Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Any regrets to those that have taken the plunge on gone for the Malaysian retirement visa? I mean do you feel Malaysia is the place for you to live out the rest of your life?


Or perhaps just for a period of time then move back to original homeland or even another country in the western world? Spain or Cyprus or Malta or Portugal or The Sussex Coast or Tasmania even for example?


Are you enjoying life in Malaysia? That means Penang for most folk, I expect.


Does after the initial sense of excitement and expectation the reality wear a little thin and other considerations come into focus?


Would a neighbouring country like Thailand or Indonesia entice interest in moving to? Does Penang not feel a little too closterphobic after time?

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Those are a large number of big questions in one post. I think that the answers will be different for each person.

I live in Penang since about 1.5 years and like it here. My daily life is as I imagined before moving here. However, in your view might 1.5 years not yet be long enough to qualify as "having settled". It might be a too short period to make any predictions on the longer term future.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

I like it so much after 4 years that I've just signed a purchase agreement for a penthouse. Renting is a better bet financially but rental places are nearly all furnished and I'm fed up living with other people's stuff :thumbdown:

The social scene is great in Penang, I have met so many really nice people and there is a big pond of expats, so it's not hard to find people you genuinely like.

Having said that, I'm not sure I could live here all year round, at the moment (out of necessity) it's 3 or 4 long trips per year but snowbirding could be the best solution.

Are you still thinking of retiring to Penang, Troubador?

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Answers in Blue. I have been in Penang just over 7 years now.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Show off.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

So says the gallivanting merry widow with enormous

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Cheeky bugger ;)

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

My view, and I think this partly reflects your feelings BakedBean, is "home is where the heart is". As my wife, younger son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandchildren are in Sabah, that is where I will stay, it is quite pleasant apart from the incescent heat (I am promised I can escape to Japan for a month every year to enjoy the cool Autumn). If ever anything happened to my wife and my son and his family return to UK, then I would follow them and follow "Plan B" which is to rent, then buy a narrow boat and potter around for my remaining days.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Thanks for reply. Interesting as I believe you exchanged abodes from France to reside in Malaysia. (Both countries I have lived in previously)


It is reassuring somewhat to read your comments on the Penang social scene. Something I found required hard work in France and in certain respects even, oddly, more so here in Australia.


The year round thing I suspect may well pose a problem in my case as well. For that reason we would certainly maintain options to be able to take respite in both Australia and Europe.


Yes we are considering the Malaysia option. It's a country I have always been endeared to, if not always 'plain sailing' while living there.


I have of course been to Penang numerous times, but never lived there. On last return there I was amazed how built up Batu Feringhi had become. Recalling the early eighties and before, rather horrifyingly so.
Also how the 'vibe' appeared to have diminished in the centre.


Saying that there probably isn't too many other suitable options in Malaysia in reality available with anywhere near the 'ease' that appears to avail itself outside the Penang option.


I certainly would not live in KL again and although Melaka was where I lived in the past, it perhaps would not be a retirement consideration.


Yes I enjoy Malaysia and its people. Although have looked at other options, Malta for example, as well as Portugal, France and Germany for various reasons, Malaysia keeps popping up.


Time for a return visit for sure.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Funny you say that. I looked at the narrow boat option as well. Love the idea of pottering about on the canals. Only experience though is a short time on Norfolk Broads and a largely disastrous time living on a houseboat on the Thames at Twickenham. Partner not as keen though.


Agree with your sentiment 'home is where the heart is'. There is no substitution being around those we care for and care for us regardless of whatever low key existential crisis sometimes at play below the surface.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Thanks for reply. We indeed do change with changing circumstances. I cannot really imagine how it must be being widowed in Penang.
I suspect rather different from a male perspective considering that part of the world and so on. Or maybe not.


I suspect all being equal I would be more inclined for a Med location. The Brexit situation, with changes to health care cost and even residential legalities not to mention a somewhat drab four months of the year.....turns it back towards an Asian location. Malaysia in my case, is a locality where feel, generally far more at home than a country like Cambodia, when I know people that live there and appear to love it. Even Thailand has very limited appeal and Bali not at all.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Of course time will tell. But one and a half years is fair time to know your mind.


The excessive heat appears the only somewhat off putting factor mentioned to date.


I was wondering if the smog influenced opinion into living feasibility? My understanding is that is something rather relevant for a few months of the year. Something that would definitely likely be a deciding factor in my case.
Thanks for reply though.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Before moving to Penang I used to live in Tokyo. This made me aware of what is called "hot and humid weather". Experiencing the climate in Penang is therefore not a big shock to me. I must have been lucky about the smog: I have experienced a mild bit only, thus far. I have heard the horror-stories but it did not influence our decision to move here.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

If I am reading your post correctly it's not so different these days whether male or female. Let's say... there are the same 'attractions ' available if you want to go down that particular road.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

We're an example of the MM2Hers bakedbean was referring to. We have MM2H but don't live or (at the moment) ever intend to live in Malaysia.

