Disclaimer: This article is a personal contribution and does not represent the views of Wego or its editorial team.
Migrating to another country as an Iranian always comes with its own set of challenges. When my wife and I decided to move to Malaysia two years ago, we expected some challenges, but we didn’t anticipate that the limitations here would, in some cases, feel stricter than those in countries like Canada, the US, or parts of Europe.
After I was accepted to Wego Malaysia, we started learning about our new home. A Persian-run YouTube channel offered helpful glimpses into life in Kuala Lumpur, and a good friend shared some first-hand advice. Still, much of what we learned came through experiences. This is a reflection of that journey—what went smoothly, what didn’t, and what I wish we’d known earlier.
Preparing for the move
Understanding payment methods
Banking was one of the first hurdles we ran into after arriving in Malaysia. Most banks simply don’t provide bank accounts for Iranian nationals. The only exception we found was Maybank, but even that came with restrictions. Instead of a regular debit or credit card, you only get a prepaid card, which means no access to installment plans for purchases like phones, electronics, or cars.
At first, even the prepaid card was limited. It didn’t support contactless payments, and ATM withdrawals were capped at RM1,000 per day. About a year later, Maybank introduced online banking access for Iranian users, which made managing transfers much easier—but to activate it, you had to give up your bank card.
To get around these limitations, e-wallets became useful for everyday transactions. Apps like Touch ‘n Go, GrabPay, and Boost let you pay for groceries, transport, and more without needing a traditional bank account. Still, features like credit services, installments, and international transfers are usually unavailable for Iranian users.
The most reliable alternative we found was Wise, a UK-based financial platform that works legally in Malaysia. It issues a prepaid Visa card that you can link to Apple Pay or Google Wallet, and it supports tap-to-pay, something most Malaysian prepaid cards don’t offer.
Officially translate your documents
This is one of the most practical steps you can take—officially translating all important documents before relocating to another country. This includes your national ID, educational certificates, driving license, and anything else that might be requested for legal, administrative, or professional purposes. Official translations are often required for various verification processes, and once you’re abroad, getting them done can become significantly more expensive.
Do your medical checkups in advance
Healthcare in Malaysia is easy to access, but it can be more expensive than what you’re used to in Iran. Things like routine checkups or diagnostic tests, which might be quick and affordable back home, can take more time and cost more here. If you can, it’s a good idea to get any important medical screenings or health checkups done before you leave. It’s one less thing to deal with after you arrive.
Navigating life in Malaysia
How housing works here
One of the first things that stood out to us was how modern and well-equipped the housing is in Malaysia, offering features that may not be commonly available in Iran.
Many apartment buildings come with gyms, swimming pools, and even gaming or event rooms. Most units are fully furnished and reasonably priced, which made settling in a lot smoother than we expected.
If you are also planning to move here, make sure you consider a few important factors when choosing accommodation. Things like how close the building is to public transportation, the time it takes to commute to work, local traffic conditions, and the building’s age and overall state.
High-rise buildings are common, with some reaching 60 floors or more. But be cautious with buildings that allow short-term rentals, as they can be noisier and may have weaker security. Make sure to check the building’s policies before making a decision.
Healthcare and insurance
Healthcare in Malaysia is generally more expensive than what many Iranians are used to. For example, something like an MRI scan can cost around RM2,000. Most employers do provide basic health insurance, which helps cover common medical needs. But if you’re looking to get additional coverage, whether for health, travel, or even car insurance, you’ll often need to arrange it yourself. And for Iranian nationals, that usually means going through some extra steps or direct negotiations because of certain restrictions.
Iranian community and culinary comforts
One of the more comforting aspects of life in Malaysia is that you don’t have to give up everything that feels like home. Iranian grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants are scattered across Kuala Lumpur, and they have a surprising range of familiar items—dried herbs, canned foods, and traditional breads like Barbari and Sangak.
Popular Iranian supermarkets like Asal, Tik Market, and MidEast Supermarket became part of our weekly routine. Telegram groups also played a big role in helping us find these places and stay updated on community news.
There are also several Iranian and Afghan restaurants that offer familiar flavors, while Turkish and Arab cuisine are both widely available and easy to find. Stores like Mahnaz Food also offer a broad collection of Middle Eastern ingredients and snacks.
At the same time, don’t miss the opportunity to explore beyond the familiar. Malaysia offers a variety of fruits, spices, and dishes rarely found in Iran, and discovering these new flavors became one of the most memorable and enjoyable parts of our adjustment to life here.
Transportation and licensing
If you already have an International Driving Permit issued in Iran, you can legally drive in Malaysia for six months. That gives you a small window to get settled. In the past, Iranians could convert their national driver’s license to a Malaysian one, but that’s no longer an option. Due to recent changes by JPJ (Malaysia’s Road Transport Department), all foreigners must now go through the same process as Malaysian citizens.
This means passing both theory and practical driving tests, with total fees amounting to approximately RM3,500. It’s worth planning for this early so you’re not caught off guard when the six-month window runs out.
Buying a car as an Iranian
Buying a car in Malaysia comes with a few challenges, especially for Iranians. Due to banking restrictions, you’ll need to pay the full amount upfront because installment plans aren’t an option. On top of that, currency exchange can be tricky. Large-sum currency conversion from USD to RM (ringgit) is not always straightforward, and Iranian rials (IRR) aren’t accepted at any exchange office.
However, there are some useful platforms like MyTukar (now Carro), Carsome, and various local dealerships where you can compare options. Telegram groups can also be surprisingly helpful for getting tips from others who’ve gone through the process.
One thing to keep in mind is that, unlike in Iran, where cars can hold or even gain value, vehicles in Malaysia depreciate quickly. Reselling at a higher price later on is unlikely. Fuel is also far more expensive here, about ten times what you’d pay in Iran.
So, if your budget allows, it’s worth looking into electric vehicles. The upfront cost is higher, but long-term savings can add up. Charging stations are also easy to find around Kuala Lumpur, and EV owners get tax incentives too.
Driving and road safety
Roads in Malaysia are generally well-organized and easy to navigate. Compared to what many Iranians are used to, drivers here tend to follow the rules, traffic flows more predictably, and road signs are usually clear. But one thing to watch out for is the number of motorcycles, especially in cities—they’re everywhere and can be a bit unpredictable. That’s why installing a dashboard camera can be a wise decision.
Another thing to know is that toll roads are very common, even within cities in Malaysia. There are different gates at toll stations, where you usually can’t pay in cash, so having a Touch ’n Go card is a must. It’s the same card you can use for trains and buses, so it comes in handy in more ways than one. You can also pay tolls with your Visa cards or invest in a SmartTAG or RFID system for faster, smoother access.
Weather
In Malaysia, you can forget about four seasons; it’s pretty much summer all year round. The weather is warm and humid most of the time, with just occasional cooler days. Even in highland areas like Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands, temperatures rarely drop below 15 to 20°C. So if you’re moving here, be ready for heat and humidity to be part of your daily life.
A journey still in motion
If you keep challenges aside, Malaysia can be a great place to live, especially if you have a reliable income. Daily life tends to be more comfortable and less stressful than in Iran, and there’s a sizable Iranian community here, particularly in Kuala Lumpur. That makes it easier to connect, find support, and build friendships.
Nevertheless, if you have the chance to move to a country that offers a path to citizenship after a few years, it might be worth considering. Malaysia is welcoming in many ways, but long-term residency options are limited.
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