Banks: 10:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday; 09:30 to 11:30, Saturdays
Post Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays
Government Offices: 08:00 to 12:45 and 14:00 to 16:15, Monday to Thursday; 08:00 to 12:15 and 14:45 to 16:15, Fridays
Business Centres: 10:00 to 21:00, Monday to Saturday; some open on Sundays
Shops: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday; some open on Sundays

For the most part, Malaysia is a safe place to travel. Petty theft and violence are less of an issue here than in many other Southeast Asian countries. All the same, pick-pockets can be a nuisance in crowded areas and violent crimes are occasionally reported.

Malaysia is extremely strict in regards to illegal drugs. Trafficking, dealing and possession are punishable by death sentence. Don’t expect to receive any slack because you’re a visitor, as multiple tourists have been executed in Malaysia on these grounds.

Gambling is also illegal in Malaysia, and tourists are occasionally targeted in sting operations at illegal gambling establishments. Strict drink-driving laws are also heavily enforced, with DUI checkpoints which breathalysing drivers being common.

Women travellers are advised to practice extra caution.

Electricity: 230 volts, 50 hertz

While Malaysian tap water is usually potable, most locals still boil or filter it before drinking it. Given the low cost of bottled water, there’s no reason to drink water from any other source. Also, be weary of juices and sliced fruits sold from food hawkers. It’s best to stick to whole, thick-skinned fruits that you can cut yourself.

Factory-processed ice (cylindrical with a hollow shaft) is safe and strictly monitored, though some smaller restaurants freeze tap water and serve it instead. If the ice is chipped or cubed, it’s best not to accept it.

Dengue fever occasionally strikes visitors, with prevalence in urban areas. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito that carries to virus. Insect repellent, trousers and long sleeves are the best protection.

Visitors are advised against seeking medical care in government-run hospitals. Medical practices in the private sector are more modern, albeit more expensive.

The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu, though the vast cultural diversity in Melaka means you’ll come across countless secondary languages and a host of dialects. English and Mandarin are widely understood, and Cantonese, Hindi, and Punjabi each have their own place as well.

Malaysia’s official currency is the Malaysian ringgit (RM). As a rule, foreign currency isn’t accepted. Banknotes are available in denominations of RM1, 2 (increasingly rare), 5, 10, 50 and 100. Coins are demarked in increments of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen. The RM1 coin was dropped from circulation in December 2005.

On the whole, Malaysia’s banking network is modern and thorough. There are three primary banks in Melaka, none of which accept American Express. While cash is important when dealing with smaller shops and street vendors, a debit or credit card will go a long way in Melaka’s larger establishments. The best place to exchange foreign currency is at private moneychangers in Chinatown.

Visa and Mastercard are the two most widely accepted credit cards. It’s usually possible to submit these cards for a cash advance at major banks across Melaka. Banks also accept major brands of travellers’ cheques, though these aren’t’ normally accepted at smaller shops. Generally, ATMs on the Cirrus or Maestro networks accept international debit cards. Otherwise, there are a few Western Union locations around town that can arrange money transfers.

It is unlawful to import the following items into Malaysia: weapons (real or imitation); obscene or prejudiced literature (i.e. pornography or anything that slanders race or religion); illegal drugs; or counterfeit money. If you suspect that something you are carrying may violates one of these categories, it’s best to consult the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate before you depart.

Upon entering Malaysia, all visitors are required to fill out a customs declaration form. All foreign currency as well as Malaysian currency exceeding RM1,000 must be declared. The form must be presented again upon exiting the country. Duty-free allowances per person are as follows: 1 litre of alcohol; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; and gifts or souvenirs valued at a total less than RM200.

Exercising reverence is in order when visiting one of Melaka’s many sacred sites. Visitors are expected to remove their shoes at the entrance of temples and shrines. When entering a mosque, both sexes are expected to cover as much skin as possible (i.e. no shorts or sleeveless shirts). On top of this, women should wear a headscarf.

Although tolerance has long been a feature of this culturally rich and diverse city, public displays of affection are not recommended. International tourists will also do well to avoid discussing matters of Malaysian nationalism. Refrain from speaking about the government or the royal family, unless you’re certain your comments are flattering.

Dining Etiquette
With so many cultures stewing together in such a small place, the contrast and variety of culinary traditions are themselves an expression of Melaka's diversity. Nonya (or Peranakan) cuisine is one of Melaka's most interesting, blending the spices and techniques of Chinese, European and Malay culinary techniques into one dish. Given the quality and relatively low cost of these dishes, it's no surprise that locals and tourists alike take dining very seriously.

Typically, Indian and Malay families eat with their hands, while Chinese locals use chopsticks. Banana-leaf meals in particular are best enjoyed with a hands-on approach. However, it's not uncommon to see locals using a spoon and fork, especially when dining at a restaurant or outside of their ethnic communities.

Breakfast is usually a low-key affair, and most locals head to street-side food vendors for a masala dosa or a bowl of Chinese noodles. By lunchtime, the heat can be oppressive and locals usually wait until past noon to eat. Food courts and street vendors cater to the business crowd. Restaurants with air-conditioning are understandably popular.

The streets come alive with food hawkers at dinner time. The appeal of these street vendors is the long list of options on a single street. The rich fusion of Malay and international styles can all be sampled in an inexpensive smorgasbord of flavours.

Tipping in Malaysia isn’t customary, though it’s gaining popularity in upscale resorts and hotels. Most fine dining establishments include a 10 per cent service charge in the bill.

In light of constantly changing visa requirements, visitors are advised to consult their nearest Malaysian embassy before travelling in order to access the most up-to-date information.

Tourist visas are issued in increments of 30 or 60 days. By and large, tourists arriving via an international airport will automatically receive a 60-day visa, while those travelling overland typically receive a 30-day visa. It’s possible to receive an extension from any immigration office but the total stay can’t exceed three months.

Those who arrive via train from Singapore will most likely find that their passports aren’t even stamped. In order to prevent complications when leaving the country, passengers are advised to keep their rail passes and immigration cards with them for the duration of their stay.

The tourist information office in Melaka is located near Christ Church. Free maps of Melaka and the surrounding region are available here. Phone: +60 6 2814803;
website: www.melaka.gov.my.