Robinspo

Malaysia is a very exciting country to visit. It’s such a rich blend of different Asian cultures, making for a very vibrant food and culture scene. In order to enjoy your visit to the highest potential, here are some steps to accomplish, ideally before your first outing:

1. Get a local phone number + data plan
   • You can visit a store like Celcom Digi which can be found in any mall.
   • Purchase an e-Sim from a third party app (Airalo, Klook)
   • Purchase a physical sim card from 7-eleven
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2. Establish e-Wallet
   • Download the app, Touch ‘n Go. This is the most common way that Malaysians pay. It’s extremely common in Kuala Lumpur (many places took only Touch ‘n Go E-wallet or Cash, not card)
   • You need a Malaysian phone number to make an account. Since my e-sim was available for only 2 weeks, I made sure to add an email to the account once set up so I could still access my e-wallet when I returned to a different part of Malaysia a month later (without a local number nor data plan).
   • You can add balance to your e-wallet if you purchase a top-up pin at a 7-eleven, or if you have a Malaysian bank account.
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3. Withdraw or exchange some cash
   • In case you’re not able to get a top-up pin in time for your excursion, or if you’re in a Grab rideshare that doesn’t accept TnG, your best bet is to have some ringgit on hand just in case.
   • Head to an ATM (there are stations within the malls, though you could visit a bank as well)
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4. Carry a scarf with you in case you want to enter a place of worship.
   • There are so many Hindu temples, Buddhist temples, and mosques in Malaysia, you must visit at least one! It can get super hot in Malaysia, so it’s understandable if you’re walking around in shorts. However, as it is proper to cover the shoulders and knees for the temples, it’s a good idea to bring a scarf. It’s lightweight and versatile, and this ensures nothing stops you from experiencing the wonderful sights! Some places might offer scarves to tourists, but not all do. When I visited the National Mosque, they provided hooded coverings for women (so in that case, a scarf is not necessary).
5. Tipping
   • I’ve found that tipping is not customary in Malaysia. Not for the Grabs, not for the manicurist, and not for dining. As my uncle put it, “if it hurts your soul not to leave a tip, do it, but know it’s not expected at all.” When I first arrived to the city, I tipped my Grab driver, and he very enthusiastically (and suddenly) wished me a very Happy Chinese New Year on my way out of the car. It was nice to make someone’s day, but I understand now why that elicited such a response.

And those are my 5 recommendations for a first-time visit to Malaysia. I will post some itineraries soon, but in the meantime here are some quick summary videos:

Bonus: when you arrive at the airport and go through immigration you’ll be asked to submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Beat the lines at the computer by applying on your mobile phone on the way to the checkpoint with this link.