Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Malaysia is an exciting adventure, but it’s natural to want to stay in touch with family and friends back home. Fortunately, Malaysia has excellent telecommunications infrastructure that makes long-distance communication much easier. Here’s a comprehensive guide to staying connected with your loved ones from this Southeast Asian country.
Malaysian Telecom Giants: Reliable Connections for Communication
Malaysia benefits from a modern and efficient telecommunications network, with several quality internet service providers. The main operators are:
- Celcom: One of the country’s oldest operators, Celcom offers excellent 4G/5G coverage, particularly in urban areas.
- Maxis: Known for its high connection speeds, Maxis provides generous data plans suitable for heavy internet users.
- DiGi: This operator stands out for its competitive offers and good coverage in rural areas.
- U Mobile: Popular among young people and expatriates, U Mobile offers flexible and affordable plans.
- Unifi (formerly TM): Malaysia’s largest fixed internet service provider, Unifi offers high-speed fiber optic connections.
To choose the best operator, consider your place of residence and your data needs. Most expatriates opt for prepaid plans that offer great flexibility.
Top Communication Tools in Malaysia: Stay Connected with Complete Freedom
Malaysia is a relatively open country when it comes to online communication. Most popular applications and services worldwide are accessible without restrictions. Here are the most used tools to stay in touch with your loved ones:
- WhatsApp: The most popular instant messaging app in Malaysia, ideal for daily exchanges and video calls.
- Skype: Widely used for long video calls, especially for family conversations.
- Facebook Messenger: Practical for staying in touch with a wide circle of friends and sharing photos and videos.
- Zoom: Has become essential for virtual meetings, both professional and personal.
- Instagram: Perfect for sharing moments from your daily life in Malaysia through photos and stories.
It’s important to note that while these applications are permitted, the Malaysian government closely monitors online content. Therefore, avoid sharing politically sensitive or offensive material.
Tips for Optimizing Your Communications from Malaysia
To make the most of the communication tools available in Malaysia, here are some practical tips:
- Invest in a good data plan: Most communications now happen via the internet. A generous plan will allow you to make video calls without worry.
- Use Wi-Fi when possible: Many public places in Malaysia offer free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of it for your data-heavy video calls.
- Consider the time difference: Malaysia is 6 or 7 hours ahead of France depending on the season. Schedule your calls accordingly to avoid disturbing your loved ones in the middle of the night.
- Create discussion groups: On WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, groups facilitate communication with multiple people at once.
- Regularly share photos and videos: This allows your loved ones to follow your new life and feel closer despite the distance.
Online Security: A Priority in Malaysia
Although Malaysia is generally open when it comes to online communication, it’s important to remain vigilant:
- Use a VPN: This will secure your communications and allow access to certain content that might be blocked.
- Avoid sensitive topics: Criticism of the government or monarchy may be frowned upon. Be cautious in your public communications.
- Protect your personal data: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
Good to know:
Malaysia has excellent telecommunications infrastructure, which greatly facilitates communication with your loved ones. With a good data plan and the appropriate applications, you’ll be able to easily stay in touch with your family and friends, wherever they are in the world.
Staying in touch with loved ones from Malaysia is easier than ever thanks to modern technologies. By choosing the right operator and using appropriate communication tools, you’ll be able to share your new life with your loved ones as if you never left. However, don’t forget to fully enjoy your expatriate experience in Malaysia, a country rich in culture and opportunities.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
