Visiting Malaysia

(Last updated: 19 Aug 2008)

Visas

Australian citizens do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Business travellers and tourists will be issued with a two-month visa upon arrival. To enter Malaysia you must possess a passport or other internationally recognised travel documents valid for travel to Malaysia and valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Malaysia.

Climate

Malaysia is a tropical country and is hot and humid throughout the year with daily temperatures ranging from 21°C to 35°C. Rainy periods are usually between April and August and October and December. The east coast of peninsular Malaysia goes through an annual monsoon season between November and March.

For weather details in Malaysia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located at Sepang, about 75km south of Kuala Lumpur.

The KLIA Ekspres fast train from the airport to Sentral Station in the city commenced operation in 2003. The train runs every 15-20 minutes and the journey takes just under half an hour. The cost of a journey is RM35 one way and RM70 return. Taxis are available from Sentral.

Taxi services from KLIA are operated by Airport Limousine Services. Taxi travel coupons can be purchased from the service counters after passing through immigration and customs clearance. It will cost about RM70 for a budget cab or RM150 for a KLIA limousine to get from the airport to the city centre. Travel times vary on the time of day, however, the rule of thumb is about an hour.

Ground transport

Taxis are inexpensive by Australian standards. Most taxis are fitted with meters, however, you may need to ask the driver to put the meter on or negotiate a fare before commencing the journey. Taxi rates are currently RM2 for the first two kilometres and 10 sen for every 200m thereon. A surcharge of 50 per cent is levied between midnight and 6.00am.

Most taxis are air-conditioned and in reasonable condition, however, it should be noted that seat belts are not compulsory in Malaysia for back-seat passengers. Communication with taxi drivers can be problematic in some instances, hence it is recommended that a business card or address for your destination and return point be retained and used when required.

Rail transport provided by Keratapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) and runs from Singapore in the south and to Padang Besar in the north. Kuala Lumpur's Light Rail Transit systems (STAR and PUTRA) link the fringe of the city with the main business and shopping centres. The KL Monorail commenced operations in 2003 and provides a circuit through the central business and shopping precincts in the city.

For busy visit programs where time is critical, we recommend you use a hire car and driver that can be arranged through any of the reputable hotels. Several car hiring services are available such as Avis and Budget Car Rental.

Use of a hire car and driver arranged through Austrade or reputable hotels is recommended for visit programs where time is critical. Hailing/calling taxis can take time.

Hotels

Hotels are extremely competitively priced in Malaysia. Generally, the rate for a standard room in four- to five-star hotels in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang range from RM300 to RM400.

Security and health

The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists to Malaysia. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Individuals should take the normal precautions.

Women should take particular care in Kuala Lumpur where handbag snatching by people in cars or on motorbikes does occur in some of the major centres.

Pedestrians should take care – some vehicle, especially motor bikes, run red lights, and drive on the incorrect side of the road etc.

Credit card fraud through card cloning or double swiping also occurs. It is recommended that caution be exercised in use of credit cards and that credit card statements be monitored following credit card use.

Health

Kuala Lumpur is generally free of tropical diseases such as malaria, typhoid and cholera, but hepatitis A and B inoculations are recommended.

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

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Tipping

Tipping is not common in Malaysia unless exceptionally good service is provided. Most hotels and large restaurants  add a 10 per cent service charge in addition to the five per cent government tax to the bill (indicated by a ++ sign on menus and rate cards). Tip porters about RM1 per bag.

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, and Saturday 9.30am–11.30am. Banks are closed every first Saturday of each month.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 26-27 – Chinese New Year
March  9 – Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday
May 1 – Labour Day
May 9 – Wesak Day
June 5 – King's Birthday
August 31 – National Day
September 20 – Hari Raya Puasa
October 17 – Deepavali

November 27 – Hari Raya Qurban

December 18 – Awal Muharam
December 25 – Christmas Day

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, 10 sen, 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 the Travellers 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.

Electricity and water

Malaysia’s power supply is 220-240 volts, 50Hz. Multiple fitting adapter connections for Malaysian plugs can be easily obtained.

Dining

Malaysia offers a wide choice of culinary delights. Places to eat include five-star hotel restaurants, fast food restaurants, sidewalk cafes, delicatessens and hawker stalls.