Working abroad is something that many people embrace. It’s an opportunity to explore different locations and cultures, learn a new language, challenge yourself in terms of your career and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For some people this is a main driver behind the career they choose, wanting to land a job that takes them to far-off places. And while the excitement settles in about working abroad, it’s also important to look at the logistics to ensure you are set up properly.

Before you go checking into a hotel for a long stay it’s a good idea to look into the benefits of renting a property instead. Renting a property can most definitely enhance your experience abroad.

Enjoy the Luxury of Extra Space

The first benefit of renting a property while you are working abroad is the extra space. Let’s face it, everyone can use a little extra space to stretch out and settle in. Rather than just having a room, when you rent a property you will likely have a separate bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen/eating area, and a family room. It will feel much more like “home” than a hotel room.

This also means you can unpack and truly settle in. There is no need to live out of a suitcase when you’re renting an entire apartment unit or house.

For those who are bringing a significant other and kids with them, there is no question about the importance of added space. If this is the case, you’ll need to look for a multi-room unit to accommodate everyone.

Make Your Meals – A Welcome Convenience 

As mentioned, when you’re renting a place, you’ll also have a kitchen, which means you get the option of cooking at home. When you first arrive at a new destination, it’s normal to want to explore and try all the local restaurants, but it won’t be long before you’re craving a home-cooked meal. There is also the convenience of being able to quickly whip something up at home rather than always getting takeaway or dining out.

Get a True Taste of Local Life

Another great reason to rent a property when working abroad is that it gives you a more accurate depiction of the local culture. When you’re staying in a hotel you can tend to feel removed from everyday life in the city or town, so you don’t get a true sense of what it’s like to live there.

Take, for example, Malaysia. If you’ll be working abroad for any length of time in Malaysia, you want to get out of the hotel and into an apartment unit to get a true taste of the destination. In Malaysia, a rented housed is called a rumah sewa, and these can be found in many cities and towns including Shah Alam – a very popular area with ex-pats.

Opting for a rumah sewa shah alam gives you a chance to experience Malaysian design, décor, and architecture. The PropertyGuru website makes it easy for you to find a rumah sewa that meets your budget, location requests, and other criteria like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The site features pictures of the properties and some even have live tours so you can feel comfortable renting.

Renting Tends to Be More Budget-Friendly

For anyone that plans on working abroad for more than a few weeks, renting also makes sense from a budget standpoint. Staying in a hotel for months on end is going to add up very quickly, and unless your employer is covering the full cost, that will be a significant hit to your income. Instead, rental units can offer you a lot more value for your money.

Take Advantage of Incredible Locations

Hotels tend to be located in the main areas of a city or town, close to tourist attractions and the business district. This may not be the type of location you want. When you choose a rental property, you’ll have a lot more selection, allowing you to pinpoint specific areas and even neighborhoods that you are interested in.

You can choose to be close to the office, close to public transportation, nearby to local schools (if you have kids with you), walking distance to restaurants and shopping, or perhaps in a quiet residential area away from the hustle and bustle.

Some Come Fully Furnished

Worried about furnishing your place? Many rental properties come fully furnished so you don’t have to worry about anything. You can simply move in and add a few touches to make it feel like home and feel comfortable. This is something that will be advertised in the listing, so you’ll know in advance if it’s furnished or not.

Property Rental is Well Worth Considering

So before you start looking around at your hotel options, you may want to re-think your approach and look into a property rental instead. With so many benefits, it can truly make a huge difference to your entire working abroad experience.