We sold up in Europe and spend our time travelling (2.5 years now) around Asia and currently, Australia . We needed a base and for us the MM2H visa is ideal, foremost because there is no requirement to live in Malaysia. It enables us to open bank accounts, which in turn means we can have a safe deposit box with the bank to leave all our legal documents instead of carting them around with us. We have a Malaysian driving license, a PO Box in KL and we normally go there once or twice a year to check on mail.

So no regrets at all from our side and one day when we settle down - hopefully far in the future and probably on Bali, it'll be easy enough to cancel MM2H and get our money back should we so wish.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

The OP's first question actually says it all...whether one plans to live in Malaysia or, as Fenella says, use it as a base.....the great feature is the MM2H visa itself.
Especially now that it can be applied for as a DIY and thus eliminate agent fees.
All it demands is a Fixed Deposit (FD) in MYR which earns interest, and IMO, can be useful to diversify one's savings portfolio.
I used the MM2H for a number of years as a back-up plan to living in Indonesia but recently, for personal reasons, gave it up and recovered my FD.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

What are the benefits of mm2h if you don't live there, you could just enter on a 3 months tourist visa when needed, and still have Penang as a base?
Bank accounts should be possible to arrange somewhere, can't be the only reason ?

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

You'd be surprised how difficult it is to open accounts without an address. We needed somewhere central for a PO Box and as we fly via KL often, it seemed like the best choice. We don't intend on returning to Europe and having MM2H meant we could import our few meager belongings tax free. - They're in long term storage in KL. It's also the peace of mind that if something goes wrong we have somewhere where we can stay without worrying about visas running out. Always good to have a fall back plan!

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

The benefits of MM2H? I think tax may have something to do with it :p
Three month tourist visas are an alternative, technically speaking, but I think Malaysian immigration could become a problem since real tourists do not keep coming back for 3 months at a time.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Yes,but I meant if you don't live in Malaysia full time.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

I'd say the benefits are not tangible benefits but gives options to those who want to travel around Asia. It provides a base without needing to return to the country of citizenship.
Visas are not always available as countries change immigration laws and apply rules. Just watch any TV series 'Border ???' and see people with visas being banned from entry for all sorts of reasons.
An MM2H is a guarantee, at least for as long as its validity.

i.e. I applied for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, as a retiree, in 1990..that status isn't available today. This prompts me to suggest if there is something desirable and easily availed that doesn't cost much...grab it!

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

For myself some of the reasons are in no particular order:
Tax (I have a documented place of residence to show my country's (and other) authorities)
Nice place to live (Penang)
Cost of living
Cost of medical
More secure than home country
Climate
Tax free shopping when in Europe
Better return on investments (including no tax)
And I feel its more pleasant to be bored with routine life in Penang than in the home country.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

:thumbup:

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Answers in blue
We looked at Malta before Penang and that would most certainly be claustrophobic, but Penang has two bridges to the mainland that can easily be accessed in a short time. Two hours drive will get you to Ipoh or Thailand, four hours will get you to the Cameron Highlands or KL and 6 hours to the East coast with access to some beautiful islands in crystal clear water. Thailand was our first choice but living (or trying to live) in Thailand is very different to visiting as a tourist.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Above post by Neon Hippy is pretty much the conclusion I arrived at regarding certain points. Malta being one example. Good to read other conclusions from a person living there. Not sure how long ago you 'discovered' Penang, myself it was back in the seventies and changes were of some concern. I will certainly be returning for an up to date review of the island.


Likewise Thailand doesn't hold a lot of interest for me. I believe visa legalities are more difficult there. Do folk still do the visa runs to Penang and Cambo and Laos?


Anyway thanks NH for writing on the spot findings to questions posed. Do hope you continue to enjoy life in Palau Penang. The signs are positive.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Funnily enough, there is a Malaysia My Second Home Forum being held here in Perth tomorrow. It's being conducted by the founder of MM2H Club in Hong Kong, but not actually in the city, so not sure if able to attend as it starts at 5 pm.


I don't suppose anyone reading this will be based in Perth or indeed going tomorrow?

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

I have reserved a place for tomorrow in the hope I can make it. I note the take up of the MMM2nd Home is not especially big among Australians.
Figures suggest only some 700 have taken up this visa.


There appears to be a degree of difficulty for those Australians relying purely or mostly on a government pension to live abroad. It would appear to be getting even tougher.


I would have thought the biggest interest, at least in the Australian context, would have come from former RAAF personal, whom were based in Penang for a number of years. I'd have thought a military pension would enable a very satisfactory 'lifestyle' in a place like Penang.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

There's certainly a fair few Aussies in Penang but whether they all have MM2H I really don't know.

