Travel Tips

Visa

Travelers who would like to travel to Malaysia are required to have a valid passport or a recognized travel document that is valid for at least 6 months.
On the other hand for people who are from certain countries on business purposes need not apply for visa. Furthermore, the regulations on visa are subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is advisable to authenticate with the local Malaysian embassy for the latest information.

Health Facilities

Public Hospitals and private clinics could be found in every state. Specialist Centres are mostly located in major cities. Certain health care facility such as Government, Public Hospitals and many Private Hospitals are available 24 hours.

Public Phones

Malaysia public phones are mostly coin operated, telephone card operated and few with credit card. For the coin operated phones, users are advisable to prepare coins in 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents. Thus many of the coin operated phones could be used to make international calls.

As for travelers who wish to get telephone card, it could easily purchases from retail shops, outlets and newspaper and magazine stands.

Customs

There are several items taxable like carpets, clothes, designer accessories, jewelry, chocolate, handbags, wines and liquors or alcohols, tobacco and cigarettes. On the other hand there are also items that are tax-free such as pens, cameras, portable radios, watches, perfumes, cosmetics and lighters.

For taxable goods, tourists ought to leave their goods they carry with the customs and collect before they depart the country. Instead, tourist also could pay a deposit for the item to be carried into the country which amounted 1.5 times market price of the item.
Hence, tourists are able to obtain the reimbursement when they leave the country. To avoid complications and time saving, tourists are recommended to keep the receipts of tax payments and deposits carefully.

Drug trafficking carries a death penalty in Malaysia.

Currency

The currency in Malaysia is Ringgit Malaysia (RM). There are 7 kinds of denominations of Ringgit Malaysia; they are RM1, RM2, RM 5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100. Alternatively, for coins denominations come in 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents.
There is a form known as TDF – Traveler Declaration Form. A form that use to declare the amount of money that one is carrying into the country. For non-Malaysian, TDF forms are in blue color, on the other hand for Malaysian travelers, the white TDF forms are to be used.

For non-Malaysians bringing a sum of equivalent amount US $2, 500, regardless to arrival or departure, ought to note the amount down in detail. Therefore for those carrying amount equal to or exceeding US $2,500, are advised to put their money together with their passports before handing them to the customs officers for verification.

Thus, for Malaysians bringing in a sum of more than RM1, 000 are ought to note the amount down in detail. Similarity, if they are taking out foreign currency exceeding the amount of RM10, 000 that include the traveller’s cheques.

Customs and Taboos

For courtesy when visiting a country, we ought to know some of their customs and taboos. For Malaysia customs and taboo, there are a few when it comes to multiracial country. For example, Malays deem it impolite to use the left hand when giving or receiving souvenirs or things or even in contact like a firm hand shake, so avoid using the left hand at most time. Thus, majority Malaysian are Muslims therefore never eat pork or drink liquor in front of them as this is regarded as offensive and impolite.

When visiting mosques, one ought to remove one’s shoes before stepping into these sacred placed. As a mark of respect, women are to wear robes and headscarf, which are usually provided by the mosque before entering.

Note: Prior permission and approval must be obtained from the relevant authority before visiting the mosques or taking photographs. There are some mosques that are not open to visitors.

Lastly, one ought to not to use index finger when comes to pointing at people, things or showing directions. The polite way to use is with an open palm or right thumb with the other four fingers bent towards the palm.

Time

Malaysian Time is measured by the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) + 8:00. Therefore there is not much difference between time in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

Electricity

The electricity voltage in Malaysia is range from 220V to 240V.