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With a population of over 1.5 million, the capital of Malaysia
is one of the most colorful and dynamic cities of the world.
'KL', as it is most popularly known, is a unique mixture of old
and new..where graceful Mosques, elaborately designed Chinese
and Indian temples merge with modern skyscrapers and office blocks.
You'll find shops selling traditional Chinese medicine, wizened
fortune tellers setting up on pavements, little hole in the wall
shops with signs in Arabic, Chinese and Roman..selling everything
from incense sticks to deodorants...and all of this amidst supermarkets
and malls stocking the latest designer luxury items.
There'll be the ever popular open air stalls (or hawkers, as
they're known) serving up all kinds of local cuisine, from South
Indian dosas, idlis, wadas to Malay Nonya food to Chinese dumplings
and yaung tau foo. And if you fancy Western, try out the plentiful
coffee shops, pizzerias and restaurants scattered all over the
city.
It's a dazzling blend of cultures and people...all of which
contribute to form a colorful milieu..and give an introduction
to the country of Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur - Fast Facts
Currency
The unit of currency is the Malaysian ringgit (RM), which is divided into 100
sen. It comes in RM1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 notes. There are no RM500 or RM1000
notes, both of which were withdrawn in 1998 and ceased to be legal tender in
July 1999. Bank Negara reintroduced the RM1 banknote into circulation in November
2000, the sixth and last denomination to be issued in the current local currency
note series. With the reissuance of the RM1 note, RM2 notes will be gradually
withdrawn from circulation (although the RM1 coins will still be accepted).
Click here for currency conversion.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels, restaurants. and shops.
If you have a credit card with a personal identification number (PIN) attached,
you can obtain cash advances from ATMs. Banks in Malaysia are linking up
with international banking networks, which will allow you to withdraw money
from overseas savings accounts through ATMs. Before your trip, check with
your bank to see if you can withdraw money from your home account while in
Malaysia.
Tipping
Tipping is usually not necessary, unless service is excellent. Most hotels
and large restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge in addition
to the 5% government tax to the bill.
Useful Numbers
Police/Fire/Ambulance: 999
Tourist Police: 241-5522; 243-5522; 249-6590
Visa Card Hotline: 1-800-800-159
MasterCard Hotline: 1-800-804-594
Electricity
240-volt, 50-cycle system
Health Risks
Major Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur are generally safe from most sanitation-related
diseases. However, it is still wise to take extra precautions, like making
sure meat is cooked very well, avoiding local dairy products and peeling
fresh fruit and raw vegetables. Tap water in the cities is considered safe,
but<
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