Traveller Essentials

There are international and local banks in Malaysia. In most states, banking hours are from 9.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays. Malaysa’s currency is called Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Tourists are recommended to always have small denomination of money at hand to make it convenient for payment. As there are many money changers in shopping complexes, airports, train stations and high tourist traffic areas, it is advisable to exchange foreign currencies into Ringgit. All banks also offer this service.

For the latest exchange rates and more details, visit Bank Negara Malaysia

Credit cards are widely accepted in Malaysia. All major banks offer counter and ATM credit card cash advances. Tourists can withdraw cash on these ATMs using their debit cards as well. However, kindly ensure your debit networks match the network listed on the ATM. On top of that, traveller cheques can be exchanged at moneychangers or at bank counters.

Malaysia uses the British Standard BS 1363 domestic AC power plugs and sockets. The voltage used in Malaysia is 230/240 volts – 50hz. If your electrical appliance uses less volts, please use a converter/transformer to step down the 230/240 volts to prevent damage of your electrical appliance. Check on the label of your electrical appliance to see if it is multi-voltage. In Malaysia, the outlets commonly accept 1 type of plug, the one having two parallel flat pins with ground pin. Should your device plug has a different shape, you will need a plug adapter. It is always better to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter for your travel arrangements.

Tourists are recommended to take health precaution against diseases like malaria, dengue fever, rabies and hepatitis, especially if you are visiting the rural areas. Bring along mosquito repellents and sun blocks to protect your skin. Hand sanitizer is good for hygiene purposes. Tourists arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to produce the International Health Certificates showing vaccination has been done.

Although Malaysians are generally humble and friendly, they do reserve their own culture and customs. Visitors are advised to understand and observe the taboos, the do’s and don’ts to avoid provocation.

DO’s

• Shake hands with men for greeting, but not women unless they offer to do so first. The traditional greeting or “salam” resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. People greet visitors by placing their right hand over the left chest to mean I greet you from my heart.
• Use right hand to receive or give something. The right hand should also be used for eating.
• Remove your shoes before entering a Malaysian home or temples and mosques.
• Follow simple rules when visiting these places of worship. Dress decently. No shorts. Avoid pointing your feet at a person or scared images when sitting. Stand up to show respect when monks or nuns enter.
• Enter the hall with your left foot first, and exit by leading with your right foot. This gesture symbolically represents a whole.

DONT’s

• Don’t touch the head of an adult. Touching people on the head is considered rude.
• Don’t point forefinger at things. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is preferred.
• Don’t pound your fist into the palm of the other hand as it is considered obscene.
• Don’t point your feet towards people or sacred images.
• Don’t go topless when swimming or sunbathing.
• Don’t kiss in public
• Don’t touch a male religious figure if you are a woman
• Don’t be offended if your offer of a handshake is not reciprocated by a Muslim who is of the opposite sex. In Islam, physical contact between the opposite sex is discouraged..
• Don’t discuss sensitive subjects and cause provocation in the open.
• Don’t eat pork or drink alcohol in front of Muslims in the open although some may accept this.
• Don’t ever be involved in illegal drugs. There is a mandatory death penalty for trafficking.  

For a comprehensive street directory in Malaysia:
www.streetdirectory.com.my/

For list of foreign embassies and consulates in Malaysia:
http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/Malaysia

For useful contacts on emergency, tourist police and tourist information centres:
http://www.malaysiahoteltour.com/travel_guide/malaysia/travel_tips/contact_number.html

For useful contacts on transportation, telecommunications and general matters:
http://www.malaysia.alloexpat.com/malaysia_information/useful_telephone_numbers_malaysia.php

For information on immigration and customs:
http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/ and
http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/home

For banking matters and foreign exchange rates:
http://www.bnm.gov.my/

For Malaysia hospital directory:
http://malaysia.a-hospital.com/ and
http://malaysiadoctors.buyingguide.asia/p/hospitals.html

For directory list of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agent:
http://www.matta.org.my/

For official website of Tourism Malaysia:
http://www.tourism.gov.my/

For useful phrases or Malay language for tourists:
http://www.mymalaysiabooks.com/malaysia/malay_english.htm and
http://www.voyage99.com/useful-phrases.html

IKHLAS Kembara Plus Takaful - This Takaful plan provides compensation in the event of injuries, disability or death caused by sudden and unforeseen accident, medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident or illness, travel inconvenience and travel assistance for domestic and overseas trips. This plan can be participated by any individual person for themselves, their spouse and children. The family plan is only permitted for single trip only and the age limit of child is between 30 days to 21 years. Period of cover is depends on the duration of the trip/ journey.

www.merimen.com.my/epolicy/index.cfm?fusebox=MICsec&fuseaction=act_ssologin&lf=MARTI&GCOID=110180&USERID=TIMYNLCST&SESSIONID=timy70$x&PRODCODE=PA18T&AGENTCODE=GO06446