Last updated: 24 May 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Business offices are open Monday to Friday between 9.00am–5.00pm, and Saturday 9.00am–12.30pm.
Most shopping malls and department stores are open every day between 10.00am–10.00pm.
Banks are open Monday to Friday between 9.30am–4.00pm. Some banks, especially in suburban areas are open on Saturdays.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year’s Day
February 14 – Chinese New Year
February 26 – Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday
April 28 – Wesak Day
May 1 – Labour Day
June 5 – King's Birthday
August 31 – National Day
September 10 – Hari Raya Puasa
November 5 – Deepavali
November 16-17 – Hari Raya Qurban
December 7 – Awal Muharam
December 25 – Christmas Day
Climate
Malaysia has a tropical environment and is hot and humid all year round. Daily temperature ranges from 25-35°C. Humidity is usually 90 per cent. Be prepared for heavy afternoon rains in monsoon periods.
For weather details in Malaysia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The unit of currency is the ringgit (RM). The ringgit is divided into 100 sen. Currency notes are in denominations of RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100. Coins are in denominations of 1 sen, 10sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and RM1.
Under the Exchange Control Rules, all travellers must declare the amount of local and foreign currencies in their possession on arrival into and departure from Malaysia. Travellers must complete theTravellers Declaration Form. Non-residents are required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country if the amount exceeds RM1000. Declaration in detail is required if the amount of foreign currency, including traveller’s cheques, exceeds the equivalent of US$2500.
Time zones and time differences
Malaysia is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Malaysia does not have daylight savings.
To find out the current time in Kuala Lumpur, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Malaysia's country code is 60.
For calls to Malaysia from Australia dial: 0011 + 60 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Malaysia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
Malaysian and Australian telephone numbers are very similar in their configuration. Malaysian area codes are two digit, and mobile phone numbers are three digit, starting with 012, 017, 019 etc, depending on the carrier.
Cheap call cards are a good way to maximise value when calling from landlines. Most newsagencies sell a variety of call cards. RM30 can buy about three hours talk time to Australia.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Malaysia’s power supply is 220-240 volts, 50Hz. Malaysia generally uses a standard three pronged UK plug and you will need to bring an adaptor to use Australian appliances.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Tourism Malaysia – www.tourism.gov.my
Asia Travel Guide – www.asiatravel.com/malinfo.html
Asia Travel – www.asiatravel.com/malaysia.html
Asia Tour Guide – www.asiatour.com/malaysia/content1.htm
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.