Travel Tips for Malaysia
1. Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Travelers must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arrival. This form includes both immigration and health details. It can be accessed through Malaysia’s official immigration website. Once completed, keep the confirmation (either digital or printed) handy for border checks. Certain nationalities, including those from the US and UK, may be eligible to use autogates for faster entry—check the government website for eligibility.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Customs Regulations If you’re carrying cash exceeding USD 10,000 or its equivalent, ensure you declare it upon entry to avoid confiscation. Items such as drugs, weapons, and pornographic materials are strictly prohibited, with severe legal consequences for violations. When departing Malaysia, ensure you have permits if carrying antiques or wildlife products like coral. For a comprehensive list of regulations, refer to Malaysia’s official customs site to avoid penalties.
3. Have Cash for Rural Areas While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, cash is often preferred in rural regions and by smaller vendors. ATMs become scarcer outside urban centers, so withdrawing sufficient Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) beforehand is crucial when traveling to remote areas like Borneo’s interior or the eastern coastline. Money changers in cities generally offer better exchange rates compared to banks, so it’s worth comparing a few.
4. Practice Mosque Etiquette When entering mosques in Malaysia, remove your shoes and dress modestly, ensuring that arms and legs are covered. Women should wear a headscarf, often provided at mosque entrances. Always ask for permission before taking photographs inside the premises and avoid visiting during prayer times—these occur five times daily and are announced by the call to prayer.
5. Respect Religious Norms in Everyday Interactions As a Muslim-majority nation, religious practices influence daily behavior in Malaysia. Use your right hand exclusively for activities such as eating, greeting others, or handing over items, as the left hand is considered unclean. Public displays of affection are uncommon and generally disapproved of, particularly in rural areas where modesty is emphasized. Dress conservatively outside tourist hubs and maintain low noise levels near mosques, especially during prayers.
6. Address Locals with Inclusive Language Malaysia is a multicultural country with a population comprised of Malay (around 60%), Chinese, Indian communities, and indigenous groups such as the Orang Asli and Dayak peoples in Borneo. Referring to everyone as “Malay” can be inaccurate and offensive; instead, use “Malaysians” when speaking about locals broadly to honor the nation’s diversity.
7. Adapt to Local Customs While the tropical climate allows for casual attire such as t-shirts, shorts, and sandals, it’s essential to dress modestly when outside larger cities or resorts by covering shoulders and knees. Avoid pointing with your index finger; instead, use your thumb with other fingers folded down, as this gesture is considered polite. Malaysians also tend to stand closer during conversations than people from Western countries might be accustomed to—avoid withdrawing abruptly.
8. Stay Alert on the Roads In Malaysia, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Always look right first when crossing streets and use designated pedestrian crossings or bridges, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru. Be cautious of motorcycles weaving through traffic—they often disregard pedestrians’ right-of-way. Stick to sidewalks, avoid distractions like mobile phones while walking, and cross roads in well-lit areas at night for safety.
9. Exercise Caution at Beaches Malaysia’s beaches differ in conditions depending on their location. On the east coast, including islands like Perhentian or Redang, monsoon season from November to March brings turbulent seas and jellyfish—box jellyfish stings can be dangerous, so prioritize swimming in areas monitored by lifeguards. On west coast beaches like Langkawi, waters are calmer throughout the year, but it’s still prudent to check weather forecasts for unexpected storms. Avoid swimming at secluded beaches.
10. Dress Modestly for Beaches While bikinis and swim trunks are acceptable at tourist-friendly resort towns like Langkawi or Perhentian Islands, modest swimwear is encouraged on public beaches elsewhere due to Malaysia’s cultural values. In more traditional areas, locals may swim fully clothed—it’s advised to cover up with a t-shirt or sarong when leaving the beach to respect local customs and avoid unnecessary attention.
11. Stick to Bottled Water Tap water in Malaysia is not safe for drinking—opt for bottled or filtered water instead. Be careful with ice at street stalls unless you’re confident of its source; most upscale establishments in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang use purified ice. Bring along a refillable bottle to reduce plastic waste, as many hotels now provide filtered water stations.
12. Make Wise Choices with Street Food Malaysia’s vibrant street food scene is a must-experience, but it’s important to choose vendors carefully. Opt for stalls that are busy and have long queues, as frequent turnover typically indicates fresher ingredients. Prioritize hot, freshly prepared dishes over raw or pre-made ones, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
13. Respect Smoking Regulations Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places such as restaurants, malls, buses, and trains, as well as within a 3-meter radius of these establishments. Violators face strict fines. Designated outdoor smoking areas are usually available at malls or office buildings, so look out for signs. Smoking may also be restricted in parks and beaches—pay attention to posted notices.
14. Be Alert to Snatch Thieves In busy areas, motorbike thieves often target people for bags or phones, particularly women walking close to the roadside. To stay safe, wear sling bags across your body and keep them away from traffic. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and store valuables like passports and extra cash in a hotel safe or money belt. Stick to well-lit, crowded streets at night and travel with a companion when possible. If targeted, prioritize your safety over holding on to possessions.
15. Bring Personal Toiletries Many Malaysian hotels, especially budget and mid-range options, don’t provide toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, or toothbrushes in an effort to reduce plastic waste. To avoid any inconvenience, bring your own essentials or purchase them at local stores like 7-Eleven or Watsons. While high-end hotels might offer these items, don’t rely on their availability in more remote areas or smaller towns.
16. Take Necessary Health Precautions Before your trip, ensure your vaccinations are up to date for diseases such as hepatitis A and typhoid, which can be contracted through contaminated food or water. If you’re planning to visit rural areas or Borneo, be particularly vigilant about mosquitoes. Use a strong DEET-based repellent, wear long clothing during dusk, and choose accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows to guard against dengue fever, which is a risk year-round. While malaria is uncommon outside of dense jungles, consult your doctor based on your specific travel route.