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Malaysia DOs and DONT'S
itspete
Posts: 11 Forumite
I have visited and lived in Malaysia for 8 months or so during July 2008 to March 2009 and married to a Malaysian Lady for 37 years. So here are a few things you need to know..
The temperature is normally about 27c to 35c in low lands and about 27c in the highlands. It can be humid, so those with breathing problems should be aware of this.
Air Traveling. About 12 hours straight through or can be anything from 18hours plus if having a stopover.
Medication.
If you have health problems make sure that you have more than enough medication with you. You must have have Doctors prescriptions to cover all medication, of which, they all must be in proper pharmacy sealed packages, other that those needed for the flight. All must be in your main cases except those needed for the flight.
Make sure that you have full medical insurance cover and full travel cover. You must check that everything is paid for and that there will be no nasty shocks in store.
Take travel sick pills before the flight with plenty of water.
To stop Jet-Lag, drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) and eat well. Rest your eyes regularly.
Exercise regularly by walking around the airoplane 3/4 times each time. This will help prevent blood clots from forming (rare but can happen to all ages).
The Malaysian way.
There is no such as a 'poor' foreigner in their view, especially when you are white,
so when out and about, pay what locals pay. Just watch others before you buy.
Remember it's their country and you will be considered as foreigners/visitors.
If you are told that, do not take offense. Go with it and laugh and agree.
If you have made a mistake always apologize and say 'sorry'. It's their way.
Speak quietly and smile. When you shake hands, it's a very light grip (soft and gentle). Firm grips are considered as aggressive.
As a Muslim country, respect their way of life. Do not think you can do as you like, you could be in for a nasty shock.
Dress reasonably and ladies, that does not mean shorts and low cut tea shirts revealing your cleavage and breasts. That's not liked at all. You want respect from the locals, so dress DOWN!!
Everyone should wear 'bum bags' to the front and carry an umbrella. It does rain heavy without warning. Also the umbrella is a form of protection against stray dogs, of which there are quite a lot out of major cities, and anything else.
Ladies. Do not carry handbags and stuff like that. The temptation to be mugged should be avoided at all costs!!! Do not wear jewelery. A cheap watch with a black strap is all you need. If you are married, just a wedding ring. Dress DOWN!!
Us older chaps can dress like the locals. Long thin trousers, a light shirt (not tucked in the trousers). Sandels (no socks). Don't carry your wallet in your back pocket. Put cash etc in bum bag. Keep a few notes in you shirt pocket. A Cheap watch (not gold in colour).
If you drink beer and other beverages, don't drink in public and don't get drunk! This is not looked upon lightly.
If you agree on a price for anything and the vendor then changes his/her mind, call the police. The rule is 'once agreed upon' that's it. The police take a very dim view on anyone who tries to 'up the anti'. Watch out for local food side eating areas, where you can agree a price for food displayed and then sit down and have it brought to you. If you can't pay first then write down the agreed price then and there. If a problem arises with the bill, you can deal with it. Some places will try and double the price!! So, watch it.
When walking, if someone nice catches your eye, smile, nod and look away, nothing else!
Always say two little words ' Tar-rema Cas-say' (Thank you). You'll be surprised how welcome those words are.
Sometimes, a seller will be rude. Hold your cool. It's not that easy, but if they persist, just say 'not interested' and walk away. Avoid conflict. It could be you that ends up with the short stick, although the police are more than likely to side with the rich foreigner. It's just not worth it.
Always check receipts for anything. Being over charged does happen quite a lot, even for the Malaysia people. So, do what they do, check everything!
If you do not have transport yourself, friends etc, then always use the proper local cabs. Yes, they will over charge you! You can get a Malaysian friend to get the cab first, then you can arrive and get in. Yes, we had to do that for the first three months of our stay, until I bought a car.
