Landing in a new country is exciting and slightly overwhelming. Malaysia makes it relatively easy — the airport is modern, signage is in English, and people are generally helpful. But there are things that first-time visitors should know before they step off the plane and into the tropical heat.
Before You Land: What to Prepare
Visa and Immigration
Many nationalities get visa-free entry to Malaysia for 30 to 90 days. Check your country's arrangement before flying. When you arrive, you will go through immigration — have your passport, return flight details, and accommodation address ready. The queue can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on time of day and how many flights have landed simultaneously.
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
You will need Malaysian Ringgit. ATMs are available in the arrival hall after immigration and baggage claim. Money changers are also available, though rates are slightly worse than in the city. Withdraw or exchange enough for your first day — RM200 to RM300 should cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
Credit cards are widely accepted in KL but less so for small vendors, hawker stalls, and some transport services. Having cash on hand avoids awkward moments.
SIM Card
Get a local SIM card at the arrival hall. Maxis, Celcom, and Digi all have counters after you clear customs. A tourist SIM with data costs RM20 to RM40 and gives you mobile internet for your entire trip. This is essential for using maps, ride-hailing apps, and communicating with your hotel or driver.
Understanding KLIA
Two Terminals, Different Airlines
KLIA has two terminals. KLIA (Terminal 1) handles full-service airlines — Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific. KLIA2 handles low-cost carriers — primarily AirAsia. The terminals are separate buildings about 2 km apart, connected by a free shuttle train.
If someone is picking you up, make sure they know which terminal you are arriving at. "I'm at KLIA" is not enough — specify KLIA or KLIA2. Read our KLIA vs KLIA2 guide for more details.
Where Your Driver Meets You
If you have a pre-booked airport transfer, your driver typically waits at the arrival hall exit. At KLIA, this is Level 3 of the Main Terminal. At KLIA2, it is the ground floor arrival area. Your driver will hold a name board with your name, help with luggage, and walk you to the vehicle.
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Option 1: Pre-Booked Private Car (Recommended for First-Timers)
If this is your first time in Malaysia, a pre-booked car removes all the decisions you'd need to make while jet-lagged. Your driver is already there, the price is fixed, and you go directly to your hotel. No figuring out the bus system, no downloading apps, no haggling. Read our complete KLIA-to-hotel guide.
Option 2: KLIA Ekspres Train
Fast (28 minutes to KL Sentral) but not door-to-door. Good for solo travellers with light luggage who are staying near KL Sentral or along the monorail/LRT lines.
Option 3: Grab (Ride-Hailing App)
Requires a local phone number and the Grab app installed. Works well but can involve waiting, especially during peak hours. Install the app and set up your account before you fly if you plan to use it.
Option 4: Airport Taxi
Fixed-fare taxis available at counters in both terminals. No app needed, pay at the counter, and a driver is assigned. Straightforward but pricing is higher than Grab during off-peak times.
First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
Not Booking Transport in Advance
Arriving at midnight, exhausted after a 12-hour flight, and then trying to figure out how to get to your hotel is stressful and unnecessary. Book your airport transfer before you fly. Even if you change plans, a pre-booking gives you a fallback.
Taking Unlicensed Transport
People may approach you in the arrival hall offering rides. These are often unlicensed operators (touts). Their vehicles may not be insured, prices are negotiable (and often inflated), and you have no recourse if something goes wrong. Use the official taxi counter, a pre-booked service, or a ride-hailing app. Read our safety guide for more on this.
Not Having Enough Cash
While KL is increasingly cashless, some taxi drivers and smaller vendors still prefer cash. Having RM100 to RM200 in your wallet covers unexpected situations. ATMs at the airport charge minimal fees.
Underestimating KL Traffic
The distance from KLIA to central KL is about 60 km. In light traffic, that is 45 minutes. During evening rush hour (5pm to 8pm), it can stretch to 90 minutes. Factor traffic into your plans, especially if you have dinner reservations or an event to attend.
Not Checking Your Terminal
Going to the wrong terminal wastes 30 minutes minimum. Check your airline and confirm KLIA or KLIA2 before you arrange transport or tell anyone where to pick you up.
Useful Malaysian Phrases
English is widely spoken in KL, especially in tourism and business. But a few Malay words earn goodwill:
- Terima kasih — Thank you
- Berapa harga? — How much?
- Mana? — Where?
- Boleh — Can / Okay
- Tak apa — It is okay / No worries
After You Arrive at Your Hotel
Once you are settled, you have multiple options for getting around KL:
- MRT/LRT trains: Cheap, efficient, and cover most tourist areas (KLCC, Bukit Bintang, KL Sentral, Merdeka)
- Grab: For door-to-door trips that trains do not cover
- Private car with driver: For day trips outside KL — Genting, Cameron Highlands, Melaka, and more
- KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus: Covers major tourist landmarks on a loop route
First time in Malaysia? Start your trip stress-free with a pre-booked airport pickup. Your driver tracks your flight and meets you at arrivals.
Book Your Airport Pickup