Leaving the UK - essentials to take
Posted by HappySession3085@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 24 comments
So I’m moving to an island in SE Asia, what’s some British things I should take that I might miss or need?
So far all I’ve got is tea bags, medication and M&S custard creams.
LeoInSpace@reddit
Clothes that are big enough to fit (sorry, no offence meant).
sneijder@reddit
Moved away nearly 20 years ago.
The only things I buy when I’m in the UK are Lemsip and pharmacy paracetamol with Codine.
If you have kids, can add Angel Delight … minimal weight / size, maximum result.
If you’re from the North of England, can add Chip Shop Curry powder mix and OXO Cubes in there too.
There’s an argument for Ovaltine, SE Asia though I couldn’t see the need.
SteveSteveSteve-O@reddit
I prefer British deodorant brands so tend to bring that back.
HappySession3085@reddit (OP)
That’s a really good one, I need to take loads of Mitchum
owzleee@reddit
Marmite. Baked beans. Cheddar cheese.
Top-Half7224@reddit
OXO cubes
Calm-Drop-9221@reddit
HP
GZHotwater@reddit
They’ll find that easily online in Langkawi. I can buy it easily in China.
Calm-Drop-9221@reddit
I'm in Thailand and its double the price.
GZHotwater@reddit
Wow, that is a mark up. China is about 1.5x so not too bad. Easier though buying BP than some decent back bacon to go with it
pencilbride2B@reddit
Well you have to tell us which island so we know what the island has…
HappySession3085@reddit (OP)
Langkawi Malaysia
govnyuuk@reddit
Planning to drink yourself to death huh?
Positive_North_7944@reddit
Just travel to KL occasionally so you can go to M&S, plus visit supermarkets for British stuff including Waitrose goods (in Village Grocer) and Sainsbury's stuff (in Jaya Grocer) 🙂
HappySession3085@reddit (OP)
Tbh I use mainly Malaysian stuff in the UK and my dad will be dropping stuff off but I want some British things I will possibly miss that I can’t get. I’m thinking mr Kipling slices too 😭
probablyaythrowaway@reddit
Brown sauce and bisto gravy.
Positive_North_7944@reddit
Supermarkets on Langkawi are pretty limited for those types of things, so stock up! Or just eat kueh instead 😃
pencilbride2B@reddit
Singapore has just about anything the uk has, if you need. It’s just a very cheap less than an hour flight to Singapore on scoot (well depends on fuel prices these days).
I would bring tampons if you are a tampon user. Skincare that you like and need since you may or may not be able to get specific brands.
Mental-Respond1700@reddit
Custard creams are a solid call, and I’d add English mustard, proper tea, and a couple of the little things you only notice when they’re missing — decent tampons, favourite skincare, maybe gravy granules if you’re attached to a specific one. For the rest, don’t overpack; Malaysia is pretty good for basics and the odd UK craving, especially if you can get to KL now and then. The real win is bringing the stuff that’s annoying or expensive to replace, not trying to recreate a UK cupboard.
dogwoodcat@reddit
Probably tea, that's where most of it is grown. Plus it's not gross bagged shite.
RoseyOneOne@reddit
Money
unseemly_turbidity@reddit
Hobnobs, custard powder, English mustard (ideally the powder so it lasts forever) possibly baking powder if you're going somewhere where there's no tradition of baking cakes.
HappySession3085@reddit (OP)
Hobnobs!! Good shout
mmoonbelly@reddit
Depends where in SE Asia.
If you’re able to get to Singapore relatively easily, nearly everything you’d miss from the UK can be found in their supermarkets.