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Travel Tip

Passport

All Visitors are required to be in possession of valid passports, or in lieu of it, other internationally recognized travel documents such as Certificates of Identity and Emergency Certificates of Affidavits, for travel to Malaysia. Such a passport or travel document must have at least 6 months validity beyond the period of stay permitted in the country.Visa Nationals of Switzerland,Netherlands, San Marino, Liechtenstein as well as Commonwealth citizens (excepting those from Indian, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Sri Langka) do not need a visa to enter Malaysia bona fide visitors.Citizens of the following countries do not need visas for stays not exceeding 3 months if they hold full national passports: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Korea, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States and Yemen.
Nationals of Asean countries, France, Laos and Kampuchea do not require visas for visits not excluding 1 month.Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq Libya and Syria do not require visas for visits not exceeding 2 weeksNational of Bulgaria, Rumania and the commonwealths of independent States (CIS) do not require visas for visits not exceeding 1 week.

Note: the concessions mentioned above are solely for the purposes of tourism and business only. All visitors must also have entry facilities to a destination beyond Malaysia and must be in possession of a confirmed air ticket to do so. For any further stay or purpose of employment, a visa will be required.Visa applications should be made well in advance at the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or in countries where there are no Malaysia representatives, to the British Consular Representative.Visitors wishing to extend their stay (on arrival) may apply at the immigration Office in Lebuh Pantai, two days before the vise expires. It is an offence to overstay the validity of the visit passes - therefore read carefully the visit passes endorsed on your documents.

Health Requirements

Smallpox and Yellow Fever vaccinations are not required for travelers entering Malaysia, except for those who have visited endemic zones 14 days (for smallpox) or 6 days (for yellow fever) prior to arriving in the country. Children are exempted from this ruling, for yellow fever if they are under 12 months old, and for smallpox if they are under 6 months old.





Customs Information

Item such as cameras, watches, pens, lighters, cosmetics, perfume and portable cassette players are duty free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods such as video equipment may have pay a deposit of up to 50% of the value for temporary importation, refundable when they leave. You are advised to carry the receipt of purchase. If you pay any tax deposit, please ensure that you are given a receipt.

Business & Banking

Shops generally open from 9.00am - 7.00pm while supermarkets and department stores operate from 10am to 10pm daily. Banking hours are from 9.30am to 4.00pm on Monday to Friday. The main banking district is Lebuh Pantai, with several establishments at Komtar and its surrounding commercial district.

Currency & Credit Card

Ringgit Malaysia is the office legal tender. Notes are in RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50, RM100 and denominations coins in 1 until 50 cent. Travelers’ cheques may be cashed at commercial banks and hotels, restaurants & department stores. Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners, Mastercard and Visa are accepted in leading hotel, restaurants and shopping complexes.

Moneychangers

Licensed money changers operate in Lebuh Pantai and Jln Masjid kapitan keling. They provide a convenient means of exchanging foreign currency as they operate from 8.30am to 6.00pm. Rates are usually displayed on a board and are often better than the bank rates.

Cables / Telex

May be sent through Telegraph Offices located at the following:

1. Bangunan Tuanku Syed Putra, Lebuh Downing Tel: 261 0791 (24 hours)

2. Bayan Lepas International Airport Tel: 643 9494 (8.30am-9.30pm)

Telephone Service

Calls within Penang made from public telephone booths costs 10 cents and can be dialed direct. Calls to other parts of Malaysia can be made from public telephone booths with subscriber Trunk Dialing and charges will be acceding to tariffs. Half rates for interstate calls apply after 6pm. For international calls, dial 108 for the operator.

Postal Service

 Most hotels provide postal service. There are Post offices throughout the State. The General Post Office in Lebuh Downing opens from 8am to 6pm daily except on Sundays , Saturdays and public holidays.

 Standard letter of up to 20gm sent within Malaysia and Singapore cost 30 cents. Above 20gm up to 50gm cost 40 cents. Non-Standard Letter Up to 50gm cost 50 cents
Every postcard to domestic destinations will only be charged at 20 cents.

For other countries around the world, please inquire at the nearest Post Office for the current airmail rates.

For more info please visit http://www.pos.com.my Or Call PosLine: 1 300 300 300

What to wear

Light casual clothes recommended for traveling. Informal clothes are generally acceptable. Remember - no shorts or bare shoulder when entering mosques.

Etiquette & Customs

Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting for both men and women. Remove your shoes when entering a Malay home or mosque, or a Chinese or Hindu temple.

Tipping

Hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge plus 5% Government tax (from Jan 1 1986); no further tipping is necessary.

Taxis

Taxis do not use meters - agree on the price before boarding. Note if taking taxis from the airport daily rates double after midnight!

Trishaws

3 wheeled vehicles run on pedal-power. Found in the vicinity of Georgetown, the minimum rate per mile is RM3 - agree on the price before boarding.

Buses

Stop at designated stands through-out the state. Air-conditioned buses are also available. Main interchange terminal at Komtar (near Ground floor of Yaohan Department Store), also opposite Jln Penang entrance of Komtar, in front of the temple. Another is outside ferry terminal in Weld Quay.

Vehicle Rental

Renting cars or motorbikes allow you to travel at leisure. Asean passport holders can drive with a valid driving license from their country of origin. All others must possess a valid international license. Bicycles are also available for rent. Vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Seat belts are compulsory (crash helmets for bikes). Speed limit 80kmph; town 50kmph.