Quick Facts

Get up to speed about the region

In just 50 years, Kuala Lumpur, or KL, has grown from a small tin-mining town into a modern, bustling city. Take in its high-flying triumphs from the viewing deck of Petronas Twin Towers, then dive down to explore its more traditional culture in the back lanes of Chinatown.

KL may be a modern Asian city, but it retains much of its local colour. There are still plenty of colonial buildings in its centre. The vibrant Chinatown teems with street vendors and night markets, and Little India is full of life.

One of the world’s shining cities, KL is an excellent location for conducting business or enjoying a family adventure.

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.

View visa requirements 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:

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

MYR 1.00 equals:

Exchange Rates Currency
0.35 Australian Dollar (AUD)
0.25 Euro (EUR)
0.18 British Pound (GBP)
2.12 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
17.05 Indian Rupee (INR)
32.80 Japanese Yen (JPY)
0.36 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
1.68 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
0.37 Singapore Dollar (SGD)
0.27 US Dollar (USD)
Taxes

Hotels and restaurants add a government tax of 6% and a service charge of 10%.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia.

Business Hours

Though Malaysia is an Islamic country, offices observe a Monday to Friday schedule.

Bank Hours
10am - 4pm, Monday through Friday

Office Hours
8am - 5pm(Government)
9am - 5pm(Commercial)

Shop Hours
10am - 10pm

Public Health

Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.

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 in rural areas or places of worship

Weather

KL 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.

Today

Intermittent Clouds

Times of clouds and sun

High: 34°C / 93°F
Low: 24°C / 75°F

Tomorrow

Cloudy, Thunder Showers

An a.m. t-storm, then a t-storm or two

High: 33°C / 91°F
Low: 24°C / 75°F
Monday:
Intermittent Clouds High: 32°C / 89°F Low: 23°C / 73°F
Tuesday:
Showers High: 33°C / 91°F Low: 23°C / 73°F

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Local Climate
Month High Low
Jan 32ºC 22ºC
Feb 32ºC 22ºC
Mar 33ºC 23ºC
Apr 33ºC 23ºC
May 32ºC 23ºC
Jun 32ºC 23ºC
Jul 32ºC 23ºC
Aug 32ºC 23ºC
Sep 32ºC 23ºC
Oct 32ºC 23ºC
Nov 31ºC 23ºC
Dec 31ºC 22ºC
Facts

Population
1.4 million

Language
Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours

Measures
Metric System

Voltage
220 / 240 volts

Plug Type
 

Mobile Phones
GSM 1800