Passport, visa and customs
Swedish citizens do not need a visa when traveling to Malaysia if the stay is a maximum of 3 months. A valid passport with at least 6 months from the date of entry is required. Contact the nearest embassy for other information. It is a criminal offense to export antiques. Malaysia is one of the countries with the death penalty for serious drug offenses. Do not leave your luggage unattended.
Embassy of Malaysia
Karlavägen 37, POBox 26053, 100 41 Stockholm
E-mail: info@vietnamemb.se
tel 08-4408400 or fax 08-7918760
Vaccinations and health
We recommend that you review your basic protection against diphtheria, polio and tetanus. In addition, some vaccination against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is needed. The risk of malaria is low, but varies between different regions. Malaria occurs in Sabah as well as in limited areas inland. The authorities require a certificate showing that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever if you have recently visited countries in Africa and South America where there is a risk of the disease. Feel free to contact the nearest vaccination center, or your doctor, for advice well in advance of your trip to Malaysia. Feel free to bring a small set of “first aid” with patches, headache tablets, etc. Be aware that the water you drink is either boiled or bottled. Skip the ice for drinks / drinks. Eat only fruit that you peel yourself. The raw salad has to wait until you get home! Feel free to check with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and / or private insurance companies that your health insurance coverage applies in Malaysia. Remember to bring documentation on the current travel / health insurance.
Currency and exchange rate
The Malaysian currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Cash equivalent to 1000 MYR or more must be declared on arrival. Bring Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) and any amount in US Dollars (USD) cash or traveler’s checks. Beware of banknotes larger than 100 MYR, as these are no longer valid! Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Card fraud occurs. There are also ATMs in cities and tourist areas. Outside the big cities, you can not count on being able to use the card.
Weather and clothing
Malaysia is located just above the equator, which provides warm weather all year round, although it also rains some parts of the year. Malaysia’s east coast has an intense rainy season November to February. On the west coast it rains all year round but especially during April to May. It is possible to visit the west coast all year round, but in general it also rains here most in the autumn. Malaysian Borneo is affected by the same monsoon rains as the east coast of the Malacca Peninsula. In Sarawak, it rains all year round. October to March it rains most, and then most intensely between December and January. The east coast of Sabah also receives a lot of rain during this period. On Sabah’s west coast, it rains most between May and November. You can check daily weather reports at www.cnn.com/weather.
Casual and light clothing (preferably natural fiber) is needed all year round, but a sweater or jacket is useful in high-waisted parts. When visiting temples, tombs and other religious sites, consider covering your knees and shoulders. An umbrella or raincoat is needed if you visit the country during the rainy season. Hat and high sun protection factor are also recommended against the sun.
Climate table for Kuala Lumpur:
| Kuala Lumpur | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max ° C | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Min ° C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Precipitation etc. | 170 | 165 | 240 | 260 | 205 | 125 | 125 | 155 | 195 | 255 | 290 | 245 |
Climate table for Sandakan:
| Sandakan | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max ° C | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| Min ° C | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 5 |
| Precipitation etc. | 400 | 305 | 155 | 115 | 125 | 195 | 200 | 225 | 225 | 285 | 336 | 460 |
Transport and communications
In larger cities, taxis are the best means of transport. Most taxis are of a newer model and have air conditioning. Always bring the hotel’s business card with you when you leave, as the language skills of taxi drivers may vary. Remember to agree on the price in advance as the cars rarely have taximeters. Left-hand traffic prevails. At post offices and larger hotels you can call interurbant and send faxes. In the larger cities there are plenty of internet cafes.
Food & beverage
Malaysian cuisine is a mix of British, Chinese, Indian and Thai cuisine. It is considered one of the better cuisines in Asia. Rice and noodles are staples in Malaysian cuisine and are served with fish, chicken and meat. The national dish “Sate” is very popular and is therefore sold on every street corner, just like soy milk, water, coffee and the freshly squeezed juices. Be aware that the water you drink is either boiled or bottled.
Shopping and gifts The
shopping in Kuala Lumpur is fantastic. Mall after mall – as many as 66 pieces. Markets. Genuine. Imitation. Luxury. Locally. Nice and ugly. Everything is available, everything can be bought. In luxury malls, it is usually the stated price that applies while in the markets (and especially then in Chinatown) you should bargain for a happy life.
General and mixed
Electricity: 220V and 240V / 50Hz. Adapter can be recommended.
Baggage: It sometimes happens that the checked baggage gets lost. Therefore, pack important medicines with a certificate from your doctor in your hand luggage. The same goes for valuables. Label all your luggage carefully with the luggage tags you receive with the tickets. This is important as these notes are our identification at the airport and at our hotels. It is good to have a proper, lockable suitcase because the bags are not treated very carefully.
Local time: They are 7 hours ahead of us in time. In summer, the time difference is only six hours as Malaysia does not switch to summer time.
Tips: Common. Everyone who performs services expects a small amount in tips.
Language: Bahasa Malaysia is the official language.
Travel insurance: Can be purchased through Phoenix. Check what your home insurance covers in Malaysia.
