The Glossary
Asia Traveler Advice
/ Asia / Asia Traveler advicePublic Washrooms (Health)
Malaysia's public washrooms ("tandas awam" in the local language) are generally clean and safe to use. Just equip yourself with sanitary wipes, alcohol and tissue paper if you are extra hygienic...Read full tip...
International Driving Permit in Malaysia (Transportation)
You may want to secure an International Driving Permit before going to Malaysia. It's a requirement for those who intend to do some driving in the country, and it's also a valid identification reference...Read full tip...
Taking the cab at night (Warnings)
When commuting at night, it would be best to call for a taxi service. There are cases where drivers of unregistered cabs have been reported to assault passengers. This link leads to the contact...Read full tip...
Malaysia's tourist police (Itineraries)
In case you get lost or you need help getting somewhere, you can approach the several tourist police scattered in tourist spots and landmark monuments. You can easily recognize them with their checkered...Read full tip...
On tipping (Itineraries)
Majority of the large hotels and restaurants have already included a 10% service charge and 5% government tax in the regular bill, so tipping the employees is entirely up to you.. Read full tip...
Drinking water in Malaysia (Health)
Tap water in Malaysia is generally safe to drink, though if you have issues with that, you can buy bottled water in shops and supermarkets.. Read full tip...
Credit cards (Shopping)
Large hotels and supermarkets accept credit cards, though you may want to stick with just using plastic in those places, as smaller establishments have been reported to rip off their customers. In case...Read full tip...
Be mindful of your things! (Warnings)
Keep your bags close to your body such as a backpack and fanny pack and not just dangling on you, like a shoulder bag. Never flaunt jewelry, money, credit cards, and cellphones in public as...Read full tip...
Touting is illegal in China (Warnings)
Touting is illegal in China, so if a hawker continues to bother you or even threaten you, tell him or her that you will go to the police if he or she continues to follow you around. This usually works...Read full tip...
Right hand only! (Itineraries)
It is customary for people in Malaysia to use the right hand when giving and accepting gifts. Food should always be taken in with the right hand. This is a tradition the British colonizers...Read full tip...
Business Cards (Itineraries)
It is customary for corporate people to exchange business cards, as a formal means of introduction. Here are some things to remember when doing so. When meeting with a Chinese or a Malaysian, have...Read full tip...
Be cautious when talking to a local (Warnings)
If you are in tourist areas, be cautious of locals approaching you and trying to strike a conversation in English. This may be just a confidence game and lead to a scam. Never allow a local to bring...Read full tip...
Shoes off! (Itineraries)
Like in most conservative Asian countries, it is customary to leave your shoes by the door before entering a private home in Malaysia.. Read full tip...
Avoid drivers offering bargain tours (Warnings)
As you get off your train, airplane or bus, a lot of hawkers saying that they are drivers offering bargain tours will most likely approach you, especially when you are in tourist hotspots like Beijing...Read full tip...