Malaysia travel info

General information for the traveller new to Malaysia.

Visas
Visitors must have a passport valid for 6 months more than the maximum time allowed for their stay in Malaysia. Residents of most countries are granted visa free access for periods ranging from 7 days to 3 months.

Customs
Currency - There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency (except banknotes of India up to Rs270 and Indonesia up to Rp3000) which can be taken in and out of Malaysia.
The import and export of Ringgit is restricted to M$ 1,000 per person
Ringgit is currently a closed currency and can only be bought/sold in Malaysia

Visitors may take the following into Malaysia duty free:

• Alcoholic beverages - not exceeding 1 litre
• Tobacco - not exceeding 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are very severe, ranging from long prison sentences to the death penalty.

Time
Malaysian time: GMT + 8 hours

Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (RM), also known as the Malaysian Dollar M$. Check current exchange rates.
100 sen = 1RM
Notes issued - M$500, M$100, M$50, M$20, M$10, M$5, M$1
Coins issued - M$20, M$10, M$5, M$1, 100 sen, 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, 5 sen, 1sen

Language
Behasa Malayu (also known as Malay) is the official language of Malaysia. English is widely spoken and understood. Mandarin, Cantonese and Tamil are also spoken.

Tipping
Tipping is not standard practice in Malaysia but is appreciated. Some hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge. Tip porters and hotel staff M$5.

Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.00 pm
Saturday 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Note: Banks in Sabah open at 8.00 am and take a lunch break from 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm

Telephone
The international dialling code for Malaysia is 60
When calling overseas from Malaysia dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number.

Malaysian Telephone codes

Kuala Lumpur, Selangor	03
Penang, Langkawi	04
Johor Bahru	05
Melaka, Port Dickson	06
Pulau Pangkor, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, Maxwell Hill	05
Fraser's Hill, Tioman Islands, Perhentian Islands, Terengganu, Redang, Kuantan, Kota Bahru	09
Kuching	082
Kota Kinabalu	088
Miri	085

Electricity
220-240V AC 50 cycles per second.
3 pin square plugs.

Water
Tap water is safe to drink in main cities and major hotels. Bottled water is widely available.

Health
Standards of health and hygiene are generally good in Malaysia. Visitors arriving from yellow fever endemic zones must present a yellow fever health certificate. The risk of catching malaria in Malaysia is slim; however it is wise to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airport

• Kuala Lumpur - opened in 1998 in Sepang (some 60km from the city)
• Penang
• Johor Bahru
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kuching
• Langkawi

International Airport Departure Tax
M$40

Domestic Airport
There are numerous domestic airports in Malaysia; these include those mentioned above plus the following:

• Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Terengganu
• Pulau Tioman
• Pulau Perhentian
• Pulau Pangkor
• Taman Negara
• Kuantan
• Ipoh
• Melaka
• Pulau Langkawi

Domestic Airport Departure Tax
M$5

Etiquette/Dress Code
Malaysia is a mix of many religions but predominantly Muslim, so dress fairly modestly. Beachwear should be restricted to the beach and topless sunbathing is never acceptable. Away from the beach, clothes should not be too short and the shoulders should be covered. When visiting government offices be sure to dress smartly, as casual dress will be taken as an affront.

There is a large ethnic Chinese population in Malaysia; as with most Asian countries, situations should be avoided which would cause a loss of "face". Try to steer clear of confrontation as it is not appreciated and will only worsen rather than resolve any situation.

Diplomatic Missions
Most countries have representative offices and consulates in Kuala Lumpur and a limited number are also available in Penang.

Useful Sources of Information
For further information on Malaysian tourism.

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