Local Time
7.57pm (GMT+8)

Local Weather
High: 33C/91F
Low: 24C/75F
Facts for the Traveller
At a Glance
Penang, an island just off the northwest coast of Malaysia, forms a part of the Malaysian state of the same name. The major city on the island, George Town, is also often called Penang. The island offers a wealth of tropical beaches, historic sights, and one of the best opportunities to experience the diversity of Malaysian culture.Plug Type
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LanguageBahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, TamilPopulation1.2 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage220/240 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 1800
Visas
Citizens of the United States, Canada, and most Arab, Commonwealth and European countries do not need visas for visits of less than three months. You may view entry requirements by country of origin by clicking on the link below.Visa information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia
Currency
The Malaysian currency is the ringgit, divided into 100 sen (cents). The currency is abbreviated both as RM and MYR. While credit cards are accepted in hotels and department stores, expect to pay in cash in rural areas.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.MYR 1.00 equals:
.32
US Dollar (USD)
.34
Australian Dollar (AUD)
2.34
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
.20
Euro (EUR)
.16
British Pound (GBP)
2.48
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
12.85
Indian Rupee (INR)
33.04
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.41
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.43
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Taxes
Hotels and restaurants add a government tax of 5% and a service charge of 10%.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Malaysia.
Business Hours
Bank Hours10am to 4pm, Monday to FridayOffice HoursGovernment offices from 8am to 5pm, business offices from 9am to 5pm, Monday to FridayShop Hours10am to 10pm
Public Health
Ensure that food is well cooked, and consume only bottled mineral water outside the hotel.
Dress
Lightweight clothing is ideal. A shirt, jacket and tie are normal business attire. Shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless garments for women are not advisable, especially in rural areas.
Weather
Penang has a typically tropical climate of warm, sunny weather throughout the year. Rain is most frequent from November to January, but can be expected in any month.
Five-Day Forecast
Today
Tomorrow
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Mostly cloudy and very humid
High: 33C
Low: 24C
High: 91F
Low: 75F
Showers

Showers

Cloudy and humid; an afternoon shower
High: 31C
Low: 25C
High: 88F
Low: 77F
Cloudy

Cloudy

A morning shower; overcast, humid
High: 32C
Low: 24C
High: 90F
Low: 75F
Cloudy

Cloudy

Very humid with considerable cloudiness
High: 32C
Low: 24C
High: 90F
Low: 75F
Cloudy

Cloudy

Remaining cloudy and humid
High: 32C
Low: 25C
High: 90F
Low: 77F