Hi Tumbleweeds,

Thanks for the link to MM2H. I did find out I could take a portion of the money out [40% or RM60,000] of the RM 150,000 to buy a property but only after one year. I need to read more about buying property without the MM2H visa. There are many advantages to the MM2H visa but it might be prudent to spend a year there first to see if it’s where I would be happy. One thing I do worry about in any foreign country is intellectual stimulation. Another would be to see if I could possibly start up a business which would contribute to the economy and employ at least some Malaysians. The government might have other ideas but it’s worth pursuing. I guess one “job” [if allowed] would be to buy a plot of land and build. If it sold move on and build another. If it didn’t sell - move in! I think that would be allowed. I read somewhere you could own up to two properties - I don’t know if that’s the maximum. More reading…. I like the idea I can live there for 90 days at a time. In the Philippines its 21 days which can be extended but a hassle. In Thailand it’s 30 days but again you can extend. I can see a car would almost be a necessity. They do have a generous plan regarding a car with the MM2H visa but not sure if I could afford one.

Skype at $0.02/minute sounds cheap but a Magic Jack [assuming the 3G or 4G would support it] would be far cheaper. Including the device MJ is $40. But includes one year of free unlimited service to anywhere in the US or Canada. MagicJack calls “to” Malaysia are $0.02 or $0.05 for cellular calls so it might even be cost effective to just use a MagicJack if your Internet service is robust enough to allow it. So far Malaysia is looking pretty attractive and at the top of my list of places to more to and retire. Thanks a lot for your information!

Serendipity2