Are we a bit mad to chuck up our home lives, sell up, move lock, stock and barrel to another country which is so different to what we are so used to??

What is the worst that can happen? What is the best?

How do you convince your partner who doesn't share your enthusiasm to participate in this adventure?

If it's a permanent move intended then that's tough for a partner who doesn't have the enthusiasm. I don't think there is an easy answer there.

Had another chat with Mr redbean who appears to be ok with MM2H visa but not ok to buying a property in Malaysia. Talk about that guy changing his mind so back to submitting an application for MM2H.

I do declare that some days it is just too difficult to make up one's mind as to when to get out of bed.

When I managed to do that, then it is what to have for breakky

And the more difficult decision, should it be pilates today or yoga. Life can be so bloody wonderful when you retire.

Yes retirement is like that sometimes, right?

Back on topic... ahem... whilst I wouldn't wish to put anyone off doing MM2H, you may want to consider whether it is worth it. If Penang is your choice and for living full time there and buying a property, definite advantage in having MM2H as you can buy at the lower rate. But if you're now talking about renting.... well I don't think you necessarily need to be on MM2H. I guess depends if you are going to be there full time (no travels) or going travelling and/or regular visits back to "home" country. Just a thought.

Hello bakedbean

Apologies for not responding to your sound advice, been busy with a few things and what with Christmas just around the corner, well it is enough to want to tear my hair out..........wondering if we should have christmas lunch in or out?

Personally, I would like to have it out but couldn't bear to pay the enormous cost of lunching out on Christmas day.

Revisited the issue of renting vs buying and it appears that Mr redbean is ok with buying but only if we can buy property just a tad above RM250k but is it possible to buy a property in Penang for just a tad above RM250k especially as I have been told that the prices have sky rocketed in Penang???

This is just my personal view but I think you might if you look around... and haggle. The market has gone up for sure but there is so much trouble out there in the world - the Euro looks distinctly dodgy at the moment. Redbean, think of all those European expats with properties, and maybe they're finding it difficult with the exchange rates now. What if the Euro collapses? Some reckon it might.