Settling into life in a foreign country can be one of the toughest aspects of expatriation. Following the adrenaline-fuelled buzz of the initial days that span departure, flight and arrival, making your new base feel like home is undeniably difficult but an absolute necessity. To the inexperienced expatriate, this may feel like it will never be granted the “home” moniker, but seasoned travellers will tell you that soon, past the inevitable tough days and tears for friends and family left behind, Malaysia will soon become a familiar base worthy of calling home. It may sound false, especially during your first couple of weeks, but trust the advice you are given by hardened expats and start settling into a routine as soon as possible. And the best thing? The overriding positive that will always be present? An expat’s routine in Malaysia is sure to top that which has been left behind. Unless, of course, that routine involved sun, swimming, balconies, verandahs, coffee shops, shopping malls, fine dining and relaxation whenever you chose. And if it did: welcome to your home away from home.

Perhaps the biggest and most important step to making your new country home is accepting and adapting to the local way of life. Unfortunately it’s also probably the most difficult. Adjusting to the pace, traditions and eccentricities of local life isn’t easy but it should not be resisted. The most satisfied of expatriates in Malaysia are those willing to wait an extra 15 minutes for an acquaintance to arrive, happy to accept the laid-back, let-it-go attitude and quick to remark, “Okay, lah!” whenever the opportunity arises (actually more often than you’d initially think). It requires a period of acclimatisation but one that must be endured.

Our Making Malaysia Home section should aid your journey of adjustment, providing information on housing (so important in settling in to a new home), utilities (even if all the bills are sent directly to the company’s expenses department) and also advice for buying a property of your own in Malaysia. So don’t let initial qualms and reservations affect your stay here; embrace the local values and enjoy the time you spend here. It could be longer than you had originally planned …