Car hire in Malaysia

Driving in Malaysia is easy and a great way to get around. The main motorways are well-maintained and well-signposted in English. Although the large cities such as the capital, Kuala Lumpur, are subject to traffic snarl-ups, if you avoid peak times you will not have a problem. Adventurous travellers can explore the back roads using a four-wheel drive vehicle. Get the most competitive deals on car hire in Malaysia by using our search form to compare car hire prices.

Car hire driving tips in Malaysia

Using car hire in Malaysia, it is not only possible to explore the beautiful coastal areas of the country, but also to drive to Singapore or even Thailand. Some of the popular tourist destinations, such as the Cameron Highlands, can best be reached and explored by car. Booking ahead is a must to ensure that you get the vehicle of your choice and the best deal. Both local and international agencies are located in Malaysia and comparing car rental rates is a must.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: visitors need a valid driving license when hiring a car in Malaysia. This can be in the form of an International Driving License or a UK license.

Which side does Malaysia drives on: the left.

Speed limits:

Highways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas): 80-110kph

National or provincial roads: 90kph

Local roads: 60kph

Urban roads: 50kph

Speed limits are clearly signposted in Malaysia and thus easy to follow.

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 50mg/100ml. Drunk driving laws are heavily enforced, especially in city centres at night. If caught driving under the influence, drivers will be fined or in the worst cases, imprisoned.

Driving age: drivers must be at least 17 years of age to legally drive in Malaysia, but most car rental companies require drivers to be older than 23. Some companies may even require drivers to have held their license for more than a year. Make sure you check with the rental agency what the exact requirements are.

Compulsory items: in Malaysia, drivers must have with them at all times: their driving license, insurance documents and vehicle registration documents.

Seatbelts: front and rear seatbelts must be worn at all times. This law is randomly enforced by the Malay police.

Mobile phones and GPS: it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving; however, hands-free devices are permitted. There are no rules regarding the use of GPS devices in Malaysia. Road signage in Malaysia is good therefore GPS is not essential.

Cost of fuel in Malaysia: petrol is subsidised by the government and prices do not fluctuate greatly. Petrol prices tend to be lower than those in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: car hire agencies require a valid credit card and identification. The name on the credit card should match up with that on the primary driver’s driving license. All major credit cards are accepted at petrol stations.

Insurance: collision in the cities is a major risk and visitors are recommended to purchase full insurance coverage with their vehicle. Vehicles hired to drivers with an International Driving License come with basic insurance but a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is a recommended add-on.

Traffic and parking: traffic in city centres can be heavy during rush hour, but is easily navigable during off-hours. If driving outside of the cities, visitors should be aware that there are many toll roads and it helps to have cash ready. There is street parking and rules, which are similar to those in the UK, are clearly signposted. There are plenty of parking garages and parking lots available as well.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore – the E2 motorway connects Malaysia to Singapore. Stopping in Johor Bahru, or ‘JB’ as the locals call it, just before Singapore is a must. Make sure you have your passport ready to cross into Singapore.

Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan – driving through the interior of Malaysia, to the beautiful east coast, is a fun option. The E8 motorway provides an easy connection to Malaysia’s east coast from the capital. Kuantan is the largest city on the east coast and home to some of the country’s best beaches and waterfalls.

Penang Island – from the famous British outpost of Butterworth, on the west coast, it is possible to drive to Penang Island via a bridge. Enjoy the beautiful beaches here and the historic George Town.

Malacca – 150kms south of Kuala Lumpur lies the historic city of Malacca. It is possible to take the E2 motorway or smaller roads along the coast to get here. Steeped in history, the old town area of Malacca is best explored on foot with its many historical buildings and shop houses.

Malaysia travel tips

Malaysia is a popular vacation destination, offering urban sites as well as great natural and coastal destinations. It is easy to travel on the cheap here without compromising on comfort. Visitors should use common sense and educate themselves on travelling in a Muslim country with our travel tips to ensure an enjoyable holiday.

Malaysia weather and tourist seasons

Malaysia’s climate is defined as tropical. Temperatures throughout the year average at around 30°C, with little fluctuation. The coastal areas have a monsoon season; the east coast experiences its monsoon between November and February, and the west coast’s monsoon peaks in August. Driving in the monsoon season can be treacherous. If you get caught in the rain, it is best to pull over and wait for the rain to pass. Peak tourist season is during Christmas, particularly at the coastal resorts. Cities like Kuala Lumpur tend to see visitors throughout the year, regardless of the season.  

Malaysia contact numbers (+60)

Emergency services – 999 (Police & Ambulance 994)

Tourist Police – 60 3 2419 6590

British High Commission – 60 3 2170 2200

US Embassy – 60 3 2168 5000

Irish Embassy – 60 3 2161 2963

Canadian Embassy – 60 3 2718 3333

Australian Embassy – 60 3 2146 5555

Holidays and festivals

National holidays in Malaysia are different at national and state levels. Generally, government agencies are closed on weekends and many Muslim organisations are closed Fridays and Saturdays. The biggest national holidays are: Independence Day (31 August), Labour Day (1 May) and the King’s Birthday (the first Saturday in June). Other holidays are religious in nature, especially Muslim holidays. Hari Raya Puawa (usually in August) and Ramadan (usually in August or September) are the largest such holidays. Malaysian Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year (usually in February).

Money matters

The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit, abbreviated as MYR. Bank notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ringgit notes and coins come in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen (100 sen is equal to 1 ringgit). Currency is easily exchanged in hotels or currency exchange outlets. ATMs are available throughout the country’s major cities. Credit card fraud is rampant, so it is best not to let your credit card out of sight when paying for things.

Health and safety

There are no specific vaccinations required for travel to Malaysia, but it is best to avoid mosquito bites. In the early mornings and late afternoons, make sure to use mosquito repellent as there is a risk of contracting malaria or dengue fever from mosquito bites. The heat means that visitors need to remain hydrated. Stay away from tap water; buy bottled water with a properly sealed top.

Fitting in…

Unlike other Southeast Asians, Malaysians tend to be conservative and reserved. Visitors should take care to dress conservatively and avoid public displays of affection. Religion, particularly in rural areas, is central to everyday life. Muslims consider the left hand to be ‘dirty’, so do not pass things or eat with this body part.

Visas for Malaysia

Travellers from the UK, the US, Canada and Australia can stay in Malaysia for three months or less without a visa – it is possible to extend your stay for a further two months once here. Working is not permitted during your stay and a passport, which is valid for more than six months, is advised. Other nationalities should check with their nearest Malaysian embassy to see what the visa requirements are to enter Malaysia.

Electricity

The voltage in Malaysia is 240 Volts and 50 Hertz, which is the same as in the UK and Europe. Plugs here are generally the same as in the UK, with two parallel flat pins and one vertical ground pin. Plug adaptors are widely available for appliances with different plugs.

Business hours
Generally, business hours in Malaysia run from 08:00 to 17:30. However, they vary according to state. For example, in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, normal working hours are from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday holidays. Generally, banks are open Monday to Friday from 09:15 to 16:30, although some banks open on Saturdays.

Helpful phrases

Selamat pagi – Good morning

Selamat petang – Good evening

Terima kasih – Thank-you

Ya/tidak – Yes/no

Saya tidak faham – I don't understand

Adakah anda fasih berbahasa Inggeris? - Do you speak English?

Apakah harga barang ini? – How much is this?

Di manakah…? – where is… ?

Resources online

www.tourism.gov.my

www.wikitravel.org/en/Malaysia