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Malaysia Travel Tip…Malaysia travel tip is guideline for your safety. It’s a general rules with a little bit of local twist (flavor?) that I will share with you.
Let’s start with Taxi...
Taxi Travel by public transport is generally considered as safe in Kuala Lumpur and other cities but common sense and normal precautions should be observed. ~When boarding taxis, always request the meter be turned on or agree a fare at the commencement of a trip. ~the taxi service does not practive meter charges in certain city in Malaysia. These taxi will have their own station and the fare is clearly writen on the baord of their station. ~If a taxi driver refuses to comply with this arrangement, take down particulars of the cab displayed on the dashboard before you leave the vehicle. ~Unprofessional behavior by taxi drivers should be reported to the Road Transport Department (RIMB), telephone: (603) 423 6599 or to Federal Organization of the Malaysian Consumer's Association (FOMCA), telephone: (603) 728 2555.
Business Hour and Currency
Business Hour ~Shopping complex Usually operate from 1000 to 2200 hours seven days a week. .A hyper market Tesco in Selayang which near Batu Caves open from 0800- 0000 hours ~Banking hours are from 0930 – 1600 hrs on weekday only. The banks business closed on Saturday and Sunday. I think this is due to the advancement on IT technology in Malaysia. Most banks have internet facilities for the convenience of their customer to do business online. ~Government offices are open from 8.00 am to 4.15pm weekdays. Most government offices are closed 12.00 noon to 2.00pm for lunch Monday-Thursday. Government offices are closed between 12.15pm to 2.45pm on Fridays for prayers at the mosque. So, if you need to visit Malaysia Immigration, please adhere to this working hour.
Currency
~local currency is called Malaysia Ringgit. Well sometimes the local called it dollars. Not sure why. But do not pay in whatever country’s dollar. They mean ringgit. ~1 ringgit is divided into 100 cents or sen (yes, pronounce as “cent” in English) as the local called it. ~Bank notes, the ringgit are denominated units of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 seldom use), $50 and $100. ~the coins are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 1 ringgit . However, as of 1st April 2008. 1 cent coin is not in circulation anymore. Do not accept any change in the denomination ~Money exchange is easily available as there are plenty of money changers and banks in the city centre. ~Be advised that banks do charge a commission but not money changers, however their rates will definitely vary from one to another. ~Do your research on the current rates before using the money changers. And always ask for a receipt while doing transaction with them. Some tend to shorthand you. ~All major brands of travelers’ cheques and cash in major currencies are readily accepted in Kuala Lumpur. ~Credit cards are also widely accepted by all hotels, banks, most big departmental stores and restaurants. Do note that some retailers add an extra 2-3% surcharge for the privilege of using plastic.
Street Wise.
~split up your valuables. Your cash and credit card should not be in the same place. I always have a few of my credit cards in a few places. So do my cash. It’s safer and surely prevents me from overspending…. ~Keep a separate record of your entire traveler’s cheques, travel documents, credit cards, licenses, etc. If you do lose your bag or wallet, this will greatly simplify reporting, cancellation and replacement. If you have access to a photocopier, make a few copies. ~Never have both hands full of parcels when walking the streets
~travel in a well lit area. Main road, please. Do not walk in to the back lane. No matter how well lit it is. Ask local, which areas are they normally avoided. ~as for Kuala Lumpur avoid hanging around the back lane of Puduraya, Bukit Bintang and Chow Kit area, especially at night. Unless you are looking for something out of ordinary “item” there. ~be careful pick pocketing and purse snatching. "Snatch-thefts" are usually carried out by assailants on motorbikes who snatch bags, cellular phones and other items from pedestrians and then speed off. ~ Always walk facing the direction of incoming traffic. ~Women should carry their purse across the shoulder, don't leave your pocketbook, briefcase or camera unattended while you visit the buffet at a busy restaurant. ~don't count your money in the open. If you need to withdraw cash from ATM, go to the most well lit and lot of passerby. Or this is what I usually do. … Withdraw the cash only in the daylight. If it is large amount (say more than USD 500), I will go to the cashier. ~ Always keep your valuables in the in-room safe or hotel safety box and so on. ~It’s advisable to limit credit cards only to major establishments such as large hotels. Upon check out, make sure the staff showed the receipt or tear off your earlier deposit (if any) booking slip and ask when will the hotel process your refund. Beware of "sob story”. Scam artists will tell you of their stories with to con you some money or all of your money! They can be another traveler, a monk, a bogus refugee under UNHCR protection. Amazing!
