Malaysian Moving Back to KL

Welcome to Malaysia.

You can live in Subang Jaya and rent one of those Soho units which are small two story apartments that can be really good for use as a home and small office.  Yes file for local Malaysian Income Taxis probably a good thing to do  especially when it comes to opening bank accounts and applying for credit cards. If you budget permits, you could live in Bangsar South, actually anywhere in Malaysia depending on your budget. These days train stations are all over the place.

Of course if you wanted to be more central, well there are cheaper apartments in Bukit Bintang.

About employment, apply for a job with Airasia or list your self with a job employment service.

I would suggest flat sharing initially, because it is flexible and social. Not knowing where you need to live that is convenient for your future work location, suggests waiting before putting down firmer roots.

For socialising, joining Internations.org just as a basic member (don't pay a membership fee) would enable you to attend the public functions to meet people. You may also find accommodation through their Forum. There are also Mingles arranged by The Expat Group (TEG). However most expat-related events take place close to KLCC/Bangsar.

What sounds a bit concerning is the 6 months freelancing period. It may stop you getting on with your life in Malaysia if not carefully managed.

@abdulkhalil

Thanks for the response. Much appreciated. I will look into the apartment buildings that you mentioned.

With regards to the income tax - I think it might just be easier if I got to LHDN and ask for guidance.

@gravitas

Thanks for the response and the advice on flat-sharing and Internations.org.

6-months of freelancing really wasn't the ideal situation, but I've worked with the firm for so long and it will take some time for them to find a replacement for me. I plan on using that time to secure a new opportunity.

I would discourage you from living in Subang Jaya and choose something nearer KLCC such as Bangsar South (new Gateway area), as suggested above. SJ is too far away and too different from NYC. I think it may cause some culture shock to start in that suburban location.

However, you write rather like a Muslim woman (only guessing) and another consideration might be an area with best facilities for you (e.g. Alamanda area - Putrajaya). If my assumption is correct, then I would have to suggest Shah Alam too.

@gravitas

You are correct in your assumption (and also impressed by how you gleaned that from just my writing in a forum...) however Putrajaya and Shah Alam are a little out my scene. I've looked into KLCC and Damansara area and am leaning towards Damansara for the large expat community.

Different question - is it easy to transfer money from Malaysia to the US?

Thanks!

The "expat" scene is very different from how it was 2-3 years ago because of the demise of the oil and gas industry plus other changes here.

If you join internations. org (basic membership only) you can see who are the current expats by viewing who signs up for the public events.

It is possible to open a USD account in Malaysia and exchange RM then transfer direct to the  US. But usually it will have to be done over the counter and not online. Trying to send RM online to an offshore USD account is more tricky and charges plus exchange rate eats into the value. I know that Maybank does have a transfer system online. Otherwise, people use various transfer companies here, to make cash movements. Their rates can be better.

Hi,  if u like to retain the city life, I will suggest klcc.
If u want apartment with good facilities that will be Mont kiara.
If u want places with a lot of greens, that will be desa parkcity.
These 3 places mentioned above has the most expatriates community in Kuala Lumpur,  depends on which environment do u like. Maybe u can drop me an email at ** I can send u more info about those places.
But for 6 mths rental, owners at Mont kiara and klcc might be more open for it

You might want to check out: https://rep.talentcorp.com.my/
Returning Expert Programme by TALENTCORP, you may set an appointment or contact them and seek advise from them as well

There's a lot of condo for rental which near to LRT / MRT in Kuala Lumpur.
I don't think you should worry about where to stay.

But regarding LHDN, the source of income derived from oversea are subject to tax in Malaysia if you going to stay in Malaysia. But the tax rate depends on your residential status. Feel free to ask me if you face any problem. I previously worked in Audit & Tax field.