Malaysia Travel Guide

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Customs

Malaysia is largely Muslim and therefore Islamic customs should be respected, especially during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking in public should be avoided, as it is forbidden by Islamic law. Dress, particularly for women, should be conservative, and arms and legs should be covered when visiting places of worship. It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes and places of worship. When eating or exchanging money, the right hand is used. Homosexuality is illegal.

Tipping

Although tipping is not customary in Malaysia, the more expensive hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to their bills and further gratuity is unnecessary. All hotel rooms are subject to a 5% government tax, though many cheaper hotels quote a price inclusive of this tax.