​Questions expats and foreigners frequently asked about living in Penang Malaysia. 

​I am looking to purchase a property in Penang Island. What is the best location for me?. 
It all depends on what you want to do in Penang and where you want to live in Penang. If you want to retire or use as a holiday home, the popular location for expatriates is in the coastal areas of Batu Ferringhi or Tanjung Bungah near the sea, but if you prefer to be near town area, then Seri Tanjung Pinang, Pulau Tikus, Gurney Drive and Georgetown are prime locations. Gelugor is the fast emerging metropolitan enclave of the eastern coastline & Bayan Baru township is preferred by those who work in the Bayan Lepas FIZ area which is near the Penang Bridge, airport and with easy access to Butterworth mainland. 

I don’t speak the local languages, how can I get around?. 
If you speak English, you will be able to do everything you want without trouble. When two locals with different mother tongues meet, it’s common for them to speak in English. In Malaysia, most people in town speaks English. 

Is it safe to walk on the streets?. 
Definitely yes. Malaysia is a very safe country with little violent crime and what there is, is never directed at tourists. The most you can fear are snatch-thieves. There are lots of tourist and many expats who walks in confidence in the streets of Penang, so it should be OK for you lah. 

Are there neighborhoods I should avoid?. 
No. There are absolutely no “dangerous” or “bad” neighborhoods in Penang. We have fashionable neighborhoods and less fashionable ones like everywhere else in the world, but none are dangerous. 

What is the difference between an apartment, a condo or a flat?. 
In Malaysia, apartment and condo are the same meaning. Most condos or apartments will have condominium facilities and security fencing. Flats generally means medium cost flat and does not have the facilities. 

Can I resell my property to a foreigner or must I sell to a local?. 
You can resell your property to anyone who has the money to buy. That means to any local citizen or to another foreigner who fulfills the necessary requirements. Under the state consent guideline, you have to keep the property for 5 years after which you can sell it off. 

What is the cost of living like in Malaysia Penang?.  Penang has good high living standards, yet maintains cheap cost of living. The cost of living in Penang is low as compared to UK or elsewhere. A couple with no mortgage could easily eat out regularly. A good meal in a nice restaurant in Penang for a couple is about RM80.00 (USD25.00) and for street hawker food is about RM40.00 (USD10.00) for a couple. 

​Penang is best known for the many local famous delicious street hawker food. Penang Island, a contemporary metropolis with modern amenities and simple small town friendliness, offering the best of both worlds. This certainly makes any pension or monies you receive go further. Penang has it all. 

What is the medical cost like in Penang Malaysia?.  A visit to the doctor for flu or cold (consultation with medication) would be RM80 (USD20.00 ) and a visit to the dentist for filling a tooth would be RM280 (USD60.00) approximately. Malaysia is currently ranked among the world’s top health tourism destinations thanks to its affordable, high quality medical treatment, with over 60% of health tourists making Penang their preferred destination. 

What is the cost of utilities for water and electric in Malaysia?. 
In Malaysia, cost of water is so cheap it may not be worth mentioning, approximately RM40.00 (ringits) or USD10.00 per month for a household family of three and electric bills would be approximately RM200.00 or USD50.00 per month for a normal household. 

Is modern amenities easily available?. 
Fast broadband internet, 24 hours Cable TV, WIFI are readily available. Food is fabulous and cheap. Penang, a contemporary metropolis with modern amenities and simple small town friendliness, offering the best of both worlds while retaining its old-world flavour. 

​Discover the rich diversity of Penang – just a great place to enjoy life after retirement or for long term holiday vacation. ​About Penang Island. 

How is the climate and average temperature in Malaysia?. 
The Malaysian climate is sunny and warm throughout the year at 24o to 33o Celsius ( between 75°F and 85°F). Nights are slightly cooler and rainfall is quite evenly distributed throughout the year, with more rain from August to October. 

Can I keep pets dog in my condominium?. 
The By-laws of the Strata Title Act state that a parcel proprietor is not allowed to keep any animal in his parcel or on the common property which may cause annoyance to any other proprietor. 

Please Note: In Penang, high-rise apartment “condo rules” do not allow pets dog, cat, etc. If you have a family pet, you need to check with the management agent for dog-friendly apartment before signing the agreement. If there are compliants, you will have to relocate your pet, so it is advisable to look consider a landed residential house. 

Info for foreigners property purchaser : Requirement by Penang state consent. Foreigners or non-malaysian will only be allowed to buy condo priced above RM1 million and for landed properties price RM3 million and above. News link Penang increases minimum price to RM3 million for foreigners. However, MM2H participants can buy up to 2 units below RM500,000 with good reason & letter of support from the Tourism Ministry. Learn more Malaysia my second home program. 

For foreign purchaser, the buyer will need to apply Penang state consent and pay 3% levy fee based on the purchase price after signing the sales and purchase agreement. It normally takes approximately 8 weeks for the approval consent. Guide to buying property in Malaysia. 

“If you cannot live well on what you earn, then live where you spend less! You could move to a country where your money buys more and you can live cheaper and better and thereafter!” ~ retire-asia.com. 

” I am born in Penang. If I was not born here, i would probably consider moving to Penang 🙂 ”  ~ Desmond Cheang ( Real estate manager).