I always pretend that I too in the need of some cash and lost my way back to the hostel/country/hometown…etc…etc. If approached by this conman. I like to seeing their irritating face and walk out of me. Hilarious! ~Lost? Need help? Look for our friendly tourist police officer. They can be easily recognized by their checkered hat bands, dark blue shirts and trousers, and the letter "I" (for information). Or just approach any of them. The policemen wear dark blue uniform. And their vehicle mark as “POLIS”. ~Except traffic police who wear white shirt and black pant. ~I have seen most of the tourist have a hard time reading their travel book. Ask us! Most people also speak English in case you find yourself in trouble.
Enforcement Officer
~If you are detained or arrested by the Police in Malaysia, you have a right to request that a Consular Officer in Kuala Lumpur be notified that you are being held in custody. ~Consuls will visit you in Police detention or jail and, if you so request, and arrange for your family to be informed, if you wish. ~I have a friendly chat with a Consuls a few years ago. That they can provide you with a list of lawyers practicing in Malaysia, but they cannot represent you at legal proceedings or give legal advice. ~ It's a practice for a plain cloth officer to produce their authority card and introduce themselves. Take down their name and the serial number. ~If you are stopped by a uniformed policeman, then you are required to stop. But you need not get out of the car because you are not expected to do so. ~Provide your ID or passport only when you are asked to do so. Even then, you should get his ID first to confirm if he is a cop. There is no harm in calling the relevant police station to verify if he is supposed to be on duty that day. ~In the event that the police officers ask you to follow them to the police station: Ask if you are under arrest and for what offence. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave. ~In the event you are flagged down by persons you believe could be plainclothes police: Do not stop because plainclothes police officers do not have the authority to stop you. Drive to the nearest police station and lodge a report. (The same procedure applies to pedestrians) ~In the event the police come to your hotel or accommodation: Do not let them in before checking their IDs. If you are not satisfied, phone the nearest police station and confirm, if they had been sent to your house. You are under no obligation to allow them into the house if they don't have a search warrant. Do not go with them if you are not under arrest. ~in the event persons who claimed to be plainclothes police come to your house: Do not let him in because they do not have the authority to do so. Lodge a report at the nearest police station ~ do not allow them to keep your passport, they have rights to view not confiscate your passport or national ID. ~do not follow anyone into unmarked car. Please note this is normally practice by some poser who tried to trick a victim. An officer will not doing this. I knew this as my cousin and friend is in the police force too
Guide To Choose Travel Bag...Tip...#1 Once you've narrowed your selection to several bags, take each one for a walk. Do you feel pressure on your back when you pull it? Is the handle at the right height, so that you don't have to crouch like a caveman dragging his elephant, the catch of the week? Is most of the weight of the case balanced on the wheels, or are you carrying much of it yourself? Does the handle feel good in your hand? Increase your speed: does the bag begin to wobble?Stop suddenly: what happens? Choose that bag that feels the most comfortable. #2 Soft-side bags generally function best in the carry-on realm.Just using your carry-on to take care of overflow from your other luggage, expandability is a plus. #3 Yes, this is nothing to do with your luggage.Pack only 2 pair of shoes. As this item normally will take up the space in your bag. Especially the lady shoes with odd shape ... I admit that quite difficult for lady to carry only 2 pair of shoe while travelling. But this is your most valueable excuse to buy shoe in an exotic place and get shipped back by courier. Don't tell your boyfriend or husband that I taught you this! This the single most important guide for travelers worldwide. Packing lightly and efficiently will make all the difference in making your trip as enjoyable and stress free as possible. More info from 'Packing Secrets' will end packing nightmares for your next trip, and all your future trips ! An e-book for you travel survival in foreign places...Click Here!
Follow this link for any inquiry pertaining to imigration matter... The Royal Malaysia Police link... unfortunately it is in Bahasa Malaysia You may want to know how to convert your driving license...
You may want to know the toll charges for North South Expressway.... please follow this link
List of expressway in Malaysia and the toll charges
I would like to share with you my driving experience in Malaysia , read on !
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