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George Town, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#528
,
Nomad Score:
74%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | George Town, the capital city of the state of Penang, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant street food scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD. ATMs are widely available, and major cards are accepted at most locations. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Maxis, Celcom, and Digi with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Maybank and CIMB widely cater to expats; online banking is available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, guesthouses, and homestays; Airbnb is very popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely and mobile payments through GrabPay and Boost are commonplace. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local hotel-style apartments. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel suggestions: Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel, and The Backpackers Traveller. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Georgetown Heritage Zone, known for its street art and local cuisine. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Little India and Georgetown, both offer coworking spaces and vibrant local culture. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-labs @ UCG and Common Ground, well-equipped with high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Mugshot Cafe is popular among remote workers for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetups and creative workshops are regularly organized at The Seed. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events hosted by Penang Expats on Facebook; community gatherings are frequent. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in George Town. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available with services like Bike Rental Penang and Vespa rental shops across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Batu Ferringhi Beach, approximately 30 minutes by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Firefly; regional flights to nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer various international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected through North-South Expressway (E1). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Penang Sentral is the main transport terminal for buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Penang Hop-On Hop-Off buses cater to tourists, and local buses are widely used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries are available for travel to nearby islands and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Penang General Hospital provides healthcare services 24/7. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga teacher training and classes at The Yoga House, nearby. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness First offer memberships in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Laundry Bar are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are the go-to options for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Char Kway Teow and Penang Laksa are must-try dishes in the area. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Love Earth serves up a variety of delicious vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chendol stalls found throughout Georgetown offer refreshing treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Komtar Walk and Street Markets in Chinatown provide budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like Lazada and Shopee are popular in Malaysia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Jaya Grocer offer online orders and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Upper Penang Road is known for its vibrant nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Penang Craft Beer is a local favorite with several pubs. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop in Georgetown offers various selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is popular for diverse street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | MK Restaurant serves excellent Chinese barbeque. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Khoo Kongsi are historical landmarks worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Penang Peranakan Museum showcases local culture and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Cornwallis is the main historical fort and landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | George Town Festival showcases arts and culture every August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Little India and Armenian Street are rich in culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | PenangPAC hosts various cultural events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Batu Ferringhi Night Market is excellent for local crafts and street food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like The Canteen at China's House are popular for entertainment. |
| 🎨 Street Art | George Town is famous for its street art which you can explore on foot. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Class Penang offers local cuisine cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hin Bus Depot is a creative space with rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many heritage buildings, including the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, add charm to the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Penang's local heritage is marked by its mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Penang National Park is a range of scenic trails and beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Penang National Park is about 30 mins from the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Esplanade Promenade is great for cycling and walking along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Penang Hill provides stunning views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Penang National Park is a haven for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Batu Ferringhi beach allows bonfire gatherings in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia for shipping and delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech vendors in Komtar center offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Penang State Library is a great place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Perak Road Community Center hosts various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming spots are found at Penang Plaza. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in George Town, but a few nearby resorts offer gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 5,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 270,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 6,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 480,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 5,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No tax on dividends for resident individuals. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only income sourced in Malaysia is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28% |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% GST applied to most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates range from 4% to 6%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1%-4% depending on the property price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on income earned outside Malaysia for non-residents. |