Malaysia is one of the most successful countries in South East Asia. It has the best infrastructure and has taken growth very seriously. The people, although quite diverse in their backgrounds, are a rather happy people and tend to be friendly to each other and to visitors. With beautiful beaches, dramatic scenery and sparkling cities, Malaysia is well worth visiting.
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Population: 20, 000, 000
Area: 127, 320 square miles
Language: Malay. English is widely spoken
Time: hours from New York
Electricity: 220-240 volts AC / 50 Hz
Geography: Malaysia is bordered by Thailand, Singapore, and on the island of Borneo by Brunei and Indonesia. The country is divided into two areas; the mainland which takes up less than half of Malaysia's landmass and most of the northern part of the island of Borneo. Most of the country's virgin timber has been removed for rubber plantations and more recently for agriculture and for the timber trade.
International Airports
Kuala Lumpur - The airport is located about 11 miles from the city center and has bus and taxi services available. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
Penang - The airport is 15 miles from the airport and takes 40 minutes transit time. Bus and taxi services are available.
Tipping: Tipping is not expected. In larger hotels and restaurants there will be a service charge which is included in the bill.
Shopping: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every day. Items of interest are fabrics, ceramics, clothing and electronic equipment. Be sure that the electronic equipment which you purchase is compatible with systems and current back home!
Food and Drink: Malaysia has a full range of foods which will appeal to any taste and appetite. From Chinese or French cuisine to Mc Donald's, you can find it here in Malaysia. Fruit drinks are plentiful and since the water is OK from the tap, ice to cool the drinks is safe. Beer is available, but hard liquor is not available in the eastern side and very little elsewhere.
Social: Discretion should be excersized in dress, even with men. Men and women should not wear shorts and should keep as little skin from showing as possible.
Business: Business suits are recommended but can be a problem in the high humidity. Check with your counterpart to see if it is necessary. Business cards are necessary but there is no need to have a translation to Malay on the card. Most businessmen speak English rather well. Appointments are necessary and should be done well in advance.
Money and Banks
Banking: Banks are open 10am to 3pm Weekdays. Saturdays 9:30 to 11:30 am. Closed Sundays
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Money Exchange: Best at banks but hotels are a good source as well. Passports are absolutely necessary to cash travelers checks.
Credit cards: Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club
Climate
Since the country is near to the equator, the climate is quite tropical with high temperatures and humidity year round. Temperatures rarely go below 70F and usually stay in the upper 80sF. The rainy season is from September to December with the heavy monsoon rain November to February. The humidity is always around 90% | 