Try not to feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless list of things to do. With every move to a new city there’s an unavoidable settling in period where it might feel like all you’re doing is filling in forms and making yet another copy of your passport. A little patience is required as some of the paperwork will take weeks and though it’s hard to feel really settled if you’re still waiting for your work permit, there’s plenty you can do to make yourself at home in the meantime.

• Make sure your company starts the application process for your work permit as soon as you arrive. You can start work before the permit comes through.
• Register with your embassy or consulate.
• If you have children, get them started at school.
• Look for somewhere to live. Serviced apartments are a good temporary solution while you figure out which area you’d like to live in.
• Contact an expat association. Many have welcome groups for newcomers to help you get settled.
• Open a bank account.
• Buy or rent a car.
• Start getting to grips with the roads and transport system and work out your commute.
• Convert your driving licence (you have three months to do this)
• Get into KL life – read the newspapers, eat the food, talk to people and get out and about.