A wide view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline including the Petronas Twin Towers

British expat in Kuala Lumpur

Real life in Malaysia. No sugar-coating.

A Londoner’s honest guide to living in Kuala Lumpur: visas, real costs, food, neighbourhoods, travel and straightforward city comparisons.

Start hereKL resources

About

I am Eddy

I had not left Britain in twenty-two years. Then I moved to Kuala Lumpur without ever having visited, got the wrong terminal, paid seventy quid to two fake websites, and spent ten of my first fourteen days trying to find a flat during Chinese New Year.

Everything on this site is what I wish somebody had told me first.

Read my story

Start Here

MovingMoving to KLVisas, paperwork and the first fortnight — start here if you’re relocating.VisitingVisiting KLItineraries, sights and how to make the most of a short trip.LivingLiving in KLNeighbourhoods, renting and settling in for the long haul.MoneyWhat KL CostsReal numbers on rent, food and everyday spending.AboutEdward’s StoriesWhy I moved here sight-unseen, and what I got wrong.

Latest guides

VisasThe DE Rantau digital nomad visaWhat it actually costs, who gets it, and the bit nobody mentions.Remote workWorking remotely from KLWifi, cafés, timezones, and whether it is really cheaper.ComparisonKL vs BangkokTwo cities, one honest answer, from someone who lives in one of them.MoneyCost of living in KLReal numbers off my own bills. Not a guess, not a survey.Things to doThings to do in Kuala LumpurThe good ones, the overrated ones, and the free ones.TransportGetting around KLTrains, Grab, and why walking is a decision here.
The page people keep coming back for

The Price of Everything in Kuala Lumpur

Real prices off my own bills and receipts. Every row says how I know it — my own bill, seen it myself, or an honest approximation. Updated every week.

See the prices

Tools I actually use

WiseWiseReal exchange rates. I use this for every UK to Malaysia transfer.Open WiseSafetyWingSafetyWingExpat health insurance. Accepted for the DE Rantau visa.Check SafetyWingNordVPNNordVPNSecure on café wifi. UK catch-up TV and UK banking from Malaysia.Get NordVPN

Some links are affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I use.

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