Many homeowners wonder if they made the right decision when moving to a new home. However, these second thoughts can be more intense and invasive when relocating to a foreign country.
Considering a move to Asia can be particularly nervewracking too. It can seem like an entirely different way of life where all expectations can be nullified. However, some expectations are worth having, and they can give you greater confidence if you desire to make this move.
What are the things you should know before moving to Asia? You can find out for yourself after the jump.
Malaysia is Best for Buying
Many places in Asia are worth living in. When it comes to purchasing a property, though, the list of viable locations is much narrower.
It is almost impossible to own a property freehold as a foreigner in many parts of Asia. Owning a condo unit is also often disallowed, and purchasing agricultural land can be trickier.
However, some exceptions can be found in Malaysia, which has been a popular expat destination for nearly sixty years now. Start your property search on insightful property portals where you will find excellent coastal miri houses for sale in abundance. Look for any residential property you desire with PropertyGuru, from condos to bungalows. You can also make further enquiries about buying a property in Malaysia as a foreigner.
It is good to have realistic expectations of what properties are available and focus your search on a foreigner-friendly area. By looking to buy in Malaysia, you can make steady progress and have more faith in what you are doing and experience fewer setbacks.
Learning the Language is Optional
It is a good idea to learn the language of any foreign country you are moving to. Even picking up snippets of a conversation can make your life a little easier.
However, there is not as much pressure to do this in certain areas of Asia. Once again, Malaysia is a good example of this; all road signs are in English and Malay. You can navigate the roads with total confidence, which can make an enormous difference in terms of how well you both settle and explore.
It is safe to assume that many people in Asia will speak English as a second language. Therefore, it might be that you can assimilate into your new lifestyle a little faster than you would elsewhere.
That is not to say that you should not learn the relevant languages. It can be an enriching process and will undoubtedly be worth learning in your own time. The main benefit is that there is no immense pressure to be competent on arrival in certain areas, and that’s worth valuing.
The Cost of Living Can be Low
Asia is perhaps not thought of as being a cheap place to live in general. Cities like Tokyo and Shanghai often top rankings of expensive cities to live in, too.
However, Malaysia is once again a standout territory regarding the cost of living. In fact, Forbes ranked it at no.7 on their ‘10 Places So Cheap You Might Be Able To Stop Working’ listicle. Freeing up your spending is an amazing reason to move anywhere, potentially giving you a better quality of life long-term.
There is also the case that moving anywhere can be a huge financial undertaking. Knowing that you have a better shot of balancing your books financially post-move may help you feel better about the entire process. It is becoming increasingly important to be frugal in the U.S. as prices for all sorts of commodities steadily rise, so a low cost of living will undoubtedly be refreshing.
Great Healthcare is Available
When most people move house, their thoughts are often consumed by property designs and prices, nearby amenities, and the amount of space or rooms they need. However, it is good to think about a country’s infrastructure when moving abroad, especially in Asia.
Significant strides are being made in healthcare in Asia. Late into 2021, more than 50 robots were working in Singapore’s high-tech hospitals. Considering that there could be a global shortage of 18 million health workers by 2030, these developments are crucial. The spread of the coronavirus could also make robots a more viable healthcare solution too.
Of course, progress like that can also give you peace of mind. If you have a family in tow, knowing that they are likely to receive optimum healthcare can be a huge relief. Countries like Malaysia also provide universal healthcare for their citizens, so there are obvious perks there compared to the U.S. healthcare system. You would likely never look back and experience significantly less stress.
Conclusion
By now, you may have noticed that one Asian territory is repeatedly named throughout this article; Malaysia. Your move overseas needs to be done with precision, and your target should likely be Malaysia if your heart is set on Asia. A rich and fulfilling life could await you as you enjoy access to affordable properties, a low cost of living, and universal healthcare.