Worldwide Assistance

Visas and work permits

Unless you are a permanent resident in the country you are moving to, you will most likely require a visa or work permit. If you are going over on a work contract, contact the human resource or other appropriate department of your company to see whether they will arrange the necessary documents for you. Otherwise, you may need to contact the visa section at the embassy of the country you are moving to and find out how to obtain the appropriate documents.

Visa and work permit applications can take some time to prepare, so you should start looking into it about a year before your departure. You should also make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months at the time of your move.

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Driving Overseas

Unless your driving license was issued in the country you are moving to, you will probably need an international license to allow you to drive as soon as you arrive. Jabatan Pengangkutan Malaysia and Automobile Association of Malaysia issues International Driving Permit (IDP) of up to one year, but only holders of valid Malaysian driving licenses. Don't forget: When using your International Driving Permit abroad, it needs to be accompanied by your Malaysia driving license at all times.

Once you arrive at your new destination, you should check with the local transportation authority to find out how to apply for a local license.

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Finding The Right Place To Live

Finding the right place to live can be quite difficult, especially if you are moving with your family and children. Contact relocation companies with expertise in your new destination and get a head start in your search.

If you decide to buy property abroad, we have special packages for overseas mortgages in various locations. Contact our International Banking Centre at "malaysiaibc@hsbc.com.my" to find out more. Alternatively, renting a place can be an option in the short term until you are more familiar with the property market in your new destination

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Schools and Education

Finding the right school for your children will no doubt be an utmost priority if you are relocating your family abroad. Depending on where you move to, you will have a few options to ensure your children's education does not suffer:

International schools
If your children attend an international school here in Malaysia, you may want to find a similar school in the area to which you are moving to. Find out if there is a suitable school where you will be relocating to by searching the directory of international schools on the Internet.

Local schools
If you are going to stay long term in the country you are moving to, you may want to consider enrolling your children in a local school. Contact the embassy of the country you are moving to for a list of schools and the application procedures.

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Arranging Your Finances

Check with your banker 3 months before your departure to see if an overseas account and other financial arrangements can be set up prior to your move, or ask them for a reference letter that you can take with you.

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Family Healthcare And Insurance

Hospital services, doctors' consultations, emergency services and other forms of healthcare may be wholly or partly paid for by the patient in the country you move to. This is an expense that you need to factor into your finances or make sure that you have the appropriate health insurance coverage.

A medical check up for each member of your family is also a good idea. It should be done no later than six months before departure.

At HSBC, we offer worldwide insurance protection so you can rest assured that you will be well looked after, wherever you are in the world.

Find out more about the private medical insurance that we provide especially for Malaysians living abroad.

You should consider getting travel insurance coverage in case of emergency whilst travelling. Other coverage to consider is a policy to protect the contents of your home while on transit to the new location.

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Packing and Moving

Once you have decided on the date of your move, notify the moving company at least 3 months before your date of departure. Plan the time for your move to ensure that all your belongings arrive before you do. In addition, obtain a complete listing of your belongings from your mover and check out what customs and excise documentation you will need to clear with the customs in your new country.

Just to be safe, leave a photocopy of your passport, visas and other important documents in a safe place before you move.

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How Can We Help You

Bank account
Having a bank account set up in the country you are moving to before you arrive will give you time to concentrate on settling in and finding your feet. We can help you open an account for your day-to-day transactions in the local currency, as well as arrange other financial services to help you get started.

Learn more about the HSBC International network
The HSBC global network allows you to withdraw cash from our extensive world-wide network of ATMs. Our credit cards will also allow you to make purchases at thousands of merchants all over the globe. Click here.

Home and Away Privilege Programme
HSBC credit cards allow you to travel the world and experience special privileges when you are away from home. You can also check out what exclusive privileges are in store for you.

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Disclaimer

• This section is intended as a general guide for reference only.
• The information contained in this section should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice in individual cases. Future changes in information, regulations, legislation, tax levels and practice could affect the information in this site.
• The information shown is based on date or information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but HSBC makes no representation and accepts no responsibility as to its accuracy or completeness, and will not be held liable for damages arising out of any person’s reliance upon this information.
• Information sourced from Immigration Department and Ministry of Tourism Malaysia.