Travel tips · Kuala Lumpur · Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country: Malays, most of whom are Muslim, make up the largest group, alongside large Chinese and Indian communities and many smaller ones. Islam is the official religion, but Chinese, Hindu and Christian festivals are public holidays too, and English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur.
Key facts
- Language
- Malay, English, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien) and Tamil
- Currency
- MYR
- Plugs
- Type G sockets (British three-pin), 240 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated, but most residents filter or boil it; drink bottled or…
- Emergency
- 999 (all emergency services); 112 from mobile phones
Things to know
- Dress modestly at mosques and temples; mosques lend robes and headscarves, and shoes come off before prayer areas.
- Use your right hand to eat, pass and receive items.
- Point with your thumb rather than your index finger, which many Malays consider rude.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially outside the city centre.
- During Ramadan, be discreet about eating and drinking in public during daylight hours.
- Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops or guesthouses.
- Book Petronas Twin Towers ahead: Daily visitor numbers are limited; book timed tickets online several days ahead, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
- Eat at hawker stalls, food courts and mamak restaurants, where meals cost a fraction of mall restaurant prices.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary. Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge, and rounding up taxi fares or leaving small change for good service is appreciated but optional.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Terima kasih | Thank you |
| Selamat pagi | Good morning |
| Berapa harga? | How much is it? |
| Tak pedas | Not spicy |
| Tapau | Takeaway |
| Air kosong | Plain water |
| Boleh | Can / OK |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing for the heat, plus a light layer for very cold air-conditioning in malls and trains. Cover shoulders and knees for mosques and temples.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type G sockets (British three-pin), 240 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated, but most residents filter or boil it; drink bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency number
- 999 (all emergency services); 112 from mobile phones
- Phone and internet
- Local SIMs and eSIMs are inexpensive and available at the airport; most malls, cafés and hotels have free Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Asia/Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is generally calm for visitors, but bag snatching by motorcyclists and pickpocketing in crowded markets and stations do occur. Heavy storms can cause flash floods and dangerous driving conditions, and haze from regional fires occasionally affects air quality.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Malaysia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Kuala Lumpur?
Tipping is not customary. Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge, and rounding up taxi fares or leaving small change for good service is appreciated but optional.
+Can you drink the tap water in Kuala Lumpur?
Tap water is treated, but most residents filter or boil it; drink bottled or filtered water.
+What plugs are used in Kuala Lumpur?
Type G sockets (British three-pin), 240 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Kuala Lumpur?
Malay, English, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien) and Tamil.