TRAVEL TIPS
Traveling on a Budget
Budget accommodation is rated according to the Orchid Classification Scheme and includes hostels, bed and breakfast establishments, inns, boarding houses, rest houses and lodging houses. In Kuala Lumpur's city center, there are well-managed budget accommodation along Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Chinatown. The Seri Malaysia chain provides excellent value-for-money accommodation throughout Malaysia.
Public Transportation in the City
Besides public buses and taxis, the RapidKL Light Rail Transit (LRT) services, KL Monorail and the KTM Komuter inter-city rail services offer hassle-free accessibility to well-known landmarks in KL as well as outlying districts and nearby towns.
Money Matters
Travelers are advised to bring a combination of traveler's cheques, cash and credit cards, Credit cards are widely used in larger shopping establishments and hotels. Smaller establishments accept transactions in cash only. Those embarking on an island trip are advised to make prior financial arrangements on the mainland. Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, airports and money changers around the country.
Banking hours are from 9.30am to 4.00pm on weekdays. Banks in the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu operate from 9.30am-4.00pm from Saturdays to Wednesdays.
Insurance
Visitors are strongly advised to obtain adequate insurance cover before traveling to Malaysia.
Telecommunications
Malaysia is linked nationally and internationally by telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex and via the Internet. Most hotels provide International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone services. In cities and towns, public phones are available at high- traffic areas, such as bus stations, shopping complexes and office buildings, using coins or phone cards.
Electricity
The voltage used throughout Malaysia is 220-240 volts A/C, at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets are used.