Weather

Malaysia has an equatorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 3 2 degree Celcius during the day to 22 degree Celcius at night. It can be slightly cooler in the hill country. (Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging 200-250cm a year.)

Currency

The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes of denominations of RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5, RM2 and RM1. There are coins of RM1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen (cents). Major credit cards are accepted in almost all major merchant establishments in urban and suburban centers.Many commercial banks throughout the country, except for the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, operate Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Some, however, close at 2pm on weekdays. In the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, commercial banks are closed on Friday and operate from 9.30am to 11.30am on Thursday.Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. All commercial banks are authorized foreign exchange dealers. Most of these banks, through their branches, buy and sell major foreign currency notes. Licensed foreign money-changers are found in urban centers, key entry exit points and shopping complexes. All major hotels are licensed to buy, but not sell, foreign currencies in the form of notes and travellers cheques.   

Religion

Although Islam is the national religion (approx. 70%), the Malaysian Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Sikhism are the main religions in Malaysia, and there are many mosques, temples and churches throughout the country. 

Electricity & Water

Most parts of the country have electricity and piped water supply. Malaysia is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system

Clothing

Lightweight or mixed-fibre clothing is normal with medium-weight clothes only required for visits to the cooler, highland areas. Be sure to pack good walking shoes!

Communications

Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak have efficient modern telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex and airmail communications, both internally and with the rest of the world.

Airport Tax
An airport tax of RM5 and RM40 is charged upon departure for all domestic and international flight passengers respectively.

Telephone
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 offices. Most hotels are equipped with IDD services with a minimal service charge. - Useful Phone Directory

Tourist Police
Visitors who encounter unforeseen problems and difficulties can seek the Malaysian Tourist Police Unit for assistance. They often patrol tourist spots and will render assistance, as well as safeguard tourists' security.

Business Hours
The country runs on a normal eight hours a day system with Saturday as half day and Sunday as a day of rest. In the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, Friday is a day of rest with Thursday as half days. Department Stores and supermarkets are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tipping
Tipping is not a way of life in Malaysia, but is fast becoming one.

What to Wear
Light, cool, and casual clothing is recommended all year round. For more formal occasions, men should wear jackets, ties, or long-sleeved batik shirts whereas women should wear dresses.

Water
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap, but it is safer to drink boiled water or bottled beverages.

Medical Services
Medical services are available in most towns at government hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies, as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers.

Local Touch
Food hawkers selling traditional and local delicacies make up the everyday scenes in big or small towns throughout the country. One can try "teh tarik", a smoothened, creamed tea, and "roti canai", a fluffy pancake prepared by a local person of Indian Muslim ancestry. Spicy Malay food, such as "nasi lemak" and various kinds of Chinese noodles are also popular. People from all walks of life frequent these food stalls.
As Malaysia is a multi-religious country, various Muslim mosques, Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and Christian churches can be found almost anywhere. Despite the many changes and developments in the cities and big towns, Malaysia has many "kampung" (villages), jungles, beaches, and rice fields. Many houses in the "kampung" are built on stilts. Batik cotton fashion is popular in Malaysia . It can be used for casual wear, as well as formal functions.