Frequently Asked Questions
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If you hold a US passport, no visa is required for stays not exceeding
three months. For other types of passport holders, please contact
the Malaysian Diplomatic Mission nearest you.
Travelers have very little to worry about in a country where health
standards are ranked amongst the highest in Asia. Vaccinations
are not required to enter Malaysia unless you are coming from a "yellow"
infected area.
Malaysia, being an equatorial country, experiences afternoon rain showers
throughout the year which cools the day. However, during the North-East
monsoon between the months of December through February, there will
be an increase in the frequency of these showers.
As Malaysia's climate is hot and humid almost all year round, it is
ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. In
the evenings, a light wrap may be advised. It is also advisable
for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves
and loose pants or long skirts.
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours
ahead of the United States Pacific Time Standard.
What is the best way to travel around the country
?
Whether you are in a hurry to get to your destination or you wish to
take things leisurely, there is a wide choice of transportation to suit
your needs. By air, you can travel with Malaysia Airlines domestic
flights. by rail, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) of Malaysian
Railways has an impressive rail network that stretches from North to
South and East to West throughout Peninsula Malaysia. Buses and
taxis are also available throughout Malaysia.
Bahasa Melayu is the national language of Malaysia but English is widely
used. Malaysians tend to be bilingual.
Malaysians are friendly, and travelling alone is generally safe and
relatively comfortable for both men and women. Plan your trip
around your interests and prepare yourself to be flexible enough to
take the inevitable glitches in stride. Visitors who encounter
unforeseen problems and difficulties can seek the Malaysian Tourist
Police Unit or any other Police Station for assistance.
Malaysia's electrical supply is 220 - 240 volts A C at 50 cycles per
second.
Medical services are available in all towns at government run hospitals
and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies
as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers. International
class hotels also have their individual in-house medical practician
to service their guests.
It is generally safe to drink water directly from the tap. However,
mineral water is also readily available in shops and supermarkets everywhere.
An airport tax of RM5.00 and RM40.00 will be charged upon departure
for all domestic and international flight passengers respectively.
Lockers are available for luggage storage at the airport.
You will require an international driving permit or a valid license
issued by your government to drive in Malaysia. Car rental can
be arranged through hotel or through various car rental companies which
can be located through the Yellow Pages Directory. Major international
car rental companies are also available in Malaysia.
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 a deposit for temporary
importation, refundable upon departure.
There are 5 term breaks in the year for schools throughout Malaysia.
The term breaks vary slightly from state to state. However, they
fall roughly during the later part of the months of January (1 week),
March (2 weeks), May (3 weeks), August (1week), October (4 weeks).
To avoid "cultural offences", here are some tips:
- Remove shoes
when entering homes and places of worship.
- Dress neatly
in suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting places
of worship.
- When handling
food, do so with the right hand only.
- Tipping is
not a custom in Malaysia. It is unnecessary in hotels and
restaurants where a 10% service charge, unless the service rendered
is exceptionally good.
- Refrain from
raising your voice or displaying fits of anger as considered ill
mannered.
It is advisable for you to contact the Malaysian Diplomatic Mission
nearest you for up-to-date information concerning the importation of
pets from your country. Various airline companies may also be
able to help you with this.
It is a good idea for you to take have medical insurance before you
travel to Malaysia as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service
agreements with other nations.
company.