Befor you come.
Travel preparations for visiting Malaysia.
Entering Malaysia is relatively easy. We're not as paranoid as certain countries with their strict entry and health requirements, which is not to say that anyone can simply waltz in and out of the country as they like.
I've listed out some FAQs below to help you with your travel preparations for visiting Malaysia. If you have any other questions that are not listed here, write to me and I'd be glad to help.
Besides planes, I enjoy getting high on drugs. CAN I DO DRUGS IN MALAYSIA??
I'm very famous in my hometown and doors open easily to me. Do I need a visa to enter Malaysia?
Friends tell me that Malaysia is like 7/11 and is open anytime of the year?
Is it true that it rains cats and dogs during the wet season?
I like the raw taste of tap water. Is it safe to drink?
What do I do if I break an arm or a leg or worse, both?
My personal translator is not with me and I only speak English - what languages do Malaysians speak?
I'm very famous in my hometown and doors open easily for me. Do I a need a visa to enter Malaysia?
Generally, most visitors (famous or otherwise) DO NOT require a visa to enter Malaysia if the visit is less than 1 month. However, there are exceptions, as you'll see below.
Help with visa application
To assist you in your visa application (if you are required to have one), visit the MALAYSIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS website for a complete listing of Malaysian embassies and high commissions worldwide.
It's also the only listing around that's complete with photos of the embassies, so you'll be able to find them easily.
Visas NOT required for:
- Nationals of all Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who do require a visa) for all purposes and durations of visits for up to 1 or 3 months.
- Nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia who do require a visa) for social visits of up to 3 months.
- Nationals of Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, Iceland, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, the USA and Yemen for social visits of up to 3 months.
- Nationals of Iran, Libya, the Syrian Arab Republic and holders of a Portuguese Certificate of Identity, Palestinian travel documents or a Macau Travel Permit for social visits of up to 14 days.
- Nationals of Ireland for social visits of up to 2 months;
- Nationals of all countries other than those mentioned above for stays of up to 1 month.
- Nationals on transit without leaving the airport area, who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight and within 24 hours.
Visas REQUIRED by nationals of the following countries:
Afghanistan Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China (PR), Congo (Dem Rep), Congo (Rep), Cote D'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iraq, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and holders of a UN Laisser Passer (nationals of these countries may be granted visa relaxation for transit through Malaysia for less than 120 hours, via a Malaysian international airport, if in possession of confirmed onward airline tickets to a third country before arriving). This is subject to specific criteria that vary depending on individual circumstance.
Different procedures apply according to nationality. For example, certain nationals can only enter Malaysia through airports and not seaports.
If in doubt, do consult with your nearest Malaysian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission around the world.
Besides planes, I enjoy getting high on all kinds of drugs. Can I do drugs in Malaysia?
Sure you can, but be warned that Malaysia has one of the toughest anti-drug laws in the world. If you're caught with it, it's the MANDATORY DEATH SENTENCE. No kidding, this one. So, get high on life, not drugs. Drugs aren't cool.
Friends tell me that Malaysia is like 7/11 and is open anytime of the year?
Your friends would be right. If you're a real traveller, anytime is a good time to visit Malaysia. It just depends which part of the country you are visiting.
Generally, it's not a good idea to visit during major festive seasons like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa (post Ramadhan celebrations), as most businesses will be closed. But it's a small inconvenience if you want to experience the real Malaysia. Of course, that would mean getting yourself invited to some friendly local's home.
There's only one season here - SUMMER - 365 days a year! That's because we're in the tropics. So if it's not raining, the sun is shining. Simple as that. It does get a little humid at times though, and some foreigners tend to lose more water than others so it best to stay hydrated.
See Is tap water safe to drink? below.
Is it true that it rains cats and dogs during the wet season?
]There is a wet season, and it usually hits the west coast from April to May, while the east coast is drenched by monsoons from November to March. (see map below)
Between the 2, the east coast monsoon is more predictable, and more severe, during which many resorts shutter down for the season. Even fisherman become landlubbers during this period.
But while most sane visitors stay away during the monsoon, another group of people rejoice in the waves that pound the shores. Surfer dudes and dudettes, who else?
I love the raw taste of tap water. Is it safe to drink?
Tap water is clean but not always potable so it's recommended to ALWAYS drink bottled water which costs about RM1.00($0.32) per 500ml bottle or RM2.00($0.64) per 1.5-litre bottle.
What do I do if I break an arm or a leg or worse, both?
You go straight to the hospital for proper medical treatment because your first-aid kit won't be able to deal with such serious conditions. However, your first-aid kit should contain, at the very least, medication for the following self-treatable ailments: diarrhoea, headache and pain, fever, small cuts and wounds (antiseptic, bandages), and insect bites.
When it's too late for insect repellents (read: you've just scored some nasty bites or stings) give it a spray from my favourite anti-sting medication -- Stingose, an excellent Aussie product that works very well in countering the painful results. You can find Stingose at most major pharmacies.
I've fallen madly in love with a Malaysian guy/gal and I intend to marry him/her. I need to call my parents to tell them the good news. Which prepaid SIM cards or IDD calling cards should I use?