Driving. It's the same as the UK except the motor bikes. They do travel up and down on both sides of the road. Generally, if there is and accident with a motor bike, its the other drivers fault, unless the motor bike is in breach of the highway rules. You just drive normally. Keep you line in the cente of the lane. When turning keep your eyes peeled on the wing mirrors for motor bikes. They do overtake on the left as well. It's easy really. Just relax and drive.
Feed in, don't stop unless you have to. Just watch others first before you start driving. Make sure that you understand some of the main signs and markings on the road. The Green signs are Motorways unlike the UK where they are blue.
Make sure that you have plenty of drinking water in the car and water for the radiator. Keep two extra umbrellas (proper long ones) in the car boot.
Do not allow anyone to assist you if you break down. There are many crooks around!!! Get breakdown cover and always have a fully recharged mobile phone at hand to call for assistance!!! If you can, avoid sitting in your car. It gets very hot both out and inside. Use an umbrella to shade yourself. You will not look like a fool!
You must find out what areas are best avoided, and avoid them. Do not go out at night by yourself unless the area is known as safe. If you drive, well, you should have someone with you. Avoid long trips at night. Even the locals don't go that far at night.
Never pickup hitch hikers!!! It's just not done!! To dangerous no matter who it is!!
Markets are a great place to get your shopping. Again watch the locals first to get an idea of pricing. Don't buy a lot. Visit often, and that way you end up with what you want. Buying a lot of stuff in one go can cause problems in both your safety and the handling of all that stuff. Watch out for pick pockets, so keep you bum bag to the front of you and cover the belt with your shirt.
Any food that tastes funny could be off, so get it changed straight away! Do it quietly with not fuss but be firm. Remember always say 'Tar-rema Cas-say' (Thank you).
Remove your shoes when entering anyones home. That is a must!
The temperature is normally about 27c to 35c in low lands and about 27c in the highlands. It can be humid, so those with breathing problems should be aware of this.
Air Traveling. About 12 hours straight through or can be anything from 18hours plus if having a stopover.
Medication.
If you have health problems make sure that you have more than enough medication with you. You must have have Doctors prescriptions to cover all medication, of which, they all must be in proper pharmacy sealed packages, other that those needed for the flight. All must be in your main cases except those needed for the flight.
Make sure that you have full medical insurance cover and full travel cover. You must check that everything is paid for and that there will be no nasty shocks in store.
Take travel sick pills before the flight with plenty of water.
To stop Jet-Lag, drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) and eat well. Rest your eyes regularly.
Exercise regularly by walking around the airoplane 3/4 times each time. This will help prevent blood clots from forming (rare but can happen to all ages).
The Malaysian way.
There is no such as a 'poor' foreigner in their view, especially when you are white,
so when out and about, pay what locals pay. Just watch others before you buy.
Remember it's their country and you will be considered as foreigners/visitors.
If you are told that, do not take offense. Go with it and laugh and agree.
If you have made a mistake always apologize and say 'sorry'. It's their way.
Speak quietly and smile. When you shake hands, it's a very light grip (soft and gentle). Firm grips are considered as aggressive.
As a Muslim country, respect their way of life. Do not think you can do as you like, you could be in for a nasty shock.
Dress reasonably and ladies, that does not mean shorts and low cut tea shirts revealing your cleavage and breasts. That's not liked at all. You want respect from the locals, so dress DOWN!!
Everyone should wear 'bum bags' to the front and carry an umbrella. It does rain heavy without warning. Also the umbrella is a form of protection against stray dogs, of which there are quite a lot out of major cities, and anything else.
Ladies. Do not carry handbags and stuff like that. The temptation to be mugged should be avoided at all costs!!! Do not wear jewelery. A cheap watch with a black strap is all you need. If you are married, just a wedding ring. Dress DOWN!!
Us older chaps can dress like the locals. Long thin trousers, a light shirt (not tucked in the trousers). Sandels (no socks). Don't carry your wallet in your back pocket. Put cash etc in bum bag. Keep a few notes in you shirt pocket. A Cheap watch (not gold in colour).
