Currency
The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. USD1 is roughly equivalent to RM3.43. For latest rate and conversion, please refer to:
http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/travel_tools/currency.cfm
Money changing
Foreign currency and travellers cheques may be changed in all commercial banks during banking hours:
- Mondays to Fridays - 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
- Saturdays - 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Licensed money changers at the airport, international hotels and within the city sometimes offer better rates than banks.
Travellers Cheques are also accepted by hotels and major departmental stores but banks give the best rates.
Timezone
GMT +0800.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
Weights and measures
Weights and measures are in metric.
Climate
Malaysia enjoys tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures in the lowlands ranges from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). The highlands are cooler, where temperatures range between 15°C (59° F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.
Business hours
Shops generally open from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm while supermarkets and department stores open from 10 am to 10 pm. The bigger stores also remain open on Sundays.
Tips for shoppers
It is wise to compare prices before you buy to ensure you get the best bargains. Prices in the bigger stores are usually fixed although bargaining is still practised in smaller shops and road side stalls.
Kuala Lumpur, the commercial hub of the country, has its fair share of famous landmarks, historical relics and heritage buildings plus a pulsating night life to keep the visitor occupied day and night. None of these, however, would be complete without the sheer fun and excitement of bargain hunting within the cool comforts of ultra-modem, one-stop shopping complexes or the thrill of browsing among antiques and curio items in the older establishments in the older parts of the city. Mingle with the jostling crowd at the numerous roadside stalls or share in the heady excitement of the carnival like 'pasar malam' or night markets.
Things you can get in Kuala Lumpur
Handicrafts of local origin range from intricate silver, brass and pewter items to pottery, rattan and wickerwork. Batiks of silk and cotton come in tantalisingly vivid hues. The bold designs and dazzling colours of Malaysian Batik set it apart from others within the region. Art objects and curio items from the orient vie for attention with carpets and rugs of lustrous silk and fine wool in traditional designs of intricate geometric motifs or patterned in beautiful flowery designs of pastel hues. There's ready-to-wear apparel of every design and colour and trendy shoes and handbags. From the fashion centres of the world come designer collections, elegant footwear, exclusive watches, optical items and quality fabrics. Electrical appliances, electronic equipment, computers and cameras are available too.
For more information go to: http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/travel_tools/