I do recall one of my Aussie friends saying something about a problem with Australian authorities if you stay a certain amount of time OUTSIDE Australia. It's a tax thing maybe.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Yes and the problem for many being they keep moving the bar. One had to be in Australia two years prior to claiming a government pension in order to make it transportable, now there is something about more than six weeks outside the country. Hard to clarify detail but if that being the case, I can certainly think of two or three individuals who will be severely brassed off. (Aussie pension being based on need than entitlement) None interested in Malaysia, but Cambodia and Thailand being intended countries to return to.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

There are many Australian retirees living near me in Bali. We use the same sports bar...:nod:
I asked about their pension status and they have not said, once qualified, that they cannot receive their pension. I understand there is an issue about 'time qualifying' when out of Australia.
They also tell me if they have any medical issues they simply return to re-gain their health benefits.
I cannot think it would be any different if living in Malaysia...but would like to hear about OZ pension and medical benefits re: UK and Canada,

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

As it stands one requiring a Aussie pension must be living in Australia two years prior to claiming. One needs to have lived in Australia 35 years from 16 to be able to claim. This was not long ago heavily increased.


If living in a mutual agreement country, only Japan and RoK met that criteria last time I looked in the Asian region but much of Europe (not UK) and I seem to recall North America does have such an agreement then an application can be done in those countries.
This does not apply to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia though. Also the amount paid is less as deemed lower cost living countries.


The latest attack on pensioners and entitlements is those outside the country more than six weeks will find their pension stopped. That would apply to cruisers and people on long breaks......

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

I attended the Perth info MMY2ndH yesterday evening here in Perth. About fifty people in attendance (which amounted to pretty well a full house)


I left slightly early, as the theme was focused a lot on buying property. Something I am in no way interested in doing. (At this time anyway)


I had no idea the same requirements were in place in the amount paid on a property in both Penang and Melaka. I had always thought Penang was by far the most expensive, being the most popular.


Apparently the amount required to be lodged in a bank will rise to 500,000 Malaysian Ringett. (already approved by parliament there)


The requirement of prove of $3,100 (from memory) income a month seems a bit step in comparison with other countries as well.


Australian $700 for private medical insurance plus a month, depending on age, all adds up as well.


At least the presenter was honest in stating "we want your money".


Still we'll be coming over a little later in the year for an on the ground assessment.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Are you saying that Australian Old Age Pensioners can only be 'out of country' a max of 6 weeks to still receive a pension?
I decry the UK for not annually indexing my OAP when they do for UK Pensioners and those living in the EU and USA, as we all paid the same into the fund...but to lose it just because of living in another country seems very harsh.
I suspect if UK did that so many millions would return to UK the system would break-down and the hospitals would overflow.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Nope. Absolutely none at all.

Yes.

I've been other places and they are nice, but none have the balance of cost, weather, language, food, culture and people that Penang has.

Yes.

No, but it does change. The initial excitement dulls into a form of happy contentment once you get into a more regular pace.

I've been to the neighbouring countries and they feel squalid by comparison and the lack/quality of English even in tourist hotspots in Thailand makes me glad to return to Penang. I felt a sense of danger wandering the streets of Koh Samui at night that I've never felt when doing the same at 2AM down Chulia Street or the Upper Penang Road.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

I've been living in Malaysia for about 6yrs now. 1st I was in KL for about 2yrs then moved to Ipoh as it was much less hectic and has everything I need such as hospitals, shopping, cinemas etc. I did think of Penang but cost of living is higher, especially property.also driving in Penang is getting like KL now. The only thing missing in Ipoh is the ocean.

I did not sign up to the MM2H scheme as I didn't like the idea or having to keep half a million ringgit in the bank. ( it is different for other states in Malaysia) I know this money can be put towards a house but I think the minimum house purchase for a foreigner is between 500k and 1 million depending if it is an apartment or landed property.


I live here as a tourist, so I have 3 months. Just before my 3 months is up I drive up to Thailand, park my bike or car on three Malaysian side, walk across the border, have a massage for an hour and then walk back. I have been doing this for my entire stay in Malaysia and have had no problems at immigration.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Be careful though, as since this year there is a limit on the number of "land crossings" you are allowed to do per calendar year. Once you have exceeded that limit will the Malaysian immigration not allow you into the country until the next year.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Really ? How many is that ? As I often comes for just a couple of days.

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

I believe with Thailand it's 2 border crossings per year now. Lucky it's only land crossings so it's still fine while flying. Can get a return ticket to Thailand or Singapore for less than rm500.

Good excuse for a few days break. :)

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

I think it is the Thai immigration which limits annual entries by land.
This has created problems for expats living in Laos or Cambodia who used to pop over to Thailand for shopping and medical.

No limits from the MY immigration, except of course the always prevailing risk of getting caught as a visa runner (I hear from friends that they are tightening up on this, especially at Penang airport)

Re: Are You Happy With Decision To MMM2nd Home?
 

Seeing the other responses am I not sure any longer whether the rule is installed by the Malaysian immigration or by the Thai immigration. Since 2017 is the number of land crossings limited. This limitation does not apply if you are travelling by plane.

Visa runs from Thailand to Penang seem popular due to the presence of the Thai consulate on the island.