If you drink beer and other beverages, don't drink in public and don't get drunk! This is not looked upon lightly.
If you agree on a price for anything and the vendor then changes his/her mind, call the police. The rule is 'once agreed upon' that's it. The police take a very dim view on anyone who tries to 'up the anti'. Watch out for local food side eating areas, where you can agree a price for food displayed and then sit down and have it brought to you. If you can't pay first then write down the agreed price then and there. If a problem arises with the bill, you can deal with it. Some places will try and double the price!! So, watch it.
When walking, if someone nice catches your eye, smile, nod and look away, nothing else!
Always say two little words ' Tar-rema Cas-say' (Thank you). You'll be surprised how welcome those words are.
Sometimes, a seller will be rude. Hold your cool. It's not that easy, but if they persist, just say 'not interested' and walk away. Avoid conflict. It could be you that ends up with the short stick, although the police are more than likely to side with the rich foreigner. It's just not worth it.
Always check receipts for anything. Being over charged does happen quite a lot, even for the Malaysia people. So, do what they do, check everything!
If you do not have transport yourself, friends etc, then always use the proper local cabs. Yes, they will over charge you! You can get a Malaysian friend to get the cab first, then you can arrive and get in. Yes, we had to do that for the first three months of our stay, until I bought a car.
Driving. It's the same as the UK except the motor bikes. They do travel up and down on both sides of the road. Generally, if there is and accident with a motor bike, its the other drivers fault, unless the motor bike is in breach of the highway rules. You just drive normally. Keep you line in the cente of the lane. When turning keep your eyes peeled on the wing mirrors for motor bikes. They do overtake on the left as well. It's easy really. Just relax and drive.
Feed in, don't stop unless you have to. Just watch others first before you start driving. Make sure that you understand some of the main signs and markings on the road. The Green signs are Motorways unlike the UK where they are blue.
Make sure that you have plenty of drinking water in the car and water for the radiator. Keep two extra umbrellas (proper long ones) in the car boot.
Do not allow anyone to assist you if you break down. There are many crooks around!!! Get breakdown cover and always have a fully recharged mobile phone at hand to call for assistance!!! If you can, avoid sitting in your car. It gets very hot both out and inside. Use an umbrella to shade yourself. You will not look like a fool!
You must find out what areas are best avoided, and avoid them. Do not go out at night by yourself unless the area is known as safe. If you drive, well, you should have someone with you. Avoid long trips at night. Even the locals don't go that far at night.
Never pickup hitch hikers!!! It's just not done!! To dangerous no matter who it is!!
Markets are a great place to get your shopping. Again watch the locals first to get an idea of pricing. Don't buy a lot. Visit often, and that way you end up with what you want. Buying a lot of stuff in one go can cause problems in both your safety and the handling of all that stuff. Watch out for pick pockets, so keep you bum bag to the front of you and cover the belt with your shirt.
Any food that tastes funny could be off, so get it changed straight away! Do it quietly with not fuss but be firm. Remember always say 'Tar-rema Cas-say' (Thank you).
Remove your shoes when entering anyones home. That is a must!
0
Comments
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As for getting ripped off/being shortchanged, I never had any problems in Malaysia. Unlike Thailand and Indonesia!
Malaysia's just about the easiest country in the world to hitchhike in if you're white and carry a bagpack. I've never been asked for any money for a lift except once on Langkawi. Malaysians are generally very nice and generous people. If you like rolling a joint of any other things drug related, forget it. Malaysia has some of the strictest laws in the world when it comes to drugs. As a whole keep off drugs and you'll have a trouble free stay in Malaysia. The Malay, Chinese and Indian food is superb. Crime exists like anywhere else I'm sure, but I never felt threatened anywhere there.
Enjoy Malaysia.0 -
All must be in your main cases except those needed for the flight.
