Penang: Useful Information

• The currency in Penang is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). The coins are 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen; notes are RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100. Make sure you always carry some change, as smaller outlets may not be able to change notes over RM10.
• Malaybank is Penang’s biggest bank and it has branches throughout the region.
• Credit cards are widely accepted in Penang. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted cards.
• To use electricity, you need the UK-style 3 pin plug to connect to Pernang’s supply (220-240V, 50 cycles)
• Post offices in Penang are open from 7.45am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday. On Fridays they are open from 8.00am to 11.00am and 2.00pm to 4.00pm. They are closed on Sundays.
• For international phone calls, the STD code for Penang is 04.
• The time in Penang is 8 hours ahead of London (GMT).
• Malaysia’s English language newspapers include the Malay Mail, New Straits Times and the Star.
• The two government television channels are TV1 and TV2; there are also two commercial stations: TV3 and NTV7.
• Mains water is perfectly safe to drink and is of a very high quality. In the countryside, please check the quality first with the owner as sometimes water comes from boreholes.
• Banking hours are generally 10am to 3pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 11.30am on Saturdays.
• Shopping hours vary. Many small shops open from 9.00am to 6pm on Monday to Saturday, whereas major department stores and shopping complexes may open from 10.00am to 9pm, every day.
• Drug trafficking in Malaysia carries the death penalty.