Travelling To Malaysia
Entering Malaysia
To enter Malaysia, visitors must have a national passport or other internationally recognized travel documents with a validity period of at least six months beyond the length of stay in Malaysia. All passports and travel documents must be endorsed for travelling in Malaysia.
Most visitors, either on business or pleasure trips, do not require visas to enter Malaysia but this really depends on how long you will be in the country. Please refer to the following information on visa requirements to see if you will really need a visa.
Passports
A valid passport or other travel documents recognised by the Malaysian government required by all. The former must be valid for at least 6 months at date of entry and the latter should be endorsed with a valid re-entry permit.
Visas
Most visitors (including all nationals of countries listed in the chart) do not require a visa to enter Malaysia if the period is less than 1 month and the purpose of the visit is business or social (see below for more detailed requirements).
However, visas are required at all times by nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (PR), India, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam (Nationals of these countries, except Nigeria, may be granted visa relaxation on transiting Malaysia for under 72 hours if in possession of confirmed onward airline tickets to a third country before arriving).
Visas are not required by the following for social or business visits:
1. Nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 3 months (except nationals of Ireland for stays of up to 2 months and nationals of Greece and Portugal for stays of up to 1 month)
2. Nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of those countries mentioned above who do require a visa) for stays of up to 1 month; nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa for up to 3 months
3. Nationals of Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Rep. of), Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, USA and Yemen for stays of up to 3 months
4. Nationals of CIS countries for stays of up to 1 month (except nationals of Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan for stays of up to 3 months)
5. Nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Palestine and Syria for up to 14 days
6. Nationals of all countries other than those mentioned above for stays of up to 1 month.
Applications and enquiries to: Malaysian High Commission
Weather
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 32�C during the day to 22�C 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 centres.
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 centres, 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.
About Malaysia
Malaysia is made up of 13 states. Which is Johor, Melacca, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Perlis and Selangor. Kuala Lumpur is the capital. It is the largest city and the heart of Malaysian business and culture.
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs. Parliament House, (see picture) is the symbol of democracy in Malaysia.
Strategically located between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has long been the meeting place for traders and travellers from west and east. Its history is one of continuous interaction with foreign powers and influences.
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Area: 328,550 sq km
Population: 24.53 million
Currency: Ringgit (RM)
Average exchange rate: $1=3.80
GDP: $200 billion (2001 est.)
GDP growth: 4.1%
GDP per capita: $3,626.58
Inflation rate: 1.5% (2003 forecast)
Unemployment rate: 3.4%
Exports: $8.0 billion
Imports: $6.35 billion
Investments(2002)
Foreign: $3.09 billion
Domestic: $1.85 billion
Total: $4.94 billion Top five exports:
Electrical and electronic products, Palm oil, Chemicals and chemical products, Liquefied natural gas, Crude petroleum
Top five imports:
Electrical and electronic products, Chemical and chemical products, Machinery, appliances and parts, Metal products, Iron and steel products
Major export markets (percentage share)
US (16.9 percent), Singapore (16.4 percent), Japan (11.5 percent), China (6.8 percent), Hong Kong (6.6 percent).
Major sources of imports (value)
Japan ($1.05 billion), US ($1.0 billion), Singapore ($0.78 billion), China ($0.5 billion), Republic of Korea ($0.32 billion)
Population
The outstanding characteristic of Malaysia's population today is its highly variegated ethnic mix makers it one of the prime examples of a multiracial society in the whole world. The multiethnic character of Malaysia's population has come into being over the course of the last 150 years. Broadly speaking Malaysia's ethnic groups fall into two main categories: those with culture affinities indigenous to the region and to one another, who are classified as bumiputera; and those whose cultural affinities lie outside.
Malaysia is a multicultural nation of friendly, warm hearted people. It has population of 17.9 million people. Peninsular Malaysia has 14.6 million people while Sabah and Sarawak have 3.3 million people.
Religion
Although Islam is the national religion (approx. 70%), the Malaysian Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Islam, Christianity, Hiduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Sikhism are the main religions in Malaysia, and there are many mosques, temples and churches throughout the country.
Travelling Tips
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, Saban and Sarawak have efficient modern telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex and airmail communications, both internally and with the rest of the world.
