Frans Wind

Hi to everone on this board.

I'm a Dutch national and have been offered a longterm job in Malaysia, and was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to offer me some advise?

1. How moderate is Malaysia? I mean is it a European "friendly" country?
2. I would be situated in the capital, is it easy to find an 3 room apartment there, and if yes, what are rent levels like?
3. With a European drivers license, would I be allowed to drive a car there, or would I need (on the long run) to obtain a Malaysian drivers license?
4. What kind of vactinations are required?
5. Would I be allowed to take computers along, or does the Malaysian customs require access to the harddisk?
6. Although not married, I do have a girlfriend, is it allowed to occassionally let her come and stay with me for a few weeks?
7. Is there any website which I could visit that could give me an indication on what I as a non Malaysian am and am not allowed to do?

Sorry for all the questions, I just have hade this offer made to me and need to put on my thinking cap. Thanks in advance.

Frans

viceice

1. We are as moderate as it goes. Alcohol is sold freely, you can buy pork at most delis/markets, we have a casino resort and you can freely worship according to your religion.

2. Yes, and the classified section is too big as it is. Rent in a decent place in and around KL is around 2 - 4K/mo (we pay rent/wages by the month here). Lower in satellite townships (10 - 20 minutes commute, about 1.5K and up)

3. I'm a little fuzzy on this one, but i believe only licenses from countries whose traffic rules are similier are recognised (i.e you drive on the same side of the road etc).

You could just get an international license and be done with it. However, if you wish you can apply for a Malaysian license. You will need to visit the Road Transport Dept. office and do some paperwork and since your country is not on the list of countries whose license is automatically convertable, you will be interviewed and required to submit a letter stating why you need the license.

the RTD website is www.jpj.gov.my

4. From the WHO:

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving within 6 days from yellow fever endemic areas. The countries and areas included in the endemic zones are considered as infected areas.

Malaria: Malaria risk exists only in limited foci in the deep hinterland. Urban and coastal areas are free from malaria. P. falciparum throughout the year. P. falciparum resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine reported.
Recommended prophylaxis in risk areas: mefloquine.

5. Yes you can bring your computer. Nope customs doesn't routinely search peoples hardrives.

6. Yea, just get a social visit visa, it isn't hard.

7. No going out nude (including sunbathing), don't do or traffic drugs (Trafficking is punishable by the MANDATORY death sentance, and yes, that includes pot)... other then that, just use your head and things should be ok. If you're a non-muslim, you are safe from the religious police as you'd be governed by civil law (which is based upon British law). You can drink and party as much as you like, just don't start a fight or something.

Frans Wind

[QUOTE=viceice]1. We are as moderate as it goes. Alcohol is sold freely, you can buy pork at most delis/markets, we have a casino resort and you can freely worship according to your religion.

Goodmorning Viceice,

Thanks for the info, I really do appreciate it. Looking forward to my stay in Malaysia.

Frans

viceice

You are very welcome!

novita77

Nice place to live...

Frans Wind

And one of these days girl, you, your hubby, your childern and me will meet over some fantastic food.