
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [60] (3) 2168-5000; US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; KLACS@state.gov; 

https://my.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 60
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 999; Fire: 994; Police: 999
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons
Currency (Code): Ringgits (MYR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G


Major Languages: Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; note: Malaysia has 134 living languages
Major Religions: Muslim 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%
Time Difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Kuala Lumpur (includes Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang, National Museum); North Borneo Railway; Semenggoh Nature Reserve; Batu Caves; Kek Lok Si Temple; Malacca City; Manukan Island; Lenggong Valley; Sarawak Cultural Village
Major Sports: Soccer, badminton, tenpin bowling, field hockey, tennis
Cultural Practices: Nod or give a slight bow when greeting a women or an older person. Introduce high-ranking people and older people first.
Tipping Guidelines: Malaysia has a non-tipping culture. You are welcome to leave change in a tip jar, but you are not expected to tip.
Souvenirs: Hand-woven embroidered silk/cotton cloth, batik sarongs, pewter items; precious silver bowls, jewelry boxes, and betel nut sets; woven-bamboo and various fiber-woven baskets, bowls, and mats
Traditional Cuisine: Nasi Lemak — rice soaked in coconut cream overnight and cooked with pandan leaves, lemon grass, ginger, and other spices; usually served with a hard-boiled egg, fried anchovies, sambal paste, and roasted peanutsPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. 

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022