Shah Alam, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#1429
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shah Alam is the capital city of the state of Selangor, Malaysia, known for its beautiful architecture and greenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD; major bank services include Maybank, CIMB, and Public Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; it's recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 240V, 50Hz, and uses Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Digi, Maxis, and Celcom, offering good 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC and Citibank cater well to expatriates. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hotels, and local guesthouses; platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are widely used. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and mobile payments like GrabPay are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local serviced apartment companies are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels and guesthouses are available, such as 7Heavens Boutique Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Setia Alam and Seksyen 13 are popular with tourists for their amenities and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Seksyen 9 and Seksyen 13, with coworking spaces and cafes, are ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Common Ground Shah Alam offers modern amenities and is a hub for freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Brew House provides a comfortable working environment with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are organized by local expat groups; Facebook groups are a good source to find them. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social groups typically gather at local breweries or cafes; the Shah Alam Expat Community Facebook group is active. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular and efficient ride-sharing app in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rental services can be found in parks and tourist areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pantai Remis is about an hour's drive away, making it a good beach getaway. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | AirAsia services major regional destinations from nearby Subang Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines operates flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the nearest major airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Shah Alam is connected to major highways like the Federal Highway and the NKVE. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Subang Jaya train station serves as a transit hub for the KTM Komuter. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Touch 'n Go cards are used for public transport, which can be loaded at stations. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to Kuala Lumpur and other cities; KTM and rapidKL are the main operators. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | KPJ Shah Alam Specialist Medical Centre provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bamboo Yoga Studio offers a variety of classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness have branches in Shah Alam. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Mr. Wash are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are the top choices for food delivery in Shah Alam. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Lemak, a traditional Malaysian dish, can be found at numerous local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Dessert Cafe and The Good Co. cater well to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Toast Factory and KF Food Station are popular for desserts and snacks. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Pasar Seksyen 6 offer fresh food at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services like HappyFresh are available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Setia Alam area has several pubs and bars, such as The Beer Factory. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft breweries such as The Paulaner Bräuhaus offer local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Lounge in Setia City Mall provides a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food courts at Section 14 offer a variety of local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Old Town White Coffee serve a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is a breathtaking landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Shah Alam Gallery showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Shah Alam Heritage Park is noted for its historical significance and nature trails. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Blue Mosque (Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque) is an iconic religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shah Alam International Festival of Arts and Culture happens annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Seksyen 7 is known for its cultural diversity and local cuisine. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Shah Alam Theatre hosts plays and cultural events throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Shah Alam Night Market every Sunday is a vibrant place for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various cafes and cultural events feature local music performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The area around Seksyen 9 has some unique street art murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Chef E's Cooking Class provides insights into Malaysian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeri Shah Alam showcases contemporary art from Malaysian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Post Office building reflects the colonial architecture of the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Shah Alam's heritage is celebrated through its festivals and local crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shah Alam Lake Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with lakes and walking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Endau-Rompin National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, about two hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The parks along the lakes and gardens in Shah Alam provide scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewing tower in Shah Alam Lake Gardens offers stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Shah Alam Lake Gardens features a variety of bird species in a natural setting. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Shah Alam's parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Pos Malaysia and DHL provide reliable parcel services in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops like iFix and Switch offer gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers in Shah Alam have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several language centers offer Malay and English courses, such as Berlitz. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Shah Alam Library provides excellent study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Shah Alam Community Center hosts various activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like Level Up offer gaming zones for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Shah Alam; the nearest is in Genting Highlands. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = MYR 225,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = MYR 175,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 240,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 180,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 304,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% on chargeable income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax rate for dividends paid to non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on income derived from Malaysia; non-residents are taxed on Malaysian-sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is currently 0%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Malaysia has CFC rules in accordance with OECD standards. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applied based on the annual value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transfer tax is between 1% to 4% based on the property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Malaysia offers a relatively low cost of living and no tax on foreign-earned income. |