The easiest way to get around Kuala Lumpur is on the five different commuter train routes, each operated by a different company. The KL Monorail serves the main shopping and hotel districts, while the Putra LRT serves China Town. Fares are reasonable and the trains are frequent on all routes, operating from about 5:30am to midnight. City buses are hot, crowded and totally unreliable. Taxis can be hailed at the roadside or found at obvious locations outside hotels, shopping centres and the like. Metered fares rise steeply between midnight and 6am, and drivers sometimes raise the price during peak hours or in bad weather. Hiring a car and self-driving is not recommended in Kuala Lumpur as the traffic is stressful and confusing and public transport is more than sufficient.
GMT +8.
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are used.
The official currency is the Malaysian Ringit (MYR), also referred to as the Malaysian Dollar, which is divided into 100 sen. Money changers are generally quicker to deal with than banks and do not charge commission; their rates however are variable. British Pounds or US Dollars are the easiest to exchange. All major credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely available.
The international access code for Malaysia is +60. International Direct Dial is available throughout the country, but the service can be erratic. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making international calls. Coin and card-operated public phones are widespread, and phone cards can be purchased at the airport, petrol stations and newsagents. Mobile networks are extensive, and local service providers use GSM networks, which are compatible with most international phones. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.
Emergencies: 999
The Express Rail Link train provides the fastest transportation to the city centre. The KLIA Ekspres and the KLIA Transit links the airport to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral - City Air Terminal) and vice versa. Trains run from 5am to 12:30am and cost about MYR35 one way, and MYR70 return. At the City Air Terminal departing passengers have the option of checking in their luggage, receiving their boarding passes and proceeding to board the train for the airport. Immigration clearance will be completed there. Travel time between KL Sentral and the airport is 28 minutes on the KLIA Express and 37 minutes on the KLIA Transit. Many hotels will arrange for a car to pick up guests, though this is generally more expensive than taking a taxi. An express coach service runs from the airport to KL Sentral for MYR10 one way, MYR18 return.
Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and a number of local car rental companies are all represented at the airport.
Taxis are available; they should be paid for in advance at the ticket counter. Prices are linked to distance and type of taxi; there is an added surcharge between midnight and 6am.
An Aerotrain provides a free service between terminals. A shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes between the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and costs MYR1.50.
Airport facilities include lounges, left luggage, disabled and baby changing facilities, banks, bureaux de change and ATMs, restaurants and bars, a post office, a pharmacy and duty-free shops.
Parking at Kuala Lumpur International Airport starts at MYR3.50 for the first hour, and MYR2-3 per hour after that.
There is wifi throughout Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
