Kuala Lumpur Corporate Traveller Guide

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

An alpha global city with a growing population, upwardly mobile economy and wide diversity, the Malaysian capital is the country’s largest city and sixth most visited city in the world. Home to the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, Merdeka 118, the second tallest building in the world, and three of the world’s ten biggest shopping centres, Kuala Lumpur (commonly referred to as KL) is a powerhouse amongst surrounding Asian states. It is no surprise, then, that this central west coast Selangor city is a popular business travel destination and one of our top five APAC booked cities.

Whether you’re relocating to this vibrant capital or heading to a conference at one of KL’s many exhibition centres, here’s the basics you need to know before touching down.

Kuala Lumpur Key Information

Weather in Kuala Lumpur 

Hot and humid – KL consistently averages above 25°C all year round, so a handheld fan might become your best friend in this city. Rainy – on average above 14 rainy days each month and expect the wettest weather in October, November and March.

Currency in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

The currency here is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Card payments are predominantly accepted by big brands and in shopping centres such as the Pavilion. Cash is necessary for transport, markets and landmark entry fees such as the Batu Caves - using a foreign card to withdraw cash may incur a fee from your bank, but remember to continue 'without conversion' to your home currency to reduce the withdrawal total when using ATMs.

Health & Well-being in Kuala Lumpur

Given the heat, gyms are the most common way to exercise in the city centre - F45 and Fire Station offer gruelling HIIT classes, and Crazy Monkey Defense teaches modern martial art. If you prefer an outdoor workout and want to brave the humidity, scenic, quieter running routes can be found at Perdana Botanical Gardens.

Data in Kuala Lumpur

Although Wi-Fi is often available in chain cafés, restaurants and shops, it’s not always reliable and you’ll mainly be needing internet while out exploring.

A local SIM is recommended and cheap ones with a variety of data plans can be purchased and installed at most 7-11 convenience stores, just make sure you bring your passport as proof of identification. It can be easier to purchase a data-only SIM if you are able to call your contacts on apps such as Whatsapp so you can use your own number. Make sure your device is SIM lock-free (you can do this yourself in settings or ask in a phone shop).

Plug Type: EU Type G

Cuisine in Kuala Lumpur

A combination of Indian, Chinese and Malay – top local dishes to try are grilled sting ray, fried crab, chilli cockles, and durian (if you can brave the smell). The best street food can be found on Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang. Other national favourites include nasi lemak (top tip for much of Asia: nasi translates to 'rice'), laksa, roti canai, and char kway teow - Malaysia's answer to a pad thai.

Language in Kuala Lumpur

Malay is the official language of Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian English is taught compulsorily at schools so much of the population are literate in English.

Due to the large Chinese population here, Cantonese, Mandarin and Hokkien are also prominent.

Hello:  Selamat

Welcome:  Selamat Datang

Goodbye:  Selamat tinggal (if you are leaving) / selamat jalan (if somebody else is leaving)

Thank you:  Terima kasih

Transport in Kuala Lumpur

Due to the extensive highway network in the city, much of the local population choose to drive with many commuters getting around primarily by car. Either hire your own car online with Kayak or at Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Avis, Europcar or Hertz, or book taxis as you go on the Grab app. Be prepared for busy roads and allow time for traffic, but generally taxis are reliable and relatively affordable.

There is a free city bus service called GO KL which services much of the city with five bus routes: Green, Purple, Red, Blue and Orange. The bus routes have a collective 89 stops between them and run seven days a week, starting at 6am (7am on Sundays) and ending at 11pm (1am on Fridays and Saturdays).

KL Sentral is the largest transport hub in the country and connects the city with commuter rail, rapid transit and monorail services. Don’t be surprised to find designated carriages for 'ladies only’ and monks included in reserved seating lists.

Culture in Kuala Lumpur

Primary ethnic groups are Malay and Chinese. Prominent religions are Islam and Buddhism, with Hinduism also common.

Although Malaysia has a hot climate, dressing modestly is important. Both men and women usually cover their shoulders and knees.

Key religious holidays include Ramadan, Buddha’s Birthday, Diwali and Islamic New Year - expect business closures and affected trading hours on these days.

Touching a woman can be considered disrespectful, so men should always wait for a woman to present her hand for a handshake before initiating themselves.

Kuala Lumpur Map

Now that you’re armed with all the necessary knowledge for your next business trip to Kuala Lumpur, browse our selection of Kuala Lumpur serviced apartments and get in touch to book today.

SilverDoor boasts a large and varied portfolio of serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur. From our top 6 corporate serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur for business travel, to Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, you’ll be spoilt for choice when planning your stay in Kuala Lumpur with SilverDoor.