You're in Malaysia, and Wall Street looks like it's on the other side of the earth. Yet you're eager to grab shares of Apple, Tesla, or the next viral TikTok stock. Ring a bell? Luckily, these days, owning US shares is almost as easy as ordering your Teh Tarik.
First, you need to choose a broker, which is a company or platform that works as your middleman. How to buy stocks globally
Here's the catch: local banks let you trade around the world, but you'll have to pay more and do more paperwork. Platforms like eToro, Tiger, and IBKR are user-friendly and globally accessible. They offer slick apps and low barriers to entry. Feel free to compare their fees, features, and stock selections. Nothing wrong with a bit of window shopping.
Setting up an account isn't hard, but you'll need your passport, proof of address, and maybe even your tax ID. Just complete the forms online and upload your documents. Pro tip: use a clean, color scan. A blurry passport photo won't help you at all.
Putting money in your account gives you more options. Malaysian banks, e-wallets, or even credit cards are common ways to fund your account. Watch out for conversion fees and transfer costs. Sometimes the hidden costs come in like a mouse in a church.
When selecting stocks, always dig in first. YouTube deep dives, Reddit, and blogs are all great places to do research. Avoid choosing stocks just because they sound trendy. Unless you’re a thrill-seeker, don’t throw everything into one stock.
Interesting bit—capital gains aren’t taxed for Malaysians, but dividends are. Normally, the US withholds 30% on dividends, but filing the W-8BEN form can cut that to 15%. Yes, it sounds confusing—but it saves you money.
Last bit of advice: Begin with tiny steps. Test the waters. Can’t afford a whole share? Use fractional shares—cheaper than your favorite Laksa. And always utilize two-step verification. Repeat: security first, then investing.
To wrap it up, buying US shares from Malaysia is as easy as online pizza—learn it once, enjoy it forever. Enjoy the ride!