Shah Alam, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#1429
3.073942, 101.518527
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shah Alam is the capital of the state of Selangor, Malaysia, known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.22 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Typically not considered drinkable; bottled water is preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Maxis, Digi, and Celcom with good 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept international cards; apps like Revolut work well. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments like GrabPay and FPX are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local options are abundant, with prices starting at around 60 MYR per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses start around 30 MYR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Common Ground Shah Alam - a popular spot for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Setia City Mall - wifi and good atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out local Meetups via platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expat Life in Malaysia' provide regular updates on events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike-sharing options limited; check local rental shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Port Dickson Beach, approximately 1 hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | AirAsia for regional travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysia Airlines and Emirates operate from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access to North-South Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shah Alam KTM Komuter Station connects to the KL Sentral. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Touch 'n Go card for buses and trains. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Shah Alam to nearby cities like Kuala Lumpur, Klang, and Petaling Jaya. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | KPJ Selangor Specialist Medical Centre - known for quality care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YogaPlus in Setia Alam offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First at Setia City Mall - good equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavande Laundromat offers self-service and drop-off options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and GrabFood are widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Lemak - a Malaysian classic. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pure Vegetarian Restaurant in Section 7 offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Sushi is well-regarded for its unique desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market for local produce and affordable eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and MyGroceries offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Setia City Mall has bars and lounges for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no local breweries; however, craft beer is available in select bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | WINE SHOP in the area offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Taman Lembah Subang food court for great street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and KFC for international fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque - iconic mosque with stunning architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Shah Alam Gallery showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old railway station is a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Masjid Negeri Selangor is a significant place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shah Alam International Automobile Show occurs annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Section 7 is a vibrant area with a mix of cultural offerings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Malawati Indoor Stadium hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekend markets at UiTM offer local handicrafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at bars like Live House. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals around the city center showcase local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Babel Better offers cooking classes that focus on Malaysian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Sculpture Park features various sculptures by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Shah Alam State Secretariat Building is a notable structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Shah Alam Heritage Center promotes local history and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | National Botanical Garden in Shah Alam provides a beautiful escape. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is about 30 minutes away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Lake Gardens offers pedestrian paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points at Bukit Gasing offer great views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Taman Rimba Ampang is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping near the lake parks allows for bonfires in designated spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Pos Malaysia offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops provide phone and electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Shah Alam Sports Complex has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Shah Alam Public Library is a great place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Shah Alam Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Cafe in Section 13 for video gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Shah Alam, but nearby Genting offers them. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 140,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MYR 112,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 192,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MYR 150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MYR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MYR 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MYR 184,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax is 30% for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Malaysia follows a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 28%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty ranges from 1% to 4% based on property value. |