Honestly, it's easier to choose between your parents and your newfound love, as the major telcos in Malaysia all offer very competitive products especially when it comes to prepaid and IDD cards. For such an occasion, or when you just want to keep in touch with family and friends, any prepaid SIM card (mobile phone) or an IDD calling card (mobile or fixed line), can be used.
Below is a list of telco companies and the cards available
Remember, only UNLOCKED mobile phones can be used with any of the above telcos' SIM cards.
1. Hotlink Prepaid (012 or 017 prefix, mobile only)
Hotlink is the prepaid offering by Maxis, generally considered the most popular Malaysian telco.
Starter packs: From as low as RM10
Reload: 1) minimum RM10 (hard coupons, valid for 10 days)
- Maxis Hotlink IDD calls start from as low as RM0.18
- Outgoing international SMS cost RM0.20 each
- ALL incoming calls are FREE, from any country
See here for Maxis Hotlink IDD call rates
- Where to buy Maxis Hotlink cards?
Just about anywhere - Maxis outlets, 7/11 convenience stores, petrol marts, phone shops, grocery stores etc. Just look for the red Hotlink logo.
Website: www.hotlink.com.my
2. Digi Prepaid, (016 or 014 prefix, mobile only)
Best known for its Yellow Man icon, Digi is generally considered the cheapest but doesn't have the best of coverage outside of urban areas.
Starter packs: From as low as RM8.50 (RM5 pre-loaded credit)
Reload:
1) minimum RM10 (hard coupons, valid for 10 days) or,
2) RM5 (Flexi e-load. Valid for 5 days)
- Digi IDD calls start from as low as RM0.18
- Outgoing international SMS cost RM0.20 each.
- ALL incoming calls are FREE, from any country
See here for table of Digi Prepaid IDD call rates
- Where to buy Digi Prepaid SIM cards?
Just about anywhere - Digi outlets, 7/11 convenience stores, petrol marts, phone shops, grocery stores etc. Just look for the yellow Digi logo.
Website: www.digi.com.my
Note: IMHO, the best website among Malaysian telcos. Simple, easy-to-navigate with all pertinent info a few clicks away. No unnecessary flash
3. Celcom - Xpax Prepaid (013 or 019 prefix, mobile only)
Maxis is red, Digi is yellow and Celcom is purple. Easy to remember, right?
Celcom is generally considered the least cool of the 3 telcos but its saving grace is that it has the widest coverage, especially in rural areas as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
Starter packs: From as low as RMxx with RMx pre-loaded credit
Reload:
1. RM10 - valid for 7 days
2. RM20 - valid for 15 days
3. RM30 - valid for 30 days
4. RM50 - valid for 50 days
- Celcom Xpax IDD calls start from as low as RM0.20
- Outgoing international SMS cost RM0.50 each.
- ALL incoming calls are FREE, from any country.
- Where to buy Celcom Xpax Prepaid SIM cards?
Just about anywhere - Celcom outlets, 7/11 convenience stores, petrol marts, phone shops, grocery stores etc. Just look for the purple Celcom logo.
Website: www.celcom.com.my
4. iTalk IDD prepaid calling card (mobile or fixed)
iTalk is provided by Malaysia’s main telco, Telekom Malaysia, which also operates Celcom mobile mentioned above.
iTalk connections are made using VOIP which means you won’t be able to speed-dial from your mobile phone. You'll also have to dial a whole bunch of numbers before you get through. The only advantage is you can use it anywhere, with a mobile phone or fixed line.
iTalk cards are available in RM10, RM20, RM30, RM50
No need to reload like SIM cards, just buy new ones.
Validity:
Expiry:
- iTalk calls start from as low as RM0.15 to fixed line
- Outgoing international SMS cost RM0.50 each.
- ALL incoming calls are FREE, from any country.
- Where to buy iTalk IDD prepaid calling cards?
Just about anywhere - Telekom outlets, 7/11 convenience stores, petrol marts, phone shops, grocery stores, post offices etc. Just look for the iTalk logo.
Website:www.i-talk.com.my
Note: Another unnecessarily super flashy site that makes you click-and-wait while the information you need loads slowly
5. TIME Kontact IDD prepaid calling card (mobile or fixed)
Similar to iTalk, Time Kontact cards come in denominations of RM20, RM30, RM50, RM100
For more details on Time Kontact, see their FAQ here
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My personal translator is not with me and I only speak English - what languages do Malaysians speak?
Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, Hindi, a dozen Chinese dialects and more... but, English will get you just about anywhere. Almost every Malaysian speaks English, and even those who don't, speak a smattering of pidgin English to get by.
You say "Tomayto", I say "Tomahto".
Malaysians speak (and write) British English, as we were colonised by the Brits way back when they were on a mission to better the lives of indigenous peoples all over the world, stiff upper lip and all. They did leave behind some nice buildings though...
Today, the language of instruction is more Malay than English but, as I said, most people you meet will speak some level of English. So you'll be fine. Simultaneous translations are common too, from signboards to billboards. See an example below:
Bahasa Malaysia language billboard
Its English equivalent
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