Guide on Traveling to and around Malaysia
- London, United Kingdom to Kuala Lumpur : 6,557 miles (10,552 km)
- Paris, France to Kuala Lumpur 6,483 miles (10,432 km)
- Rome, Italy to Kuala Lumpur : 6,038 miles (9,716 km)
- Stockholm, Sweden to Kuala Lumpur : 5,812 miles (9,353 km)
- Berlin, Germany to Kuala Lumpur : 5,979 miles (9,622 km)
- Madrid, Spain to Kuala Lumpur : 6,885 miles (11,079 km)
- New York, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 9,400 miles (15,126 km)
- Los Angeles, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 8,790 miles (14,144 km)
- Vancouver, Canada to Kuala Lumpur : 7,944 miles (12,783 km)
Currency
The currency unit is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. USD1 is roughly equivalent to RM3.45. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers. To check your currency exchange rate, go to UCC Converter
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 traveler’s cheques not exceeding RM10, 000. A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including traveler’s cheques not exceeding the amount brought in.
Religion
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but there is freedom of worship. Majority of Malaysian's are mostly Muslims followed by Chinese and Indians and also smaller groups of Christians, Sikh's and other minority groups.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood for most parts of Malaysia and this makes it easier for tourist to travel around the country.
Telecommunications
Tourist may buy prepaid starter-packs available with prices starting from Rm10 to Rm20 with a selection from 3 providers (Maxis, Celcom, and DiGi). Their rates are quite similar with Celcom offering the most extensive coverage, especially when it comes to traveling to Islands. Basic registration is necessary when buying any starter-packs.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practiced. RM2-RM5.
Water
Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia. Hotels usually provide bottled water for guests in their rooms.
Working week
Malaysia has its usual working days of Monday to Fridays with Saturday and Sundays as weekends except for the state of Kelantan and Terengganu which has its weekend on Friday and Saturday. The official start of the week is on Monday.
Customs
Langkawi is a duty-free port; hence hotel tariffs and retail goods are exempted from government duty.
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.