| Country Info |
Malaysia is situated just north of the Equator. It comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It is bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore and Indonesia to the south and east. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in the region.
Tiny kampungs, fine hotels, jungle filled tropical valleys and cool mountain tea plantations, quiet white beaches and busy cities with some of the finest shopping in Asia, all these are part of Malaysia's magic.
Malaysia enjoys warm weather all year round and the modern road and air transportation systems mean that the entire country is easily accessible. |
| Climate |
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There are no distinct seasons and temperatures vary very little year round, ranging from 21-32°C with cooler temperatures in the hill resorts. November to February is the rainy season for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. During the months of April, May and October, the west coast experiences high rainfall.
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| Currency |
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Ringgit, divided into 100 sen.
Notes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 sen (cents) and $1.
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| Language |
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Bahasa Malayu (Malay) is the national and official language of the country. English is widely used all over the country especially in business. Other languages used are Chinese and Tamil.
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| Electricity |
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220/250 Volts, 50 cycles AC.
3 pin British type plug.
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| Timezone |
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Malaysia's time is GMT + 8 hours, the same as Perth, normally 2 hours behind Sydney.
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| Tourist Info |
| Airport |
| Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Sepang) is 50 km (29 miles) south from Kuala Lumpur. Penang (Bayan Lepas) is 16km (10 miles) south of Georgetown, capital of Penang. |
| Airport Tax |
| RM5.00 for domestic flights and RM40.00 for all other flights. |
| Customs |
Prohibited are:
- Any article bearing the imprint or reproduction of any currency note, bank note or coin which are current or have at any time been issued in any country.
Import and export for non-residents of any amount of foreign currency and up to MYR 1,000 is allowed providing currencies are declared upon arrival. Travel declaration forms may be required to be filled out for all passengers regardless of age.
The importation of illegal drugs into Malaysia carries the death penalty. |
| Duty Free |
| Duty free allowance is: |
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 grammes of tobacco
- 1 litre of wine, spirits or malt liquor, cosmetics and perfumery to a total value of MYR200
- One unit of each portable electrical or battery operated appliance for personal care and hygiene
- A total max of MYR75 of dutiable food preparations max MYR25 for each unit or set of souvenirs and gifts to a total max. value of MYR200 if more than one unit or set.
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| Items such as cameras, watches,pens, lighters, cosmetics, perfumes and portable radio cassette players are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods such as video equipment may have to pay a refundable deposit for temporary importation. |
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| Passport |
Visas not required for stay of less than 2 months. Passports must be valid at least six months beyond period of intended stay.
For any other than Australian passport holders please check with your travel agent regarding visa formalities. |
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| Getting Around |
| Business Hours |
| Office Hours: |
8:30am - 12pm & 2pm - 5:30pm |
Monday to Friday |
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8:30am - 12pm |
Saturday |
| Banking Hours: |
9:30am - 3pm |
Monday to Friday |
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9:30am to 11:30am |
Saturday |
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| Communication |
Most hotels have direct dialing facilities. Check with the operator for long distance and international charges, which may also be found in the telephone directory.
Outgoing international code: 00
Malaysia international country IDD code: 60
Australia international country IDD code: 61 |
| Credit Cards |
| Most large establishments in Malaysia will accept: |
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Diners Club
- American Express
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| Health |
| No vaccinations are required for travellers entering Malaysia, but a Malaria risk exists in the deep hinterland and Sabah. |
| Tipping |
| A service charge of 10% is added automatically to restaurant and hotel bills, plus a 5% government tax, so tipping is unnecessary unless service is exceptional. |
| Australian Government Departments |
Australian High Commission
6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: 2465555
Facsimile: 2414323 (Public Affairs)
Australian Consulate
1-C Lorong Hutton
10050 Penang
Telephone & Facsimile: 2633320 |
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