Public Transportation in the City

Besides public buses and taxis, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) services (STAR and Putra), KL Monorail and the KTM Komuter inter-city rail services offer hassle-free accessibility to well-know landmarks in KL as well as outlying districts and nearby towns.

Travel documents

Visitors to Malaysia must hold a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period.

Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information on visa requirements, please contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia office. Or visit the website of the Malaysian Immigration (www.imi.gov.my) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.kln.gov.my) to check on the visa requirement.

Language

(Bahasa Melayu) Malay is the national language in use, but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also converse in the various languages and dialects such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Tamil and Hindi.

Weather

It is a tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures are in the lowlands range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

Do's & Don'ts Essentials

Malaysia is generally a laid back and relaxed place. However, we do have our own customs and visitors should try to observe these practices when they arrive. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows:

• Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the salam.
• It is polite to call before visiting a home.
• Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home.
  Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.
• The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or giving and receiving objects.
• The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.
• Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.
• Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.

Currency

 The unit currency is Malaysia Ringgit indicated as RM. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and money changers.

Tipping

Most hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge and 5% government sales tax on bills. Therefore, tipping is not customary. However, should you want to show your appreciation for good services, a small tip will do.