Malaysia
Southeast Asia · Malay · Ringgit
Eat with your right hand, point with your thumb instead of a finger, and never bring up race or royalty at the dinner table.
Today in Malaysia
No Malaysia stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Malaysia
- HelloApa khabarAH-pah KAH-bar
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggalsuh-LAH-mat TING-gahl
- PleaseTolongTOH-long
- Thank youTerima kasihtuh-REE-mah KAH-see
- Excuse meMaafkan sayamah-AHF-kan SAH-yah
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Malaysia phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
Cards and the Touch 'n Go eWallet cover Kuala Lumpur, but hawker stalls and kopitiams run on small ringgit notes; keep cash for the best food in the country.
transport
Grab is the default ride app and far cheaper than airport taxis; in KL, the LRT/MRT network plus a Touch 'n Go card beats sitting in traffic.
etiquette
Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques, and use your right hand for eating and handing things over; modest dress earns better treatment outside KL's center.
connectivity
Airport SIMs and eSIMs from Hotlink or CelcomDigi are cheap with generous data; coverage is strong nationwide except deep in Borneo's interior.
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