Shopping Options for Expats in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a shopper’s paradise. From traditional markets to ultra-modern shopping centers and malls, Kuala Lumpur caters to every shopper’s needs.

In 2012, Kuala Lumpur was voted the fourth best shopping city in the world, and since then, it has only gotten better.

To Know

Opening hours for most shopping centers are 10 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.
Markets may stay open till midnight.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere.
Keep an eye out for Malaysia Mega Sale day when prices are dramatically reduced.
There are almost 600 shopping malls in Malaysia.

Ampang Road

On this road, you will find several modern shopping malls.

Great Eastern Mall
Suria KLCC Shopping Mall is the premier shopping mall in KL.
Avenue K is a trendy shopping mall with great eateries and activities for the kids.

Bukit Bintang Street

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is the most popular shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur and has over 30 million visitors annually.
Fahrenheit 88 is a popular trendy shopping venue.
The Starhill is known as Kuala Lumpur’s luxury shopping mall.

Putrajaya

IOI City Mall is the largest shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur

Bazaars and Night Market

For a more authentic shopping experience head to one of Kuala Lumpur’s exciting bazaars and night markets.

Jalan Masjid India is Kuala Lumpur’s Little India. It is a colorful, bustling marketplace selling everything Indian. You can buy clothes, ornaments, and souvenirs but go there for the food. Here you can savor authentic Indian food.
Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahmen Night Market is open every Saturday evening from 3 pm to 11 pm. It is a colorful bustling open-air market where you can purchase all kinds of products and savor the flavors of Malaysia.
Petaling Street, China Town, is a popular tourist hot-spot where you can buy just about everything and, of course, delicious street food.

Top Tips

01	When renting a flat, be sure to ask about heating. Portuguese homes are notoriously cold in winter as usually there is no heating. Houses aren’t insulated, and electricity costs are expensive. Therefore, people forgo heating. But be aware, winters are freezing as well as humid. Many ex-pats are surprised at just how severe a Portuguese winter can be.
02	Why not start your day like a local with a café and pastel de nata (traditional custard tart) sitting on an outdoor terrace. What better plaza than Lisbon’s main square Praça do Comércio.
03	Take the Ascensor da Gloria to the top arriving in Bairro Alto. Turn to your right, to find the famous viewpoint of San Pedro de Alcantara. This scenic lookout offers sensational views over the city.
04	Be very vigilant while traveling on the funiculars. Pickpockets are rife, especially in the high season. They will sit close to you, engage in conversation while a partner will take your wallet.

Useful links

https://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com

A general information site for Malaysia. It includes tips and recommendations as well as articles on Malaysian life.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/176705455831148/

A Facebook group for ex-pats living in Kuala Lumpur. A practical resource for newbies relocating to KL. https://www.malaymail.com/

One of the Malaysian newspapers in English, but there are many.

https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/expatriates/myxpats/key-services/employment-pass/

The government site for the different visas for ex-pats in Malaysia.

https://www.redbus.my/

A practical website to book bus travel in Malaysia.

Interesting Facts

1. Well-known shoe designer Jimmy Choo was born on the Malaysian island of Penang.

2. The population is comprised of Malays, Chinese, and Indians.

3. The main religion is Islam, but Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity are also practiced.

4.Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur are the tallest twin towers in the world and hold the Guinness Book World Record.

5.Malaysia is home to one of the stinkiest fruits in the world. The smell of the Durian is so bad that it is banned from many establishments.