Visa information Malaysia - stamped passport

Know before you go - important information before travelling to Malaysia

Malaysia general information: passport and visa

Please make sure you passport is up to date, you'll need at least 6 months validity beyond your intended return date left on your passport to get a visa on arrival. For more information on Australian passports please refer to this website. 

Depending on what nationality passport you are holding, you may or may not need to apply for a visa. If you are a Australian passport holder you will be granted a 3 month visa on arrival, so there is nothing you need to do in advance. This information could change so always contact the Malaysian Embassy visa department for the most up to date information. As a precaution, you may want to make several copies of your passport and leave these with family or friends at home, also swap copies with your travel partner. Also if you scan a copy of your important documents and email it to yourself. This will save quite a lot of time and frustration in the event you do lose your passport and have to apply for a new one. 

Malaysia travel information: currency

The national Malaysian currency is the Ringgit (RM). This currency is also referred to as the Malaysian Dollar. 1.00 AUD is equal to about 3 Ringgit, simply divide by three to calculate a price in AUD. Be sure to always have enough money on you. It's not uncommon for ATM's to be out of order just when you need them. It's best not to wait until your wallet is empty. We suggest carrying approximately 400 AUD or 350 US Dollars with you in cash, in small denominations. In case of emergency during your Malaysian holiday, this secret stash will definitely prove useful. All hotels and banks offer currency exchange services. The best available exchange rate can be found at smaller currency exchange desks in shopping malls. They may look less dependable; however in Malaysia it is quite common to exchange money at these small offices. You'll save quite a bit on exchange fees here. 
Malaysian currency
The local currency is the Ringgit
Withdraw cash using a debit card at ATM's

Debit Cards. On your arrival at the airport in Malaysia, you'll be able to withdraw cash from an ATM using your debit card. There are ATM's in nearly all areas in Malaysia, except in Taman Negara and on several small islands on the East Coast. ATM's are operational 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Well known banks that allow you to withdraw cash using a debit card are Maybank and HSBC.

Credit Cards. It is safe to use a credit card in larger hotels and for instance at diving schools on the small islands. We do however advice normal caution when using your credit card, don't let the card leave your sight, we have heard of instances of credit card fraud. 

Traveller Cheques. Traveller Cheques can be cashed at most banks and currency exchanges in smaller cities. The benefit of using Traveller Cheques is that they are insured and in the event of loss or theft, you'll usually have new ones in your possession within 24 hours. 
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Tips
It is not customary to leave tips in Malaysia. Restaurants already include a service charge on your bill. In areas visited more frequently by tourists, tipping has become more common. 

Haggling
As in most countries outside in Asia, it is okay to negotiate the price of products and services. Be sure to remain respectful when doing so. Raising your voice or walking away upset are considered disrespectful to the person you are negotiating with. Try to avoid this from happening. There are no guidelines for haggling. We suggest setting a price in your mind that you would like to pay and trying to get as close to that price as possible. Both you and the seller should be satisfied with the eventual price.

Staying healthy while on your Malaysia holiday

Malaysia online has taken the greatest care to ensure that the contents of these pages are accurate, but it is your responsibility to visit your local GP or medical facility at least 6 weeks before you depart.
The general information and advice provided below is for travellers who are healthy, not pregnant and who are planning to stay in Malaysia for less than 1 month. Make sure you also get up-to-date information for your personal situation.

Malaysia has a tropical climate. There are more varieties of bacteria in a tropical climate, and your body isn't as used to them as you don't live in that area of the world. Although the risk of getting ill must not be exaggerated, and certainly should not spoil the enjoyment of your holiday, it is advisable to be prepared for your trip and to be aware of the health risks of that country.


Vaccinations for Malaysia
DTP: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio. This combined vaccination is recommended for almost everywhere outside Europe. The vaccination lasts for 10 years.

Hepatitis A: You can choose either short-term or long-term protection; the long-term version lasts 10 years.

Typhoid: This vaccination is advised by most health organisation, if you are planning to stay for longer than 2 weeks in Vietnam. The vaccination provides 3 years' protection.

Yellow Fever: If you are travelling from a country known for having Yellow Fever, vaccination is compulsory for this country

Hepatitis B: Vaccination is recommended when staying longer than 3 months or if you are at risk due to profession

Bilharzias: Precautionary measures recommended

For more information, prevention and vaccinations, it's best to contact your GP or Travel Clinic, as they have your medical history. Since the recommendations provided above are subject to change, responsibility for your health remains in your own hands.
 

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