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Countries & Languages

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Kuala Lumpur

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Practical info Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Getting around the city

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.

Time

GMT +8.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are used.

Currency

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.

Communication

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.

Emergency number

Emergencies: 999

Visa and health information

Everything about visa and health information

Public holidays

	2016	2017
New Years Day	1 Jan	1 Jan
Federal Territory Day (Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan only)	1 Feb	1 Feb
Chinese New Year	8 - 9 Feb	28 - 29 Jan
Labour Day	1 May	1 May
Wesak Day	21 May	10 May
Agongs Birthday	4 Jun	3 Jun
Hari Raya Aidil-Fitri (End of Ramadan)	7 - 8 Jul	26 - 27 Jun
Independence Day (Merdeka Day)	31 Aug	31 Aug
Malaysia Day	16 - 17 Sep	16 - 17 Sep
Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice)	12 - 13 Sep	2 - 2 Sep
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year)	2 Oct	22 Sep
Deepavali (Except Labuan and Sarawak)	30 Oct	19 Oct
Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad)	12 Dec	1 Dec
Christmas Day	25 Dec	25 Dec

Climate

The climate of Kuala Lumpur is typically tropical, which means simply that it is hot and humid all year round, with very little variation in temperature and no distinct seasons. The mercury hovers in the region of 86°F (30°C) all year, but can reach around 95°F (35°C). Rainfall in the city is heavy and storms occur year-round, usually in the late afternoon. The showers often come as a relief to visitors who are unaccustomed to the heat, and don't generally disrupt itineraries very much - just be sure to carry a lightweight rain jacket at all times. Another balm for the heat is the amount of air-conditioned buildings that visitors are likely to spend time in; Kuala Lumpur is a modern city well-equipped to handle its tropical climate. June, July and August receive slightly less rainfall on average and for this reason many recommend them as the best months to travel to the city.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

www.klia.com.my

Getting to the city

The Express Rail Link train provides the fastest transportation to the city centre. The KLIA Ekspres and the KLIA Transit link the airport to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral - City Air Terminal) and vice versa. Trains run from 5am to 12.30am and cost about MYR 55 one way, and MYR 100 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 around 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 MYR 10 one way, MYR 18 return.

Car rental

Avis, Hertz and a number of local car rental companies are represented at the airport.

Airport taxi's

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.

Transfer between terminals

An Aerotrain provides a free service between terminals. A shuttle bus runs every 30 mins between the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Facilities

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

Parking at Kuala Lumpur International Airport starts at MYR 4 for the first hour, and MYR 2-4 per hour after that.

Internet

There is wifi throughout Kuala Lumpur International Airport.