Malaysia is a fascinating nation that attracts people from all over the world. If you’ve been drawn to its magnetism and want to come here, there are certain things you should think about before packing your bags. nNo, don’t be alarmed. It’s simply a question of putting things in their proper places.
Air Travel Tax:
The airport tax is charged in Malaysia upon departure, which ranges from RM5 to RM40 depending on your destination.
Our business hours are as follows:
In Malaysia, a normal eight-hour working day with Saturday as half-working day and Sunday as complete holiday is in use. The first and third Saturdays of every month are generally when all government offices, public service departments, and a few banks close. Private businesses generally operate from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday (excluding national holidays) and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, with government offices opening at 8:30am and closing at 4:30pm.
Climate
If you’re looking for a place to travel that has pleasant weather year-round, then Malaysia is the destination for you. With average temperatures ranging from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius and high humidity, it’s sure to be a comfortable trip. The rainy season typically falls between November and February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. However, if you plan on visiting the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia , keep in mind that April through May or October through November are typically wetter months. For Kuala Lumpur specifically, intellicast offers a four day forecast so can easily check what type of weather to expect during your stay!
A credit card can be helpful when traveling.
Use credit cards with vigilance to avoid being scammed. Only use them at big stores that come highly recommended, and keep a close eye on your spending.
Drinking Water:
Tap water is typically safe to consume. Bottled water is available in most towns throughout the country if you don’t want to drink tap water.
Driving:
In Malaysia, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive. However, take a taxi since traffic is not very smooth. Because mixing drinking and driving is prohibited, and breathalyzer testing by the police is frequent, do not mix drinking and driving. Take a look at the car rental services available.
Drugs:
It’s also advised that you avoid bringing any recreational drugs into the country. Even if a visitor is here for transit or with small amounts, he would be sentenced to death if he defaults.
Electrical Supply:
The electric supply in most homes is 240 volts and 50 cycles.
Fake Products:
When you’re out shopping, only purchase items from reputable stores to avoid getting scammed. For example, many products sold in Chinatown are fake.
Gambling:
Gambling is illegal in Malaysia, with very few exceptions. If you gamble illegally, you’re risking being cheated- particularly as a tourist.
Health Precautions:
Zika is circulating in Malaysia, so it’s important to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in air-conditioned rooms. You should also avoid cut fruits from roadside vendors. Lastly, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and any other general medicines you may need!
Luggage:
Only take with you the amount of luggage that you can manage. This way, you’ll only have to bring the essentials and won’t overpack. Additionally, because airlines often lose or damage luggage, it’s best to travel with durable suitcases or bags. Finally, always keep an emergency bag nearby containing medicines and other necessities like your passport in case something happens while you’re away from home.
Medical Treatment:
Malaysia has virtually every medical service you could require. If you need anything, Malaysia has it. Tourists typically avoid going to government hospitals due to the high price of private medical care as the only alternative. So, make sure your travel health insurance includes everything.
Passport/Travel Documents
Visitors to Malaysia must have a valid passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months after the date of intended stay. In the instance of a national passport not recognized by the Malaysian government, the individual should carry a substitute document issued by an embassy or consulate abroad. The holder of a national passport must also be able to return to his/her country of origin without restriction.
- Malaysia has a mandatory Disembarkation Card (IMM. 26) for all visitors who enter the country. On arrival, the Immigration Officer will request that you surrender your Disembarkation Card, which should be handed over along with your national passport or another internationally recognized travel document that is valid for entry to Malaysia. A passport/travel document is also required when traveling between Sabah and Sarawak states.
- Visitor’s passes for Peninsular Malaysia are not valid in Sarawak. On arrival in Sarawak, fresh visit passes must be obtained. Visit passes granted by the Immigration Agencies of Sabah and Sarawak, however, are valid for any part of Malaysia subject to conditions.
Pedestrians:
To avoid being hit by a car, all pedestrians must use the bridges or traffic lights designated for them instead of crossing at zebra crossings.
PDA (Public Display of Affection):
In Malaysia, avoid participating in any of these kinds of activities on the roads, stations, or other public places.
Public Holidays:
With its multi-ethnic population, Malaysia celebrates a different festival almost every month. Some of these festivals are declared as Public Holidays. As the dates for each festival vary from year to year, it is best to check with the nearest Tourism Malaysia Office before you plan your trip.
Safety Guidelines:
Always be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings as crime rates rise. When doing business with strangers, use common sense judgment. Snatch-and-run robbers are all too frequent in big cities. As a result, be careful and don’t show off your valuables or money in public to avoid these situations.
Taxis:
Taxi drivers rarely use meters, so it’s usually a good idea to haggle for rates before getting in. Use a dial-a-taxi / registered service at night since unregistered taxi drivers may assault their passengers. Take a look at these taxi companies.
Tourist Police:
If you need help finding your way around, look for a traffic police officer. These officers wear dark blue shirts and trousers with checkered hat bands. On their breast pocket, they have a red and blue badge with the letter ‘I’ on it. You can usually find them at tourist spots, attractions, or monuments.
Travel Documents:
It’s always a good idea to take your travel documents and valuables with you when you travel.
Washrooms:
Public washrooms in Malaysia are usually both safe and convenient to use, ____. They usually charge between RM0.20-RM2.00, depending on the available facilities, so it’s always best to have some loose change on hand just in case.
Vaccinations:
Malaysia is a haven for health-conscious individuals. If you’re coming from an area affected by yellow fever, then you’ll need to get a certificate of inoculation. However, there’s no need to worry about cholera or smallpox vaccinations in Malaysia.
