Once
you're here, get out the address book and send a brief change
of address message to everyone. Be prepared for fewer than
expected replies. After all, you'll be the one with more news
to tell them, and it's not all that bad if they don't miss
you as much as you them. |
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Set
up your children with some cards or stationery to start corresponding
with friends back home. Some letters in the mail box will
bring great joy, especially in the first few months.
It will be important for your return to stay in touch with
professional associates while you are out of the country,
so ensure their newsletters are forwarded or someone keeps
you up to date with the office gossip. Make contact also with
local professional associations. Work opportunities might
be forthcoming now or way away in the future. It will also
enhance your standing when you do return home to mention your
involvement (even on some voluntary basis) in the profession
while overseas.
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In
terms of correspondence services in Malaysia, post Offices
are generally open in business hours including Saturday mornings,
although some smaller offices may be closed for lunch.
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Malaysia
has a reasonably reliable postal service and local and international
courier services to connect the country to the world. Doing
postal or bill payments at a post office (bills for most utility
services can be done here) often involves waiting in long
queues and many people simply get the office boy to do such
menial tasks. If you have access to such a service, utilise
it as it will save time.
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For
registered mail and the postal courier service (Pos Laju)
you may have to go in person to the post office with some
form of identification to receive the parcel. |
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Obtaining
a parcel that requires Customs clearance is another lengthy
process. In some instance, expats may wonder whether it is
worth the exercise. Customs may want to go through things
extensively or in the case of books, slides and videos, view
the article before they clear it.
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