Travel Malaysia
In our long distance relationship lifetime, we are bound to make several trips abroad. Even if you are a seasoned traveler, policies and situations may change. It is always good to take a look at the basics of travel, particularly international. If you are travelling to Malaysia, especially for the first time, here are some things that you should know.
Drug Penalties
If you don’t know anything else, this you MUST know. Drug laws are strictly enforced in Malaysia. If you are found to be in possession of 15gms/12oz of Heroin or 200gms/7oz of Marijuana, you are presumed to be trafficking drugs. The penalty? Mandatory DEATH upon conviction. Be warned!
Entry
U.S. Citizen entering Malaysia for social or business do not need a visa if you stay is less than 3 months. On flight, you will be given 2 forms that you have to complete. One is a Disembarkation Card and another the Traveler’s’ Declaration Form this form is to declare the amount of currency the traveler has with him/her. These forms, you should keep with your passport at all times during your travels and return to the Immigrations Officer when leaving.
You are not allowed to carry in or out of Malaysia, more than RM1, 000 (about US$263) in Ringgits but there is no limit as to how much in foreign currency you can bring in. Also, you are not allowed to carry out of Malaysia more than what you bring in, in foreign currency. If you have to carry more than what is permitted, you can obtain written permission prior to travel from:
Director
Exchange Control Department
Bank Negara Malaysia
Jalan Dato’ Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2916473 / 2928736 / 2988044 Ext.: 8052 / 8194 / 8276
Fax: 603-2937732
Your Health
It is a good idea to get medical insurance before travelling anywhere. Most travel insurance will also cover some medical claims. As reported in Interknowledge there are no reciprocal health services agreements with other nations in Malaysia. Also, check with your insurance company if your policy is valid overseas. Most U.S. medical insurance isn’t. If you are worried about qualified medical attention, don’t. Qualified, English speaking medical doctors and clinics are easily available, unless of course if you happen to be out in the middle of the rain forest!
Personal Property
Guard them carefully! Violent crime against foreigners isn’t common. But you are easy target for petty theft. A lot of times, snatch thieves operate on motorcycles, snatching your bag as they speed past. This can be dangerous as you can get caught and pulled along if your bag does not come free immediately. Just take simple precautions like carrying your knapsack on your back and not on one shoulder because this makes is harder for snatching and less likely for them to try.
Also, your passport is valuable. A Malaysian passport can be sold in the black market for a nice sum and a U.S. passport is worth even more.
While we worry about what we might lose, it is also good to remember that what might be added to your belongings can be disastrous, keeping in mind the drug laws. So watch your luggage, don’t lose sight of your hand luggage.
Meeting People
Malaysians are friendly particularly to foreigners and thus, you don’t have to be shy (though I know few Americans who are). When greeting someone, know that Muslim women may not take a handshake. There are a variety of ways depending on race but not to confuse you, a nod and smile will do. Should you be handed something, a gift, business card or even a glass of water, take it with both hands or your right hand.
Sometimes, you might find that someone might not answer you when you ask a question. It could be your accent. Just speak slowly and as clear as possible. If they don’t understand English, they will get the help of someone who does.
Shouting or talking loudly is not a good idea as it is considered rude. Calling "Hey!" to a stranger is also not appropriate. If you are trying to get the attention of someone elder, ‘Uncle’ or ‘Auntie’ is the best. If that person is young, ‘Mr.’ or ‘Miss’ is good enough.
Visiting
When visiting someone’s home, it is good to bring something with you as a gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive or unique. A basket of fruits is good and common. This is just a way of thanking them for their hospitality, also a nice touch when visiting family of your lovely fiancé! Guests are usually offered a drink. It’s polite to accept and take a sip at least. You don’t have to finish it.
Drink
Malaysians drink a lot of WATER! Yes, plain H20. Although Malaysia has some of the cleanest waters in South East Asia, I have never known a Malaysian to drink straight from the tap but always boiled first. Anyway, you can get bottled water very easily and cheap too. If you are not keen on water, try the huge variety of refreshing fruit juices like soybean, sugar cane, mango, and pineapple. If these still don’t work for you, Pepsi, Coke and a whole slew of soft drinks can be found even in some remote areas. Are you a coffee junkie? No sweat! Try the local coffees. Dark, strong and absolutely smashing. In Penang and
K.L. you can even get your dose of Starbucks if you can’t live without.
When it comes to alcohol, you can find too but do be watchful of who you ask to join you for a drink. Muslims are not allowed to drink.
Food and Dining
Ah! Every Malaysian’s favorite topic! Be sure to enjoy the wide variety of food from the various cultures. There aren’t many formalities at the table, however you might want to know, at some Malay and Indian restaurants you can eat with your hands. If in a Chinese restaurant and unfamiliar with chopsticks, that’s ok because most restaurants will offer you a fork and a spoon upon seeing you are foreign. On a personal note, just because you have Chinese restaurants here doesn’t mean your experience of it in Malaysia will be the same. Most restaurants here serve the American tastes so go ahead and try!
Malaysians use the fork and spoon differently too. When eating rice, the spoon is used to eat off while the fork is to help you push food onto the spoon. But I have entertained American friends who never use the spoon at all. In my old fashioned upbringing, I have been taught it’s rude to eat off your fork. But, I could be just a tiny fraction of the Malaysian society!
Should you be in a family dinner, which I presume you most likely will, just remember that the elders are served their food first and don’t start your meal before an elder. It is polite to wait for them to start first even if they say otherwise. If you are able, serve a dish or two to the elders. A winning gesture if you are trying to impress.
Tipping
This is not necessary. Most places have a 10% service charge that covers tips. However, if you find you have been given exceptional service, there is no rule against leaving a tip.
Shopping
Malaysia is great for shopping. If you are thinking of buying a movie CD or video, take a good look at the pictures on the covers especially if you are buying a local movie. Some movie covers may feature girls and Asians tend to look a whole lot younger. You might literally be interrogated by the U.S. customs when you return.
This is not an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts but you probably won’t have a big problem in Malaysia because we are rather forgiving of visitors when it comes to cultural differences. Just be yourself and put into practice mutual respect and enjoy yourself. For travel announcements to Malaysia by the U.S. Department of State, click here. You can also find out about holidays and festivals around the time of your visit and much more from Tourism Malaysia.
~ Lynette Chandler ~
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