Climate

Malaysia has an equatorial climate with uniform temperatures throughout the year. It has a temperature ranging from 22°C - 32°C (71.6°F - 89.6°F). Annual rainfall ranges from 2,000mm - 2,500mm.

Clothing

Casual and light dressing is recommended due to the high humidity levels at 80% throughout the year. Casual smart dressing is acceptable for most restaurants.

Currency / Credit Cards

The Ringgit Malaysia (RM) is the currency for Malaysia. All major credit cards are accepted in shopping complexes and hotels while cash is required in rural areas. Licensed foreign money changers are available in all urban centres, key entry/exit points and shopping complexes. Currently, US$1 is pegged at RM3.80.

Customs

Visitors have to go through the Customs again when travelling from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia. Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a refundable deposit of 50% of the value for temporary importation.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220-240 volts with 50 cycles AC system.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

In Malaysia, health standards are ranked amongst the highest in Asia. Water in cities is safe to drink but it is best to boil before consumption. Mineral water is an alternative.

Local Area Information

Kuala Lumpur is situated midway along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. It is approximately 35km from the coast and sits at the centre of the Peninsular's extensive and modern transportation network. Being the largest city and the capital of the country, KL resides a population of almost two million people from all of Malaysia's ethnic groups.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phone networks in Kuala Lumpur are GSM, PCN and Analog.

Public Phones

Most public phones accept coins and telephone cards that can be purchased at major bookstores. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telekom office.

Shopping & Business Hours

Most shops and department stores are open from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Mondays to Sundays, and some close by 8:00 p.m. Sundays.

• Banks & government offices: Banks in each state follow the same working hours as their government offices. Banks and government offices are closed on the first and third Saturday of the month. Banking hours are between 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on full days and 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on half days.
• Offices: In the three states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, government offices are open from Saturday to Wednesday, and Thursday morning. The offices are closed on Thursday afternoon and the whole of Friday. The office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. on full days, and 8:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. on half days. These office hours apply to all other government offices in the other states that operate from Monday through Friday and Saturday morning.

Taxes

Some shops add a 5% government tax while certain establishments charge 5% government tax and 10% service charge.

Time Zone

GMT + 8.

Tipping

Tipping is up to one's preferences.

Travellers' Declaration Form

Travellers, both residents and non-residents, need to fill in the Travellers' Declaration Form when carrying more than RM1,000 when leaving or entering the country. Residents leaving the country have to declare their foreign currency and travellers' cheques that exceed RM10,000 whilst non-residents need not declare the amount of foreign currency brought in. Written permission is required from Bank Negara (National Bank).

Visa

Every visitor to Malaysia must possess an International passport or any recognised travel document that must have at least 6 months validity. Visitors from certain countries need to produce a visa which is normally applied for before entering the country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if travelling from infected areas and from Yellow Fever Endemic zones, except for children below age one.