Malaysia

Travel tips for Malaysia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Cards and the Grab app are widely accepted in cities, malls, and restaurants. However, street food hawkers and smaller vendors rely on local QR codes that are hard for tourists to set up, so you will need to carry cash for these.

Try the food

Nasi Lemak: Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with spicy sambal, fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, and cucumber.
Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk or sour tamarind base, topped with seafood, chicken, and fresh herbs.
Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat rice noodles tossed in a blazing hot wok with soy sauce, chili, prawns, blood cockles, bean sprouts, and egg.

Say it in Malay

Hello: Selamat sejahtera
Thank you: Terima kasih
Please: Tolong
Excuse me: Maafkan saya
How much is this?: Berapa harganya?
The bill please: Minta bil
Yes / No: Ya / Tidak
Goodbye: Selamat tinggal

Essentials

Plugs: Type G
Voltage: 240V, 50Hz
Driving: Left side
Tap water: Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency: 999 (all services), 112 (from mobile)
SIM tip: Pick up a tourist SIM card from major providers like Maxis or Celcom at the arrivals hall in KLIA, or download an eSIM via apps like Airalo before landing.

Etiquette

Tipping is not customary as a 10 percent service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, but passing items or eating with your right hand is an important cultural norm.