Batu Ferringhi Beach in Penang, Malaysia

What do expats find most challenging?

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We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Malaysia. They wrote...

"Driving here is tough because a person has to worry about other drivers using half on your lane, not signaling and the motorcycles. Smallest road are full holes that can easily damage the tires. I came from Minnesota so the hot weather needs getting use to," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Malaysia.

"Expats in Malaysia often find it challenging to adjust to the conservative nature of the culture, with strict rules surrounding appropriate attire and behavior. Many also find it difficult to adapt to the difficultly of navigating the language barrier, as English is not the primary language of Malaysia, and the languages spoken vary regionally. Additionally, expats unfamiliar with the local customs often find it difficult to navigate the cultural nuances and subtleties, which can be attributed to Malaysia's multi-cultural society," commented one expat who made the move to Malaysia.

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With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.
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Other Questions:

What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Malaysia, newcomers to Malaysia would love to hear your answer to this question.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of InternationalTravel.ai and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
VRBO Vacation Rentals

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
Learn More

VRBO Vacation RentalsVRBO Vacation Rentals

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
Learn More

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