Travel Tips

Religion

The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but there is freedom of worship. Visit the Al-Hana Mosque and view the intricate designs from Uzbekistan.

Language

Bahasa Malaysia is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood.

Telecommunications

There are good telephone communications throughout the island with phone booths operated by different companies which either accept coins or phone cards. International calls can be direct-dialled from private phones, some public phone booths using a phone card and Telekom offices. The access code for making international calls from Malaysia 00. For more information, dial 103.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practised. RM2-RM5.

Tourist Information Centers

Please contact Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board for tourist information. Website : http://tourism.gov.my

Water

Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia. Hotels usually provide bottled water for guests in their rooms.

Working week

Pangkor has its weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The official start of the week is on Monday.

Banks

Money can be changed at most hotels, banks and at the airport. Banks and moneychangers are located at Kuah town, with banks being open from 0930 am to 0330 pm. On Saturday, they are open from 0930 am to 1200 noon. Sunday is the day off for the state of Perak.

Currency

Malaysia currency is in Ringgit (RM) and sen. Most establishments accept major travellers' cheques and credit cards. The exchange rate for US dollars is fixed at RM3.80 = US$1. A resident/non-resident is permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, ringgit notes not exceeding RM1,000. A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including traveller's cheques not exceeding RM10,000. A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including traveller's cheques not exceeding the amount brought in. Should you need to carry currency in excess of the permitted limits, please obtain prior written permission from :

Director
Exchange Control Department
Bank Negara Malaysia
Tel : 603-291 0772/ 290 7353/ 290 7354/ 290 7780
Fax : 603-293 7732

Anti-drug law

Visitors to Malaysia are advised that the trafficking of drugs in the country is an offence punishable by the death penalty.

Electricity

Malaysian electricity voltage is on a 240 volt 50-cycle system.

Health

The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. Cholera, smallpox and malaria have largely been eliminated.

Immigration

Citizens from the following countries are required to have a visa to visit Malaysia : North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People's Republic of China. Nationals other than those stated are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month. However, it is recommended that visa enquiries are made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian consulate closest to you, as regulations are subject to change.