When to go
From March to October. The climate is tropical, with warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm and the rainy season is from November to March. Try to avoid public and school holidays.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood.
Time
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.
Religion
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but there is freedom of worship.
Currency
The Malaysian currency unit is Ringgit (RM) and sen, where 100 sen equals one Ringgit. Most establishments accept major travelers’ cheques and credit cards. US$ 1 is roughly RM 3.20 (Check www.oanda.com for up to date exchange rates). Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.
Visitors are not permitted to take more than RM 1000 in Malaysian currency out of the country and no more in foreign currency than was brought in.
Water
Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia, provided that it is boiled first. Hotels usually provide bottled water for guests in their rooms.
Eating out
Local food is usually hot and spicy. Before you eat specifically ask the waiter not to give you any spicy food.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is sometimes practised. RM1-RM3.
Electricity
Malaysian electricity voltage is on a 240 volt 50-cycle system and uses a UK-style three-pin plug. European two-pin plugs can be used with a simple plastic adaptor, freely available.
Telephones
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telekom offices or other telecommunication providers.
Driving
Visitors will need an international driving licence. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and it is advisable to observe the speed limits, which are generally 50km/h in the city or residential areas and 80km/h or 110km/h on the highway and expressway.
Anti-drug law
Visitors to Malaysia are advised that the trafficking of drugs in the country is an offence punishable by the death penalty.
Health
The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. Cholera, smallpox and malaria have largely been eliminated.
Before you go
Confirm your reservation with your travel agent.
Take with you important telephone numbers like your local travel agent and embassy. |
