Saily eSIM for Malaysia
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6,553 mi away
£1 MYR 5.35
Today
6:25 pm
+8h from you
Travel warning
There's a serious and specific threat of kidnapping by armed groups on coastal islands and dive sites in eastern Sabah.
Weather & climate
Weather in Malaysia
Malaysia
33°
Moderate drizzle
Sat
24°
33°
Sun
24°
33°
Mon
25°
33°
Tue
24°
32°
Wed
24°
33°
Thu
24°
33°
Fri
25°
31°
SPF level in Malaysia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Malaysia
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Malaysia without a visa for tourism and will normally be allowed to stay for 90 days on arrival.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date and be undamaged with no pages missing.
You must submit an arrival card online before you travel, as airlines may ask for it at check-in.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty, including any medications you are unsure about.
Good to know:
When travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), you must carry your passport and pass through immigration control to get entry and exit stamps.
You must declare cash in any currency or travellers cheques worth 10,000 US dollars or more when entering or exiting Malaysia, and you need prior approval for ringgit worth that amount.
Safety in Malaysia
Tips when travelling
Malaysia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your passport with you at all times as you must have ID by law.
Be vigilant against bag-snatchers, especially from thieves on motorbikes who can injure you if you hold onto your bag.
Avoid accepting drinks from strangers in bars or restaurants due to risks of drink spiking, robbery, and assault.
Do not open your hotel room door to strangers, especially late at night, as there have been assaults and robberies.
Dress modestly in conservative and rural areas as you may be refused entry to places of worship or government offices.
Bonus tips:
Only use licensed operators for water sports like jet skis and ensure you receive proper safety training.
If you rent a motorbike, you must wear a helmet as it is illegal not to do so.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Malaysia
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Malaysia for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50-60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Malaysia
It's crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, hospital stays, and repatriation. While GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Malaysia, ensure your travel insurance covers you for all potential medical needs.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, especially if you plan to visit rural areas. Dengue fever is prevalent throughout Malaysia, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk. Medical facilities are generally good in major cities, but may be limited in rural areas.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities, tourist areas, and larger establishments. Smaller shops and restaurants may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Malaysia
Tipping is not as widespread in Malaysia as it is in some Western countries, but it's becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. Service charges are often included in restaurant and hotel bills.
Restaurant
5-10% if service is exceptional, but often a 10% service charge is already included in the bill.
Bar/Café
Not expected, but you can round up the bill as a gesture of appreciation.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
MYR 2-5 per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
MYR 5-10 per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
MYR 10-20 per person for a full-day tour if you are satisfied with the service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK citizens. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Malaysia. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
50GB for 120 MYR (~£20)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Malaysia
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
No UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls, especially in tourist areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in Malaysia, particularly in urban areas. Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also readily available but local SIM card is cheaper.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Malaysia
Country code
+60
To call the British High Commission, you would dial 00 60 3 2170 2200.
The country code for Malaysia is 60. When calling Malaysia from abroad, you will need to dial your country's exit code, followed by 60, and then the Malaysian phone number. Drop the leading '0' from the area code when calling from outside Malaysia.
Languages in Malaysia
Malay(primary)
English
UK Embassy
British High Commission Kuala Lumpur
185 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
16 days ago
Travel disruption
- The instruction to check for flight updates from your airline now says 'before travelling', not 'before travelling and for updates while you are away'.
- The instruction to review travel insurance now says 'before you travel', not 'before you travel and for coverage while you are away'.
Airports in Malaysia
Beaches in Malaysia
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can typically enter Malaysia for tourism purposes without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Always check the latest visa requirements before travelling as regulations can change.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Malaysia. Bottled water is readily available and is the safest option for drinking. When eating out, ensure that ice is made from purified water.
The best time to visit Malaysia is generally during the dry season, which varies depending on the region. For the west coast (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi), the dry season is typically from November to March. The east coast experiences drier weather from March to September.
Be aware of common scams such as taxi drivers overcharging fares, fake goods being sold at inflated prices, and individuals offering unsolicited help with luggage or directions (who may expect payment). Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
Malaysia is a multicultural country with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. It's respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. When eating with your hands (common with Malay cuisine), use your right hand only. Remove your shoes before entering homes and some temples.
Malaysia has a generally conservative culture, so it's advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. When entering temples or mosques, avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, and revealing clothing.
Malaysia is generally a safe country for tourists. However, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics unnecessarily.
Malaysia is a food lover's paradise. Be sure to try local dishes such as Nasi Lemak (coconut rice with accompaniments), Char Kway Teow (stir-fried noodles), Laksa (spicy noodle soup), and Satay (grilled meat skewers). Explore the local hawker stalls and restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.