Malaysia Basics

Malaysia Time

GMT +8

Voltage

240 volts, 50 Hertz. The UK standard 3 pin plug design is standard throughout Malaysia, a legacy of British colonial rule.

International dialing code

+60

Mobile Phones

Cellular communications are widespread. The supported systems are GSM 900/1800 and 3G 2100. Pre-paid SIM cards are widely available from convenience stores and petrol stations. See also:

Money

The local currency in the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Currency exchange can be carried out almost anywhere, including any bank. Probably the best currencies are the British Pound and the US Dollar. Most hotels will also be able to exchange money and traveler's cheques. Credit card use and acceptance is widespread.

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Tipping

Tipping is not common and is not generally expected in Malaysia in most circumstances... except for the usual, such as hotel porters, or where exceptional service was given, in which case, you may feel you would like to reward such good service with a modest tip. Where a service charge is added to the bill, it is certainly not necessary to tip.

Safety

Most visitors and expatriates comment on the exceptional friendliness and hospitality of the Malaysian people. Generally, every part of the country is very safe, far more so than most western nations. Obviously, all people should be on their guard for the occasional pick pocket in tourist areas.

Driving in Malaysia

From the beginning of 2009, all people traveling in a car MUST wear seatbelts, including all passengers (front and rear). Heavy fines and/or imprisonment are enforced for not complying with this law.
An IDP with your home license entitles you to drive in Malaysia for up to one year. UK citizens can use their UK license on it's own for up to three months. Traffic drives on the left, another legacy of British colonial rule. More in depth information can be found at:

Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Malaysia Forum