Entry Formality

Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of valid passport / travel documents with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the period of intended stay.

Visa Requirement

Commonwealth citizen (with exceptions) do not need visa to enter Malaysia. Nationals of ASEAN countries do not require visa for social and business visits not exceeding one month of intended stay.

Customs

Items such as video equipment, cameras, radio cassette players, watches, pens, lighters, perfumes and cosmetics are duty free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure.

Currency

The unit of currency is the 'Ringgit' indicated as (RM). RM1.00 is equivalent to 100 sen. Coins are issued in denominations of 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and RM 1.00. Currency notes are in denomination of RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100. Foreign currency and travelers cheque can be converted to Ringgit at most banks and authorized money changers throughout the country.

New Currency Control Law
With effect from 1 October 1998, all travelers are required to fill in the Travelers Declaration Form (TDF) on arrival / departure. Residents and Non-Residents are allowed to bring in not more than RM1,000 in cash and an unlimited amount of foreign currency. *New Currency Control Law (click for more information)

What To Wear

Light, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round. For more formal occasions, jacket and tie or long sleeved batik for men and dresses for women.

Airport Tax

An airport tax of RM5.00 and RM40.00 is charged upon departure for all domestic and international flight passengers respectively.

Water

It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. However, bottled mineral water is sold in all supermarkets and shops.

Electricity

Malaysia’s voltage is 220-240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second (50Hz).

Telephone

Local calls can be made from public phones, whether coin or card operated. International calls can be made from phone booths with card phone facilities or at any Telecoms offices. Most hotels are equipped with IDD services with a minimal service charge.

Postal Service

Post Offices are open daily from 8am - 5pm, and closed on Sundays and public holidays (for Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu closed on Fridays and public holidays.) The General Post Office in Kuala Lumpur is open from 8am - 6pm daily and from 10am - 12.45pm on Sundays. Most international hotels provide postal services at their front desk.

Medical Service

Medical services are available in most towns at government-run hospitals and private clinics. Nonprescription drugs are available at most pharmacies as well as supermarkets, hotels and shopping centers.

Tourist Police

Visitors who encounter unforeseen problem and difficulty can seek the Malaysian Tourist Police Unit for assistance. Tourist Police Unit telephone numbers in major cities are:

Business Hours

Government departments/offices are open from 8.00am - 4.30 pm on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays) and from 8.00am - 12.45pm on Saturdays. Commercial and Business Houses are open from 9.00am - 5.00pm on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays) and 9.00am - 1.00pm on Saturdays. Shopping complexes are open from 10.00am - 10.00pn daily.

The 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month are public holidays for government departments. Some commercial houses also comply.

Tipping

Tipping is not a way of life in Melaka. The hotel and restaurant has included a 10 percent service charge and 5% government tax in the bill. Tipping is recommended if the service rendered is exceptionally good.

Export of Antiquities

Antiquities may not be exported out of the country without license from the Director-General of the Museums.

Diplomatic Mission

72 countries have diplomatic missions in Malaysia and 26 are accredited to Malaysia from neighboring capitals. They are generally located in Kuala Lumpur. To contact your own Embassy, check with the hotel operator or refer to a telephone directory.

Language

Bahasa Malaysia is the national language but English is widely spoken. Other main languages are Chinese and Tamil.

Climate

Generally warm throughout the year with temperature ranging form 21°C to 32°C. Humidity is high all year round.

Time

Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Drug Trafficking

Trafficking in illegal drugs carries the death penalty.