Moving your family to a new country is always a very exciting process. This is the start of an incredible new chapter for you and your family, and you will be experiencing an entirely new culture and environment. However, it goes without saying that there are going to be some challenges along the way.
Moving to a new country is hardly the same as moving to a new house in your home city, although that hasn’t exactly been easy in the UK recently. You can’t just pop over for a quick property viewing after work, and it is much harder to get a feel for the neighbourhood before you move. When you are moving your family, there are also several different emotional factors to consider too.
If you are moving to Kuala Lumpur, you are not only moving to Malaysia’s incredible capital city. You are moving to one of Asia’s most dazzling metropolises. Kuala Lumpur has been a very popular location for expats for decades owing to the incredible business opportunities. However, there is no question that you will experience something of a culture shift if you have been living and working in the UK for your whole life. Here are a few things that you need to remember.
The Climate Is Very Different
Let’s start with an obvious one, shall we? If you have never visited this region of Asia before, you may be taken aback by the local climate. Kuala Lumpur has what is classified as a tropical climate. That means that you are going to be looking at high temperatures and a lot of rain, especially during the monsoon season. You should expect a lot of humidity, so pack accordingly and think about investing in some dehumidifiers.
Pick The Right Neighbourhood
It is a cliché that expat communities tend to be bunched together. Kuala Lumpur is a big city and many of its inhabitants live in the surrounding region. That means that you will have a lot of choice when it comes to choosing where you want to live. If you are looking for your own property, make sure that you find an agent you can trust who can direct you to the best location for your situation.
One of the most popular areas right now is Desa Park City. It is a self-contained township that offers excellent transport links and a wide range of amenities. If you are looking for a Desa Park City house for sale, then visit PropertyGuru. They can help you to find the perfect home for your family so you can settle in quickly to your new life.
Get Out And Try The Food
When you first relocate to a new country, there is always the temptation to cling to the old comforts. However, if you decide only to eat western food while in Kuala Lumpur, you will be missing out on one of the biggest reasons this city is so special. There truly is something for everyone. It is also worth noting that many of the locals in the city speak English as it is generally understood as the “business language.” So, do not be put off by not having your Malay to a fluent degree just yet.
You Won’t Always Need A Car
While we would suggest that you will need to have a car on hand if you move to Kuala Lumpur, this is not a city where you will need to use it for each and every journey. The public transport on offer is extensive, from the LRT (Light Rail Transit) to the monorail, buses, and railway. If you are applying for an international driver’s license, you will need to have all of your documentation in order, including your passport and original driver’s license.
Schooling Shouldn’t Be A Problem
If you are relocating your family, then the question of where your children will go to school will be at the top of your checklist. The good news is that you will not be short on choice if you are looking for a private English language speaking school. However, it is worth noting that the costs of private international schools can be quite high. Many schools will ask for two separate fees before your child actually attends any classes (an application fee and an enrolment fee). If you are planning on sending your child or children to one of these schools, you should start budgeting now.
Get Involved
Finally, it is worth noting that the key to any successful relocation is to dive right in. In addition to the amazing food, there is so much fantastic nightlife and culture to explore in Kuala Lumpur, and there are plenty of great activities for all the family. Why not start with the Lake Gardens? Or go to the oldest Hindu temple in the city: the Sri Mahamariamman Temple?
