General Information

People, Language and Religion
The population of Malaysia is approximately 21 million. We are a multicultural country comprising of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, and other races. Our capital, Kuala Lumpur has a population of over two million people. The national language is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) and English is widely spoken. While Islam is the official religion of the country, other religions are freely practised.

Climate
The Malaysian climate is equatorial, influenced by the monsoons. Humidity is high and temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C.

Clothing
Light clothing is recommended and attire may be informal except for official functions, when a lounge suit, national dress, or long sleeved batik shirt (for gentlemen) is appropriate. Modest attire is advisable when visiting places of worship.

Time
Standard Malaysian time is GMT + 8 hours.

Currency
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the unit of Malaysian currency and equals 100 sen. No other currency is legal tender. At the time of printing, the current rate of exchange is approximately RM 3.80 to USD 1.00. Traveller's cheques and international credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. Licensed moneychangers and banks are available at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, although better rates are usually available at the licensed moneychangers in the city.

All residents and non-residents are required to complete the Travellers Declaration Form (TDF) upon entering the country. Non-residents are required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount is in excess of RM1,000. As for foreign currency, including travellers's cheques, declaration is required only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of USD 2,500. Non-residents are required to keep the TDF with their passport and surrender the TDF upon leaving the country.

Banking Hours
Commercial banks in Kuala Lumpur and other major towns are open from 0930 to 1600 hours Mondays to Fridays and from 0930 to 1130 hours on Saturdays.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport
The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located in Sepang, and is a 45-minute drive from the city centre. Airport taxis and limousines are available at standard rates from the taxi counter. It costs approximately RM 67 (USD 18) for a taxi and RM 92 (USD 24) for a limousine into the city.

Entry Requirements
Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa-free entry into Malaysia as long as they are in possession of a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, please check with your local Malaysian diplomatic mission, or Tourism Malaysia Office.

Transport
All taxis in the city are equipped with meters and fares are charged according to the meter reading. The fare is RM2 for the first 2 km and 10 sen for every 200 meters thereon. A surcharge of 50% is levied between midnight and 6.00am. Tipping is appreciated but not expected by the taxi drivers.

Busses and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) are also available within the city and cost between RM 0.90 to RM 1.90 (USD 0.25 to USD 0.50) per one way trip.

Tipping and Taxes
In all hotels and most restaurants, a service charge of 10% is added to your bill and tipping is discouraged. In addition, a Government tax of 5% is payable on all hotel, dining and other service industries.

Health
Cholera and small pox vaccination are not required for travellers entering Malaysia. Vaccination is required for arrivals from infected areas and yellow fever endemic zones except for children less than 1 year old.

Airport Tax
An airport tax of RM 10.00 and RM 40.00 is charged upon departure for all domestic and international flights respectively.

Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 240 volts, 50 Hz and 13 Amps.

Water
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap.

Shopping
Most shopping complexes are open every day from 10 am to 10 pm. Prices in the large outlets are fixed, although many of the smaller retail outlets are happy to reduce their prices if you bargain a little. In these shops, the assistance of a Malaysian friend is useful to ensure that you get your money's worth!

Telephones
Public telephones are widely available and accept coins, prepaid phone cards, and for the newer phones, even credit cards. IDD telephones are also widely available and accept phone cards and credit cards.