Accommodation In Kuala Lumpur (popularly called KL), you will find all categories of accommodation, from five-star hotels to youth hostels. The prices are very competitive, even at international luxury hotels, and some of the medium and budget hotels are real bargains.
Airport Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a world-class international airport with state-of-the-art technology and futuristic architecture. The distance to KL city center is around 45 kilometers, and the drive takes about 45-60 minutes.
Business Hours
- Banks: Weekdays 9:30 am – 4 pm.
- Department stores and shopping centers: Daily 10 am – 10 pm.
- Government offices: 8 am – 4:30 pm weekdays, closed on weekends.
- Shops: 10 am – 10 pm.
Currency The Malaysian ringgit (RM). One ringgit is 100 sen.
- Bills: RM1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.
- Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 sen, and RM1.
Electricity The voltage is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles. AC is used all over Malaysia. Three-pronged rectangular plugs are standard.
Emergency Phones
- Ambulance: 999
- Fire: 999
- Police: 999
- Tourist Police: 03-2115 9999
Holidays 2024
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- February 10-11: Chinese New Year
- March 25: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- May 1: Labour Day
- May 22: Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha)
- June 8: Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
- August 31: National Day
- April 10-11: Hari Raya Puasa*
- November 4: Deepavali*
- December 16-17: Hari Raya Qurban
- December 25: Christmas Day (*subject to change)
Internet All main hotels are connected to the internet, and you will find internet cafes all over Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes the costs in the Business Centers of the hotels are quite high.
Language Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language. English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur.
Mobile Phone There are good connections all over this giant metropolis, with both GSM and CDMA. It can be quite expensive to use your mobile as you have to pay for all incoming and outgoing calls from abroad. To save money, consider acquiring a Malaysian SIM card, which can be bought at mobile phone stores throughout the city. You can refill with RM 10 to RM 100 cards available at many places.
Postal Services Post offices are open Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Phone Code
- Malaysia: 60
- Kuala Lumpur: 03
Time Zone GMT + 8, the same as Hong Kong and Singapore.
Tipping Tipping is not expected in non-tourist class restaurants and local coffee shops. In tourist restaurants and hotels, a 10% service charge and 6% government tax are added to bills. The system is called “plus plus” by the locals, and you can see the “++” symbols where these charges apply.
Toilets There are many public toilets, most of them in “Asian style,” sometimes quite basic. Try to find better restaurants or high-class shopping malls for cleaner facilities.
VISA For US and EU visitors, no visas are required for visits less than three months.
Voltage See: Electricity