you peace of mind about your legal status.
Cost of Living Breakdown
One of Malaysia's biggest draws is its affordability. Here is what you can expect to spend:
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Other Expenses
Monthly Budget Examples
Budget
RM 3,000 - 4,000Shared accommodation, local food, public transport, minimal eating out
Comfortable
RM 5,000 - 7,000Private studio, mix of local and restaurant food, occasional Grab, coworking membership
Premium
RM 8,000 - 12,000Nice condo, regular dining out, premium coworking, gym, weekend trips
Banking and Money
Managing money in Malaysia as a foreigner requires some planning:
Getting Cash
- ATMs: Widely available. Maybank ATMs typically offer the best exchange rates
- Withdrawal fees: Most Malaysian ATMs charge RM 10-12 for foreign cards
- Cash is still king: Many hawker stalls and small shops are cash-only
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a Malaysian bank account as a tourist is difficult but not impossible:
- Requirements vary: Most banks require a work permit or MM2H visa
- DE Rantau holders: Can open accounts at participating banks
- Alternative: Some digital banks like BigPay offer limited accounts to tourists
Recommended Cards to Bring
- Wise (TransferWise) card: Excellent exchange rates, low fees
- Revolut: Good backup option with free ATM withdrawals
- No-fee credit card: For larger purchases and emergencies
E-Wallets
Malaysia has embraced cashless payments:
- Touch n Go eWallet: Most widely accepted, can be topped up with foreign cards
- GrabPay: Works if you have the Grab app for rides
- Boost: Popular at smaller shops and restaurants
Healthcare
Malaysia has excellent healthcare facilities, especially in major cities:
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals offer high-quality care at reasonable prices compared to Western countries:
- General practitioner visit: RM 50-100
- Specialist consultation: RM 150-300
- Emergency room visit: RM 200-500
Recommended hospitals: Gleneagles, Pantai Hospital, Prince Court Medical Centre
Insurance
Health insurance is essential. Options include:
- SafetyWing: Popular among nomads, covers remote work globally
- World Nomads: Good for adventure activities
- Local insurance: Available if you have a long-term visa
Pharmacies
Well-stocked pharmacies are everywhere. Guardian and Watsons are the main chains. Many medications available prescription-only in Western countries can be bought over the counter here.
Local Culture and Etiquette
Malaysia is a multicultural society with Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. Understanding local customs will enrich your experience:
Religious Sensitivity
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country. During Ramadan, be respectful about eating in public. When visiting mosques, dress modestly and remove shoes. Many restaurants serve halal food by default.
Greeting Customs
Handshakes are common in business settings. Some Muslims may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender. A slight nod with hand over heart is a respectful alternative.
Shoe Etiquette
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional businesses. If in doubt, look for shoes at the entrance.
Pointing and Gestures
Use your right hand or thumb to point, not your index finger. The left hand is considered unclean in Malay culture.
Food Culture
Food is central to Malaysian life. Accepting food when offered is polite. The local greeting of "Sudah makan?" (Have you eaten?) reflects this importance.
Daily Life Tips
Weather
Hot and humid year-round (28-35C). Rain is common, especially in the afternoon. Carry an umbrella or rain jacket. Air conditioning is your friend.
Time Zone
GMT+8. Good overlap with Australia, some overlap with Europe morning. US clients mean late night calls. Plan your schedule accordingly.
Shopping
Major malls everywhere with Western brands. IKEA, Uniqlo, H and M all available. Local markets offer cheaper options for clothes and household items.
Power
Type G plugs (UK-style, three-pin). Voltage is 240V. Bring adapters if coming from US/Europe. Most electronics handle dual voltage.
Language
English widely spoken, especially in cities. Bahasa Malaysia is the national language. Learning basic phrases is appreciated but not essential.
Getting Around
Grab is the main ride-hailing app (Uber is not available). KL has excellent public transport. Other cities are more car-dependent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Testing Internet Before Long Stays
I made this mistake early on. Signed a 6-month lease for an apartment with terrible WiFi. Now I always book short-term first to verify connectivity.
Underestimating Traffic
KL traffic can be brutal. A 10km trip can take an hour during peak times. Use public transport or plan meetings around rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm).
Ignoring Air Conditioning Costs
Running AC 24/7 can add RM 200-400 to your electricity bill. Many nomads are shocked by their first utility bill. Use fans and AC strategically.
Not Having Cash
Despite growing digital payments, many hawker stalls and small shops only accept cash. Always carry some ringgit for food and small purchases.
Overpacking
Everything you need is available in Malaysia, often cheaper. Pack light and buy what you need locally. Malls are everywhere with all major brands.
