5:33 am
+8h from you
Weather in Malaysia
Malaysia
30°
Dense drizzle
Sun
24
30
Mon
24
31
Tue
23
34
Wed
24
34
Thu
25
28
SPF level in Malaysia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Malaysia
Languages in Malaysia
Tipping in Malaysia
Tipping is not as widespread in Malaysia as in some Western countries, but it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service if a service charge is not already included in the bill. Check the bill first, as a 10% service charge is common.
Bar/Café
Not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
MYR 2-5 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
MYR 5-10 per day left at the end of the stay, if you feel the service was excellent.
Tour Guide
MYR 10-30 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Safety & security in Malaysia
Tips for British travellers
Malaysia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Bag-snatching by thieves on motorbikes is common, especially in major cities, and can lead to injury if you resist.
You must carry your passport with you at all times as it is required by law for identification.
Dress modestly, particularly in conservative areas, as you may be refused entry to places of worship or government offices otherwise.
Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread, so take care when using your card.
There have been cases of strangers offering tourists spiked drinks in reputable bars or restaurants, leading to robbery or assault.
Bonus tips:
Only use licensed operators for watersports like jet skis and ensure adequate safety precautions and insurance cover are in place.
If you rent a motorbike, wearing a helmet is mandatory by law.
Driving in Malaysia
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Malaysia
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Smaller shops and local eateries may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1095
ATMs in Malaysia
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but may be less common in rural areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are a convenient way to access cash. Ensure your card is enabled for international use before travelling.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Malaysia. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
50 GB for 100 MYR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Celcom, Maxis, Digi
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good, especially in major cities. Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers.
Health & vaccinations
It is important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. Make sure your policy covers the activities you plan to do during your trip. While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Malaysia, travel insurance is still essential.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and to discuss any necessary vaccinations or preventative medications. Dengue fever is prevalent in Malaysia, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk. Food and water hygiene are generally good in major cities, but exercise caution when eating street food or in rural areas. Drink bottled water.
Calling Malaysia
Country code
+60
To call Malaysia from the UK, dial 00 60 followed by the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.
To call the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur from the UK, you would dial 00 60 3 2170 2200.
The country code for Malaysia is 60. When calling Malaysia from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Malaysian country code (60), then the area code and the local number. When calling within Malaysia, you usually dial the area code (with the initial 0) followed by the local number.
UK Embassy in Malaysia
British High Commission Kuala Lumpur
Level 27, Menara Binjai, No. 2, Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia
Airport in Malaysia
Frequently asked questions about Malaysia
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.