Currency & Banking
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes from RM1 to RM100, and coins range from 1 sen to 50 sens (cents). One Ringgit is equivalent to 100 sens.
Major credit cards are accepted. All commercial banks are authorised foreign exchange dealers, and licensed money changers can be found in urban centres, key entry/exit points and shopping complexes. Malaysia is one of the first countries to introduced chip-embedded credit cards. Only chip-embedded credit cards are acceptable.
Living Expenses
The average cost of living in Malaysia is relatively cheaper compared to other countries such as Australia and United Kingdom in terms of accommodation, dining out, shopping, and traveling. On average, a student's living expenses is about RM500-1000 per month. Cost of living may vary according to the individual student's preferred lifestyle.
Transport
Malaysia has a well developed internal transportation infrastructure enabling travel within the country to be convenient, speedy and relatively inexpensive. All major towns have road, rail and air links and there is a good public transportation system which includes rental cars, taxis, buses, a Light Rail Transit (LRT) System & a monorail system in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur which links to the adjoining Klang Valley District. Another rail service known as KTM Komuter connects suburban or adjoining districts with Kuala Lumpur.
Plying the tracks of the world-class Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur are the equally impressive and well built trains belonging to a different rail operator. Offering fast, comfortable and efficient service to city dwellers who commute daily, these trains have indirectly become dependable yet cost-saving.
These trains have formed a network through the routes they ply. All trains at any one time stop at designated interchanges, thus alleviating the commuters' dilemma of having to travel a long distance to catch their connecting train. The key operators of these rail service network are : Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), Projek Usahasama Transit Ringan Automatik Sdn Bhd (PUTRA), EKSPRES Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) and KL Monorail System Sdn Bhd (KL Monorail). Sistem Transit Ringan (STAR LRT). Together, this integrated network of light rail transits complement other mode of transportation available in the city of Kuala Lumpur and make travelling in and around the city an easy and convenient thing to do.
There is a new integrated bus service called RAPID KL which provides many bus routes to serve the population of the Klang Valley.
By Air
There are domestic air services linking KL International Airport with major cities within the Peninsula and with Sabah and Sarawak . Points linked to Kuala Lumpur include lpoh, Penang, Alor Setar, Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau, Labuan, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
Since AirAsia introduced its low fare, no frills concept in December 2001, the airline now flies to over 40 destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Macau, China, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar.
The phenomenal growth of AirAsia reflects its vision to become an ASEAN brand. As one of the leading low fare airline in the region, AirAsia is the epitome of ASEAN with its rich cultures and wealth of resources. The airline further aspires to bring low fare travel to the people of ASEAN, and to encourage and boost trade and tourism amongst countries in ASEAN.
On 23 of March 2006, AirAsia successfully moved its operations to the new Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). This is a major milestone as it is the first dedicated terminal for low cost carrier operations in the world. The LCCT is designed to cater for 10 million passengers per annum with 30 parking bays for aircraft. It is upgradeable to cater for 15 million passengers if required. This terminal provides us with numerous cost saving opportunities as well as a more efficient operation.
By Road
Most points in Peninsular Malaysia are accessible via the North-South Expressway which links up to coastal roads and the rest of the road arteries in the country. The Expressway is an excellent road network which allows you to drive through Peninsular Malaysia. There are also other modern highways which connect towns and villages throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Buses and Coaches
Interstate air-conditioned buses pay between most cities and towns in Malaysia . They offer a comfortable ride at a reasonable rate. These are to be found in all major cities and offer air conditioned comfort. There are set charges for interstate travel. Bus services are available within the cities cosmopolitan. Coach services are available for inter-city travelling. Travelling through coaches is interesting as you get to watch the scenery along the way while enjoying the comfort inside the coach.
Taxis
Taxis services are operated within the cities cosmopolitan. If required, taxis can be negotiated and contracted to travel to certain part of Malaysia which is not too far. There are several companies offered taxis and limousine services in Malaysia.
Car Rentals
For self drivers, car rentals or puchase are available. Minimum age is 18 years with a valid provincial driver's license. An international driver's license is required for foreigners. Cars are right-hand drive; driven on the left-hand side of the road.
By Rail
The railway network extends from neighbouring Singapore through the major cities and towns within Peninsular Malaysia up to Thailand on both the West and East Coasts . You can travel in air-conditioned comfort in daytime first class coaches with single or double berths. Second class coaches also have sleeping berths. In Malaysia , the railway network system has always been a key component in the development of the country's growth. The first railway track was built in 1885 from Taiping to Port Weld. From a mere 12.8 kilometres of track, the network grew as Malaysia developed and prospered. With its service covering the length and breadth of the country, KTM Berhad runs its train on a metre gauge of 1000mm, over a track length of 2 226.90 kilometres.
By Sea
Ferry services are offered to major islands. In Peninsular Malaysia, the ferry service between Butterworth and Penang island is still popular despite the Penang Bridge link. A modern ferry service is offered from Kuala Perlis on the mainland to Pulau Langkawi, a popular tourist destination. Regular boat services are available on the Lumut-Pangkor Island and the Mersing-Tioman island routes. A longboat service is available from Labuan to Menumbak in Sabah . in the riverine areas of Sarawak, the major means of transportation are air-conditioned express boats.
Shopping
Malaysia is a shopper's paradise. Shopping in Malaysia is an adventure of discovery. Since it is situated at the crossroads of Asia, it presents visitors the best that the region has to offer. It has rare treasures of the Orient, branded designer goods, and even intricate local handicrafts.The Malaysia Ringgit exchange is comparatively lower, thus enabling tourist dollars to be stretched much further here. The exemption of duty on certain items has also resulted in more competitive pricing and made shopping in Malaysia a much more attractive option.
Shoppers can shop within the cool comforts of one-stop multi-story shopping complexes or at sidewalk stalls, bazaars, and night markets (pasar malam). There is certainly no shortage of places to shop.
One can also shop for items that come from fashion centers of the world. They are items like designer collections, elegant footwear, exclusive watches, optical items, and quality fabrics. Electrical appliances, electronic equipment, computers, and cameras are available too.
There are convenient shops located near the vicinity of most large colleges, and international students will not find it a problem to obtain daily essentials.
Most shops are open from 10am to 10pm daily. |
