Menu
Expat.com

Package expectations

Post new topic

Saryarka

Hi there,
We are a family of 4, currently in middle East. My wife and I and two toddlers who will be starting pre-school soon. I'm from Europe, wife is from Russia. I've been offered an opportunity in Kuala Lumpur, and I've been told to name my price.

In Dubai, we have free school spaces for the kids, annual flights for all and insurance too, as well as living in a good area near the beach. We have a good salary and a comfortable lifestyle (we get a good holiday once a year, and enjoy a good shopping session, and eat out in a few times a week) In addition, I get a month's salary for every year I work as a gratuity when I leave.

All I've been told is that company will provide accommodation then move to an allowance after a year, and kids places are covered at school. My wife will take entry level position with me too.

For a comfortable western expat lifestyle, what is the ballpark amount I should ask for? How much allowance and what other clauses should I insist on to have similar living standard to now?

ladivo779

The cost of living in Malaysia is probably not as high as in Dubai, but I would ask for at least the same you are earning now if not more. Expat salaries vary enormously. Extras that you perhaps could ask for is a car and a maid.

Saryarka

Thanks for that - really helpful. Gives me a good starting point

Nemodot

Cost of living in Malaysia is gettng way too high so assume same as Dubai. The economy is also looking very fragile so job security is an issue.

Any decent package will be same net after tax USD pay plus 12,000 RM housing allowance and offer of school places at top end schools like ISKL. Less than this maybe Dubai is better bet in this economic slump.

Also you may need breathing masks for your kids. KL has many issues with air quality and pollution. That health cost is hard to quantify!

Articles to help you in your expat project in Malaysia

  • Driving in Malaysia
    Driving in Malaysia

    You are moving to Malaysia and want to drive for work or travel there? Follow our guide!

  • Kuala Lumpur's neighbourhoods
    Kuala Lumpur's neighbourhoods

    Kuala Lumpur is a real megalopolis, surrounded by suburbs and neighborhoods so different from each other that they ...

  • Internships in Malaysia
    Internships in Malaysia

    Are you a student or recent graduate who wishes to develop your expertise while experiencing a work environment ...

  • Buying property in Kuala Lumpur
    Buying property in Kuala Lumpur

    When you plan to move to another country or another city, your first concern is undoubtedly where you are going to ...

  • Phones and Internet in Malaysia
    Phones and Internet in Malaysia

    Malaysians are known to be social media addicts, so there's no shame if internet access is one of your main ...

  • Expat death in Malaysia
    Expat death in Malaysia

    The loss of a loved one is always a painful ordeal, but also often complicated for those left behind, especially ...

  • Moving with your pet to Malaysia
    Moving with your pet to Malaysia

    If you have a cat or a dog that you cannot part with, transporting it to Malaysia is an important decision. ...

  • The Malaysian lifestyle
    The Malaysian lifestyle

    Malaysia is such a melting pot of geographical, cultural and social diversity that there is something for ...

All of Malaysia's guide articles