NOT recommended ! Thousands of bags go astray every day - if all your drugs go missing you may have a major problem
It is NOT a requirement to carry them in hold baggage.
See:-
http://www.malaysia.org.au/travel3.html0 -
It is UK Airports that we speak of there. They do not like you carrying heaps of medication in your hand laugauge in the airoplane. I have been searched because of it. I have never had anything go missing. That said, I have had my suitcases dropped out of the airoplane and slightly damaged on arrival to Malaysia a couple of times. What we did was split our medication in to all the suitcases. As we were staying under the Malaysia My Second Home scheme, we had already made sure that we could get medication from Malaysian hospitals if anything went wrong.0
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Travellingbum.
Some people need Medication for health reasons, not taking drugs in that sense!!
The Malaysian Government could not care less if the medication was prescribed on medical grounds and you have the documentation to back it up.
As for safety. Everyone lives behind bars, except the well of, who live in guarded condos. Ask them why? Thousands of tourists and Hitch Hikers are not so lucky as you. They end up badly injured from Moped muggings, mugging stabbings and all sorts. It's in the papers every day. The Malaysian authorities advise travelers on safety as well. The Ex-Pats living there can tell you all about safety. When you get to know the Malaysian people they will also advise on what to do and not to do. After all, who knows better.
The fact is, Europeans think they can do the same as they do in their own countries. Because its cheaper they spend more than what its worth, causing more problems for those living there. It puts the prices up and the locals have to go else where to buy things. It causes resentment, that's a normal reaction. Where there is money you have more trouble, in any country. There is a big difference between hitch hiking. Europeans are targets because they are considered 'rich' and nothing less. Even my own Malaysia brother-in-law and wife think I am wealthy and ripe for picking. They told me so themselves, without a blink of an eye! So, you have to act accordingly. No big deal. Do what they do and everything in general is fine. Don't be complacent. Saftey is an issue that everyone should act upon no matter where they are, especially where kids, ladies the elderly are concerned.0 -
It is UK Airports that we speak of there. They do not like you carrying heaps of medication in your hand laugauge in the airoplane. I have been searched because of it.
I travelled widely before I retired and NEVER had any problems with prescription medicines in my hand baggage. UK, Far East, Europe, N America, C America.
"They do not like" - Just who is "they" ? There is NO requirement that precludes the carriage of medicines in hand baggage. The directgov, website refers only to restriction on liquids, which can exceed 100ml with prior approval and doctors letter anyway.
I really wish people would stop flagging up problems that, to be blunt, do not exist.0 -
thanks for the info
i am goin to malaysia for 2 weeks in may
1 week at the traders in kl and 1 weeks at the casa del mar in langkawi
if you can please can you tell me info on things to do in kl and lankawi
cheers in advance raj0 -
I live in malaysia at present. I must admit bag snatching is very rife at the present moment. Only take what you need and ladies a must- over the body bag. Try to walk facing the oncoming traffic and be careful if bikers come to close to you.
Its a terrible stigma here just now as most of the people are really friendly
Crossing the road at traffic lights - Please be very careful not everyone will stop for you especially mopeds even if the green man is flashing..0 -
Blimey, it doesn't sound like my ideal holiday spot!0
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Things must be changing as I have been to Malaysia many times and always felt completely safe and wear jewellery and carry handbags.travelover0
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littlereddevil wrote: »Things must be changing as I have been to Malaysia many times and always felt completely safe and wear jewellery and carry handbags.
I walk about all the time and it dosnt bother me but I am aware of the problem. My neighbour got hers snatched on our street. There has been 3 or 4 serious incidents with bikers snatching bags which has brought it out into the open a lot more recently. Sometimes police on the street will now warn you to watch your bag especially if you are on your own. In restaraunts with an open front some of them will tell you not to leave your bag on floor.or on the table keep it on your lap.
Its a shame really but a sign of the times Im afraid.0
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