Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Time zone: GMT + 8
Telephone services: Country Code: 60
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 999
Tourist information: Tourism Malaysia, 57 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DU Tel (020) 7930 7932 Fax: (020) 7930 9015.
Passport information: Passport valid for further 6 months beyond the intended stay in Malaysia is required. All visitors must have proof of adequate funds for stay. Return Ticket required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.
Visa information: Most nationals do not require a visa to enter Malaysia providing the stay is less than a month and for social, business purposes. A visit pass is required which will be issued at the point of entry.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in certain inland regions e.g. Sabah where there is a risk in the Falciparum variety which has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from infected areas
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies, febrile encephalitis, and Dengue fever – prevalent in urban as well as rural areas. Japanese encephalitis has been reported in the rural areas of Ipoh, Seremban and Port Dickson, travellers should seek medical advise if they intend to travel to these areas.
Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption. When drinking from cans, always use a straw, which is generally provided.
Currency: Ringgit (r) = 100 sen NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to RM 1,000 without prior approval. Declare all foreign currency notes on the travellers declaration form so that they may exported.There are severe penalties for exchange control offences.
All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted by all banks, hotels and department stores. US dollar cheques are the preferable currency.
ATM availability: Over 2000 locations
Cost of living: Can be reasonably inexpensive. Wide range of accommodation available, varying from luxury hotels to campsites in the national park and Taman Negara area. Goods and luxury items vary in price depending on location.
Languages: Bahasa Malaysian. English is also widely spoken
Weather: Tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm whilst nights are fairly cool. August is the wettest time of the West coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains Nov – Feb. Rainfall differs in the East and West coast according to the Monsoon wind.
Electricity: 220 Volts Ac 50 Hz. Square 3 pin plugs are used.
Post: There are post offices in the commercial centres of all towns.
Transport: ROAD: Most roads are paved. BUS: Services are extensive. TAXI: There is a surcharge after 2400 – 0600 of 50%.
Special information: Avoid travelling to the islands east of Sabah. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as they could result in violence. Respect religious beliefs – take off your shoes at the door and wear appropriately modest clothing. Smoking is prohibited in a number of public places. Malaysia prides itself on an expansive range of cuisine. There are very severe penalties for drug offences including the death penalty. There have been incidences of piracy in Malasian waters.