Quick Facts

Depending on nationality, visitors may be required to apply for a visa in advance to enter Malaysia at the Malaysian Embassy or representative at their country of origin. 

Visa On Arrival can also be given to visitors who qualify, and is issued at certain international airports in Malaysia. To view entry requirements by country of origin, click on the link below.

Visa information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

The Malaysian currency is known as Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) or (RM). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.

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

MYR 1.00 equals:

Room rate is subject to 10% service charge and 0% government tax per room per night for stays until 30 June 2021.

The local government fee of MYR 3 per room per night will be exempted for all arrivals from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020. For stays from 1 January 2021 onwards, the prevailing local government fee is not included in your total room cost and will be collected upon check-out.

Tourism Tax of MYR 10, per room per night, for all foreign passport holders is to be collected by the hotel, on behalf of the government, upon check-out and is not included in your total room cost. All Malaysian Nationals and Permanent Residents are exempted. Please be advised that the Tourism Tax will be exempted for all arrivals from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 as announced by the Federal Government.

All prices quoted are inclusive of 10% service charge. 6% government tax is exempted until 30 June 2021.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia.

Bank Hours
10am - 4pm, Monday through Sunday

Office Hours
Though Malaysia is an Islamic country, offices observe a Monday to Friday schedule.
9am - 5pm (Business)
8am - 5pm (Government)

Shop Hours
10am - 10pm, Monday through Sunday

Visitors arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccinations. This regulation, however, does not apply to children below the age of one.

Cholera vaccination is not required for travellers entering Malaysia. 

Lightweight clothing is ideal. A suit and tie are normal business attires. Revealing garments for women are not advisable, especially in rural areas.

Penang’s climate can be described as equatorial, a pleasant mix of warm, sunny days and occasional cooling rain storms, with August through November being the wettest months generally.

Humidity is usually high, and the temperature varies between 21°C and 32°C (70° to 95° Fahrenheit).