Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[60] (3) 2168-5000; US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; KLACS@state.gov; https://my.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
60
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 999; Fire: 994; Police: 999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Malaysia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons
Currency (Code)
Ringgits (MYR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; note: Malaysia has 134 living languages
Major Religions
Muslim 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Kuala Lumpur (includes Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang, National Museum); North Borneo Railway; Semenggoh Nature Reserve; Batu Caves; Kek Lok Si Temple; Malacca City; Manukan Island; Lenggong Valley; Sarawak Cultural Village
Major Sports
Soccer, badminton, tenpin bowling, field hockey, tennis
Cultural Practices
Nod or give a slight bow when greeting a women or an older person. Introduce high-ranking people and older people first.
Tipping Guidelines
Malaysia has a non-tipping culture. You are welcome to leave change in a tip jar, but you are not expected to tip.
Souvenirs
Hand-woven embroidered silk/cotton cloth, batik sarongs, pewter items; precious silver bowls, jewelry boxes, and betel nut sets; woven-bamboo and various fiber-woven baskets, bowls, and mats
Traditional Cuisine
Nasi Lemak — rice soaked in coconut cream overnight and cooked with pandan leaves, lemon grass, ginger, and other spices; usually served with a hard-boiled egg, fried anchovies, sambal paste, and roasted peanuts
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Friday, September 29, 2023
