Practical info Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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. Cafes, hotels and restaurants offer free wifi in most tourist areas. Buying a local SIM card is a cheaper alternative to using international roaming.
Emergency number
999/112 (General Emergency Hotline)
Travel documents and health
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
www.klia.com.my/index.php?m=airport
Getting to the city
The Express Rail Link train provides the fastest transportation to the city centre. The KLIA Express 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 and 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 service between terminals. A free 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.