Malaysia By Air
There are more than forty airlines serving Malaysia from all
over the world. Malaysia has her own national carrier, Malaysia
Airline System (MAS), which operates the largest fleet of
aircraft in South East Asia. It has flights from over 50 destinations
worldwide.
Malaysia by Rail
Peninsular Malaysia is served by two railway lines connecting
the country to Singapore in the South and Thailand in the
North. The trains are run by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad
(KTM) offering an inexpensive and comfortable way of travelling
into Malaysia and seeing the countryside.
Besides this, those wanting to travel in style can opt for
the Eastern and Oriental Express train service, which was
launched in September 1993 and operates between Bangkok and
Singapore. The Express offers luxury accommodation and fine
cuisine on wheels.
Banking
There are about 40 commercial banks, both local and foreign,
in Malaysia. Most banks have branches in major cities and
towns, and offer good facilities for foreign exchange.
Banking hours: Monday to Friday - 9.30 amto 4.00 pm, Saturday
- 9.30am to 11.30pm.
Currency
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM), the standard unit is worth 100
sen (cents). Currency notes are in denominations of RM1, RM2,
RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50,and RM100, while the denomination of
RM500 and RM1000 is no longer be valid tender. Coins are in
denominations of 1 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50sen and RM1.
Cinemas
If you're more inclined to watching movies, make a beeline
for cinemas which feature a variety of local Malay, Indonesian,
Hindi, Chinese and Western movies. Kuala Lumpur cinema screens
like TGV and GSC feature some of the best state-of-the-art
equipment. Please refer to the newspaper for information on
daily screenings.
Theatre/Dance Drama
Over the years, there has been a growing interest in theatre
among Kuala Lumpur society with the major hotels periodically
staging 'dinner theatres" featuring mostly western plays.
Local theatre groups have also been active, offering regular
productions featuring contemporary plays by locals, Asian
or western playwrights and also dance dramas based on classical
Malay folklore.
Malaysian Foreign Diplomatic Missions
Information on the Malaysian Foreign Diplomatic Missions can
be obtained through http://www.kln.gov.my/.
Money Matters
Foreign currency and traveller's cheques may be changed at
all commercial banks during normal banking hours.
Licensed money changers at the airport and within the city,
sometimes offer better rates. Traveller's cheques are also
accepted by hotels and major department stores but banks give
the best rates.
Car Rental Services
There are many agencies which provide car rental services
to those who prefer the convenience of driving, provided that
the driver has a valid international driver's license. Most
of the car rental agencies are stationed at the airport, hotels,
shopping and office complexes. Driving is British-style -
on the left side of the road. Arm yourself with a Kuala Lumpur
road map, fasten your seat belt (compulsory for front passengers)
and you are on your way to exploring the many wonders of the
country.
Taxis
Most taxis are fitted with meters, but these are used only
in major towns such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Ipoh.
Taxi rates run per kilometre and there is a non-optional 20-30%
air-conditioning charge added to the fare. Malaysians usually
tip drivers with their coin change. To acknowledge excellent
service, 10% is greatly appreciated but not expected. When
traveling early in the morning or late at night, drivers prefer
to fix a price for the destination. Negotiating is advisable.
Tipping
Tipping is not a way of life in Malaysia (unless the service
rendered is exceptionally good). Most hotels and large restaurants
automatically add a 10% service charge in addition to the
5% government tax to the bill. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Postal Services
Post offices within the city offer stamps, aerogrammes and
postcards for sale and will attend to all your postal requirements.
They're open during from 8 to 4 on weekdays and 8 to noon
on Saturdays. The post office in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, opens
until 10 pm on weekdays.
Telephones
Local calls can be made from public phones, whether coin-
or card-operated. International calls can be made from phone
booths with card-phone facilities or at any Telecom Malaysia
offices. Most hotels are equipped with IDD service with a
minimal service charge.
Voltage
Main voltage in Kuala Lumpur is 220 volts. If you are carrying
any electrical equipment using 110 volts, it would be advisable
to use an electrical adaptor.
Police Assistance
If you face any problems during your visit, contact the nearest
Police Station or lodge a report at any one of the numerous
'Pondok Polis' (Mini Police Stations) in the city.
You may also enlist the help of the Kuala Lumpur Tourist Police,
a unit specifically assigned to assist foreign visitors, at
Tel: 03-241 5522/5243.
Hand Luggage
Passengers travelling through the Kuala Lumpur International
Airport (KLIA), are only allowed one hand luggage each, weighing
not more than 7kg. Travelers are also advised to buy hand
luggage not exceeding a total measurement of 115cm in height,
width and length.
Entry Requirements
All visitors to Malaysia must have a valid passport or other
travel documents recognised by the Malaysian goverment. The
former must be valid for at least 6 months at date of entry
and other documents should be endorsed with a valid re-entry
permit. All visitors must also have proof of adequate funds
and an onward or return sea or air ticket. Nationals of Israel
and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) will be denied entry.
Passports issued by Taiwan are not recognised unless accompanied
by a document in lieu of a passport and an entry visa. Most
other nationals would require a visa, depending on the length
and purpose of their stay. Please check with the nearest Malaysian
embassy or consulate.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
The taxi fare to Kuala Lumpur city centre is RM60.00. There
is also a cheaper alternative if you are travelling with less
luggage: take a bus from the airport the Nilai Railway station
and take the commuter train into the city. The total fare
for this is below RM20.00.
The taxi service uses a coupon system from the airport to
destinations within the city or its suburbs. Vouchers at fixed
prices (depending on destinations) must be purchased at the
Taxi counter at the airport concourse. These are to be given
to the taxi driver at the start of the journey.
For a complete guide of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport,
click this link. http://klia.com.my/
Cab Calls
Comfort Radio Taxi Service
733-0495, 733-0513, 733-0514.
Federal Territory and Selangor Radio Taxi Association
<
Kuala Lumpur Taxi Drivers
Association
221-4241, 221-5252, 221-7679 or 221-7600.
Teletaxi Sdn Bhd
221-1011, 221-5187, 221-1808, 221-4034, 221-0760.
Saujana Teksi Bhd
262-8888
Sunway Radio Taxi Service Bhd
957-5757, 957-1111.
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