A. Basic Information
1. Entry Requirements:
Tourist must have a valid passport or travel documents with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the intended visiting period. Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at Malaysian Officials offices available before entering the country. However, most nationalities do not require Visa for social or business visit.
2. Currency:
Malaysian currency is known as 'Ringgit Malaysia' or 'RM'. The new notes in 2012 are RM1.00, RM5.00, RM10.00, RM20.00, RM50.00 and RM100.00 with small coins called 'Sen' in denominations of 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen.
3. Credit Cards:
In Malaysia, credit cards and charge cards are commonly accepted in most outlets except in small stores or stalls. Example: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club and etc.
4. Foreign Currencies/ Travellers' Cheques
Both are easily converted at most banks and money-changers. For value of exchange rates can be checked with local and international banks plus the money-changers.
5. Electricity:
Malaysia is using 220-240 volts for electricity.
6. Clothing:
Travellers are advised to used light clothing due to long hot and sunny climate. However, it is advised to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts especially when entering places of worship like mosque, temple and etc.
7. Language:
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language. However, English is commonly learned and spoken in Malaysia. As Malaysia is multicultural, there are many more language and dialects written and spoken by Malaysians.
8. Business Hours:
In general business hours for department stores, supermarkets and shops are daily from 10.00am to 10.00pm with extended hours during sale and festive seasons. Government offices, corporate business, agencies, post offices, banks and others are normally opened from 8.30pm to 5.30pm daily on Monday to Friday. In addition, there are several convenience shops that operates around the clock mostly at towns and city centres. Most food outlets operate till late night and some operate on 24-hours basis.
9. Accommodation:
Tourists can choose from a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates all over the country.
10. Telephones:
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any 'Telekom Malaysia' (National Telecommunication company) service centres.
11. Getting Around:
Malaysia has an excellent and effective transportation networks including by air, road, buses, taxis, rail and sea. You can take brochures and information about the availability of such services at airports, ports, terminals, stations and etc. that link the cities and major attractions in Malaysia at reasonable rate.
12. Internet Services:
Internet services are available in Malaysia. Some services are with competitive rates and you can also find it to be for free without any charges. Kindly request and ask at the offered venue which includes internet cafe, restaurant, 'Kopitiam', complex or building and etc.
13. Media:
Many broadcasting and print media are presented in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil languages. These includes; newspaper, television, radio, magazines and etc.
14. Concierge Services:
The service is available mainly at 4 to 5 Stars hotels.
15. Malaysia Tourism Centre:
If it is your first time to Malaysia, it's difficult to know everything that Malaysia has to offer. Therefore, it is advisable that you visit the nearest Malaysia Tourism Centre and be informed with the places to visit and packages available. The centre is open daily from 8.00am to 10,00pm and its main goal is to provide the most current and accurate information to any tourists. Maps, brochures and other useful promotional materials can be collected at this centre.
# Do's and Don'ts
It is also advisable to all tourists or visitors to any foreign country including Malaysia and to observe the local customs and practices.
B. Useful Words & Phrases
The followings are commonly used words, phrases and numbers in 'Bahasa Malaysia' with English translation. It is useful for tourists to know and learn some basic words of the language while in Malaysia:
Bahasa Malaysia English
Selamat pagi Good morning
Selamat tengahari Good afternoon
Selamat petang Good evening
Selamat malam Good night
Selamat datang Welcome
Selamat tinggal Goodbye
Apa khabar? How do you do?
Siapakah nama kamu? May I know your name?
Nama saya . . . My name is . . .
Bolehkah anda berbahasa Inggeris Can you speak in English?
Saya tidak faham I don't understand
Maaf Sorry
Terima kasih Thank you
Sama-sama You are welcome
Maafkan saya Excuse me Boleh awak tolong saya? Can you assist me?
Berapakah harganya? How much is the price?
Duit kecil Small change
Berapa jauh jaraknya? How far is it ?
Berapa lama perjalanannya? How long is the journey?
Dimanakah tempatnya? Where is the location?
Ya Yes
Tidak No
Besar Big
Kecil Small
Kanan Right
Kiri Left
Hadapan Front
Belakang Behind
Berhenti Stop
Berjalan Walk
Saat Second
Minit Minute
Jam Hour
Jalan Road
Masuk Enter
Keluar Exit
Makan Eat
Minum Drink
Makanan Food
Minuman Beverage
Tandas Toilet
Satu One
Dua Two
Tiga Three
Empat Four
Lima Five
Enam Six
Tujuh Seven
Lapan Eight
Sembilan Nine
Sepuluh Ten
Further information on the country can also be obtained
from the Malaysian government's official portal, www.malaysia.gov.my or you may also email us for assistance at tourismservicesmalaysia@gmail.com.
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