Kuala Lumpur - Moving soon.

[Silibilimili]

Is there anyone in KL that can help me with the following questions. I am moving there in November this year with DH, and 2 DCs. DD1 is 4 and DD2 is 1.

What are the better areas to live there?
What schools are good?
What is public transport like if we decide not to buy a car?
How do I get hold of a nanny or home help?
What should I pack from here? (We currently own our property in the UK. We plan to be in KL for between 3-5 years. We have an option to take our furniture but I would rather not if it means more hassle. Anyone with any experience?

I posted on MN before but I think I posted in the wrong section so did not get a response. Hoping someone can help me.

[ama29]

I have just tried to reply to this but started a whole new post! That was a bit thick :-)

[Thumbwitch]

[ripsishere]

Not a fucking chance Thjumb you stirrer. The cats are packing their furry bags next week. NO MORE PETS.
I don't think we've ever had visa problems before. Seems Malaysia will be our first time.

[LoopyLoopsOlympicHoops]

I have said, and mean exactly the same about pets. Much as I loved them, I am so glad to not have any any more, and no way will I be going down that route again for a VERY long time.

[Silibilimili]

mrsbucket, I suppose only u can understand ur situation.

[MrsBucketxx]

of course i want to be with dh, but its better for us to be here.

he will be working 6 days a week any way and 7 every third week. so he wont see the children that much anyway, i would be on my own mostly with two small children.

i know its best for me and the children to be in the uk.

its not just about visas.

i just wish he could gind a job of equal pay and length here.

[Silibilimili]

mrsbucket, u seem to have given up. Don't u want to be in kl with DH? Or are visas very difficult to get? Apologies I don't mean to be rude. Sorry if I am.

[MrsBucketxx]

he is in the uk at the moment trying to negotiate a better contract before he goes back. its looking like he will be there from the 22nd of august after malaysian new year. which means he can spend dd's first birthday with her.

he will be there for two years :(

[Thumbwitch]

Ger her a lizard, Rips. And are you sure your passport is held up somewhere and you didn't just ask them to delay it for a bit so you could travel out on your own?

Mrsbucket - that's really rough - how much longer is your DH over there for then?

[ripsishere]

Interesting factoid about the dependents passes. DH and DD have been able to supply information about their passports. Mine is lost in Admin land in the passport office so it looks as if I will be going seperately .
Cats are booked to leave us for good sometime next week another and I have told DD she wont' be getting another pet for as long as I have breath in my body.

[MarjorieAntrobus]

You could have had the deed poll certificate and the marriage certificate sent out to you though? And it surely wasn't a surprise to need to provide a marriage certificate in a Muslim country?

Sorry. That sounds a bit harsh. You were hard done by, MrsB, in that you hadn't had a chance to have a look-see visit prior to moving out. And the employer should have provided a lot of information to you and your DH before you left. Some companies run orientation courses so that the employees and spouses are prepared for their destination.

My advice is to take every single piece of personal paperwork you possess with you, and take it in hand luggage. For instance, we were surprised that we needed to provide the DCs' birth certificates again in Malaysia for the dependants passes even though we had submitted them online before we left the UK.

It does take a long time for the employment and dependants passes to be issued. It seems common for them to be processed after the people have arrived in the country.

[MrsBucketxx]

no i don't think it will be a problem for you. they needed my deedpoll name change certificate from when i was little and my marraige certificate. to prove that i was married to dh and i was who i said i was. both of which where in the uk, and the employer didn't say i needed this before i left.

as dh was directly employed his work visa would have been fine it was me that was the issue.

you would think as gamuda is a massive company they would have mentioned it

[Silibilimili]

mrsbucket that sounds like a bum deal. I
Assume ur DH is a contractor and this was not an employee transfer? Asking as I was wondering at likelihood of this happening to me?

[MrsBucketxx]

i was turned out there was a cocking up with visas for me and the children, meaning we could only be there for 90 days possibly without paperwork i wasn't sure i knew where it was in the uk.
that was the main issue but there was lots of other little things too such as ds only eating pizza and cereal for the whole time he was there.
looks like dh is going back for the contract leaving me here on my tod :(

we where one day from signing the lease lucky as if we did we would have to pay it everymonth for two years, and possibly not be there.

[MarjorieAntrobus]

What happened MrsBucket? Last time we spoke you were condo-hunting in KL.

[Silibilimili]

Thanks loopy. I have also got and will get more of the shrugs/light sweaters for the air con. It was the same when I worked in Singapore! Boiling outside, freezing inside!

[LoopyLoopsOlympicHoops]

Ella's kitchen readily available here, as well as some other brands of nice-looking organic stuff.

Our kids have been fine from the off.

[Silibilimili]

Thank you. I like pencil skirts and blouses. Great. Love smart trousers and tops too. Will stock up.
What about baby food? I suppose I am going to have to start proper cooking for baby than rely (occasionally) on Ella or cow and gate!
How fast do children settle?

[MrsBucketxx]

rip as for kids shoes i would get them hete there not very attractive over there.

adults have more choice but mostly in smaller sizes. i was gutted to be told in ine shop we dont sell your size here your feet are too big. ended up getting some from m & s in the end.

[MrsBucketxx]

im glad your settled loopy, im back in blighty. but dh will be back there soon.

office types tended to wear pencil skirts and short sleved tops. or smart wide legged trousers with a nice top.

[LoopyLoopsHasAnAdventure]

I wear dresses mostly, but school not office. Aircon v cold often.

[Silibilimili]

My iPhones spelling is awful!

What do women wear in offices? I don't want to look like a misfit in suits or skirts if everyone is wearing smart trousers and blouses. Hoping to go for a bit I retail therapy before the move in the end of summer sales. I have a breadmaker. Yeah!
Am also due new work clothes as have been in maternity and then post maternity clothes for a year and more!!
What type should I buy? I like dresses but are those suitable for kl?

[LoopyLoopsHasAnAdventure]

at wellies!

Bring nice things that you love - pictures, doorstops etc. The rest is all replaceable. As for practical things, I'm really looking forward to the arrival of our breadmaker.

[Silibilimili]

My 'case' is moving along. They are finalising the Ts and cs for us as I type.

What is useful to keep/go purchase before coming over to kl?

[Silibilimili]

What about raincoats? Without the warm
layer? Are those useful to have ?