10 Exclusive Things to Bring to the UK from Malaysia

Some things are just too expensive over at Newcastle. Other things that you’re used to in Malaysia can’t be found in the UK, or are too much of a hassle to get. Here’s a list of stuff to stock up on when you fly over!

1. Inners

Inners are not really mainstream in the UK. People really prioritise on layering up instead of layering in. Hence, make sure to get the HeatTech Uniqlo inners from Malaysia. These go on sale often, so grab many! One inner you wear can go a long way! There is NO UNIQLO in Newcastle.

2. Stationery

Pilot stationery is hard to get your hands on and tends to be expensive. ALSO wipe outs aren’t mainstream, so bring those if you need.

3. Medication

Did you know you can get free prescriptions in the UK? This means that after consulting your GP in the UK, you can get whatever medicine they decide to prescribe you for free. You just have to have less than £10,000 in your savings. Ask for the HC1 form when you have registered for a GP.

Medication in general is sort of hard to get in the UK because there are stricter rules in the UK compared to Malaysia.

Bring the stuff you absolutely need. Always consult your doctor if you are unsure on how to take certain medications. Always follow recommended dosage. Do not self-medicate.

Things that you can get over the counter easily in Malaysia include...

• Steroids (eg. hydrocortisone, betnovate, for eczema)

• Antibiotics (eg. amoxicillin)

• Inhalers

• Metoclopramide (for nausea)

• Charcoal / loparamide (for diarrhoea)

4. Food: Noodles

You can get Asian instant noodles like Samyang in Asian grocery stores such as HiYou and Wing Hong, however some noodles are more expensive/ rare.

5. Food: Seasonings and Spices

Groceries are big on Italian spices such as basil, bay leaves, thyme, etc. and a few more exotic ones like tumeric, some chilli powders, but they tend to be a bit bland and don’t hit as hard as Malaysian ones do. Again, you can get spices in the Asian grocery stores but they tend to be very expensive.

6. Food: Powdered drinks

Any drinks you may miss like Nescafe and Milo, you should bring. They won’t be over there.

7. Kitchen appliances

To save even more money, bring a rice cooker, multi cooker, blenders. They are cheaper in Malaysia but obviously add up bulk.

However, one personal experience from Kabi: brought a rice cooker from Singapore, plugged it in on day 1 in the UK and it went KABOOM, so basically it became a useless weight which could have been brought other stuff for that baggage weight.

Another personal experience from Sabrina: rice cooker from Malaysia was fine in the hand luggage, just had to be scanned a couple times by immigration. Worked fine when arrived in the UK.

Prices in UK for kitchen appliances:

- Rice cooker: £35-45

- Blender/ Food processor: £20-30 (Here’s a good one on Amazon)

- Multicooker: £60 (Here’s a good one on Amazon)

- Kettle: £10-20

All other Essential appliances such as a kettle, oven, microwave and sometimes a toaster are usually already provided by accommodation, but be sure to check with them first.

8. Asian Facial Products

Japanese brands: Biore, Haba Lado, etc

Korean brand: Innisfree, Laneige, etc

European brands like Simple, Neutrogena, Aveeno, the Body Shop (which is cheaper in the UK btw!), Kiehls and Cetaphil are here. Korean and Japanese facial products are scarce. So girls (guys too, why not), identify what works beautifully on your skin and stock up on facial masks, moisturisers, etc etc.

9. Facial Masks and Hand Sanitiser (for the cold and COVID)

This one is obvious of course, a nice thick one can also warm your face from the cold! They can be a bit expensive in the supermarkets (£6.50 for a pack of 10 in Tesco…) so this is an essential!

10. Flip flops

Bring indoor shoes if that's your thing, like flip flops/ sandals as they are not as good in the UK, and the good ones are very expensive!

Co-authors: Thank you very much!

Khairiyah Murad for sharing some ideas for exclusive items to bring

Kabilesh Arul for contributing