20 Things You Must Know before Traveling to Malaysia

Malaysia becomes a well-known tourism destination because of the pure beaches, peculiar islands, pristine rainforests, modern cities and multi culture. When many people go to Malaysia for the first time, they will have various questions about Malaysia. Here, TAT lists 20 things You Must Know before Traveling to Malaysia for the first time.

 

1. When is the best time to travel to Malaysia?

Malaysia has a tropical maritime climate, hot and rainy all year round. Malaysia is basically suitable for touring all year round, especially from May to September.      

 

Langkawi Beach

Langkawi Beach

 

2. What is the time zone of Malaysia?

Although Kuala Lumpur's geographic latitude is UTC+7, the standard time in Malaysia is UTC+8.

 

3. How to apply for visas for tours to Malaysia?

Tourists can apply for the corresponding visa according to their nationality, such as visa exemption, eVISA, eNTRI. More information: Tourist Visa in Malaysia

 

Malaysia Visa

 

4. What can't be brought into Malaysia?

Illegal copying of banknotes and coins from various countries; printed matter, paintings, photos, books, cards, prints, engravings, movies, video tapes, laserdiscs, color slides, computer CDs and any other media products that contain indecent or pornographic elements; equipment that harms national interests and threatens national security; all species of Piranha fish; turtle eggs.

 

Cocoa beans, rambutans and grape mulberries from the Philippines and Indonesia; liquor containing more than 3.46 mg of lead or copper per liter; daggers and switchblades; any radio receiver that can receive radio signals between 108MHz and 174MH; sodium arsenate; cloth copied or printed with any Koranic verses; anything similar to a syringe; toxic chemicals; lightning arresters containing radioactive substances.

 

5. How do I book a ticket for a trip to Malaysia?

After the itinerary is confirmed, the flight can be booked in advance. Tickets can be booked on airlines such as AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, etc. Among them, AirAsia is the most economical and can be purchased directly on the AirAsia official website.

 

Low-cost airlines are cheap, but often there is no free checked baggage allowance. You need to purchase your own checked baggage allowance.

 

6. How do I book hotels in Malaysia?

Agoda.com and booking.com are two global hotel reservation websites, and both require credit card reservations.

 

7. What are the voltage and power supply in Malay?

Voltage: 220V; frequency: 50Hz; socket: British three-hole standard

 

8. What are the necessary items for traveling to Malaysia?

In the tropics, the most important thing is sun protection and insect prevention. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, sun umbrella, insect repellent must be prepared. You can also bring some of the commonly used medicines.

 

9. What currencies are in circulation in Malaysia? Can we use US dollars directly?

The Malaysian currency is called the Ringgit. There are also sen, one ringgit equals one hundred sen (1 ringgit = 100 sen).

 

malaysian ringgit

Ringgit

 

In Malaysia, except for a few tourist attractions that will charge US dollars, most tourist attractions and other ordinary places use ringgits for circulation, and foreign currencies cannot be used.

 

10. Is it better to exchange money at home or in Malaysia?

You are advised to exchange Malaysian currency in Malaysia.

 

Recommended Money exchange points in Malaysia:

Generally speaking, the exchange rate ranges from poor to good as follows: 1. Airport; 2. KL SENTRAL (Central Station) on the second floor; 3. KL SENTRAL on the first floor; 4. Urban commercial office area; 5. Petaling Street; 6. Little India.

 

11. Do I need to tip in Malaysia?

Tipping is not compulsory in Malaysia. If you are satisfied with the service, you can tip 5-10 ringgits depending on the situation. Eating in a restaurant, the bill usually includes 6% government tax and 10% service tax at the time of checkout, so there is no need to tip.

 

12. Do I have to buy insurance to travel to Malaysia?

There is no compulsory insurance policy for traveling to Malaysia, but safety comes first when you go out. If there is an emergency, you can also feel at ease, and the price of insurance is not expensive. So, it is recommended to buy travel accident insurance. After purchasing the insurance, remember to give the insurance policy you have bought to your family (if it is an electronic policy, send it to your family's mailbox).

 

13. How to solve the Internet problem when traveling in Malaysia?

At present, the main overseas Internet access methods are as follows: rent portable Wi-Fi router, buy a local internet card and open international roaming. It is recommended to buy local internet card at the airport or convenience store.

 

digital-products

 

14. Is it safe in Malaysia?

The law and order situation in Malaysia is relatively safe, and dangerous situations are special circumstances. You should pay more attention to your personal belongings, food hygiene, and don't leave alone when it's too late.

 

Emergency call for help:

Emergency: 999

Police: 999

Fire: 994

 

15. What are the customs or taboos in Malaysia?

Never use the left hand in communication. Traditionally, Malays believe that the left hand is a symbol of uncleanness. Do not stretch out your hand to ask for a handshake to a lady. Do not use your index finger to point to people casually.

 

Malays are not allowed to touch their heads. Apart from teachers and religious rituals, Malays are not allowed to touch their backs.

 

16. How to solve the traffic problem when going to Malaysia?

Kuala Lumpur mainly relies on the subway. Malacca is too small, and walking is enough. There is no need for transportation on Lang Tengah Island, just enjoy it. Penang is basically on foot, and free scenic buses. Traffic in Malaysia keeps left.

 

redang-island

Redang Island

 

17. What are the regulations on smoking?

In order to achieve the goal of a "smoke-free country", the Malaysian government plans to set all restaurants in the country, including coffee shops, open-air hawker centers, and roadside stalls, as non-smoking areas.

 

Violators will face a fine of RM10,000 and a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison. Those who fail to implement the no-smoking policy will be fined RM2,500.

 

18. What is the recommended food to eat in Malaysia?

The top recommended food include Nasi Lemak, Asam Laksa, Chao Koay Teow, Nyonya Kuih, Ikan Panggang, Satay, Bak Kut Teh, etc.

 

Satay

Satay

 

19. Where can I eat local food in Malaysia?

  • Jalan Petaling: Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
  • Lebuh Chulia: 281-283, Chulia Street, 10200 Penang
  • Kimberly Street: Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, Pulau Pinang
  • Jonker Walk: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

 

20. What are the good places for shopping in Malaysia?

Kuala Lumpur: Petaling Street, Jalan Masjid India, Suria KLCC Shopping Complex, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Mydin Wholesale Emporiums, Duty free shop at Kuala Lumpur Airport

 

Malacca: Orangutan House, Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre

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