Touching down in a new country is always exciting, but that first hour can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you're a first-time visitor or just need a refresher, this blog will help you navigate your arrival in Kuala Lumpur smoothly, that way you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying Malaysia’s vibrant capital.

Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know

Before stepping off the plane, make sure you meet Malaysia’s entry requirements. Many nationalities, including visitors from the UK, US, Australia, and most of Europe, can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. However, always check the latest rules before you fly. If you need a visa on arrival, have a valid return ticket and proof of accommodation ready.

Malaysia also requires all visitors to have at least six months of validity left on their passport from the date of arrival. It may sound silly but you also need to make sure your passport is in good condition, with no missing pages.

In addition, travellers must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before flying (you can do it within 3 days before arriving to Malaysia). So many people get caught out by this and end up spending hours in immigration to complete it. Some airlines may check this at boarding, so it’s best to do it in advance. If you’re only transiting and not passing through immigration, you can skip this step. Check the Malaysian Immigration website for full details and exemptions.

Once you land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), immigration is usually smooth, but during peak hours, queues can take time. Having your passport and completed arrival card ready will help you get through faster. You should also be aware that if you are travelling in a group or with your partner you have to go through immigration one at a time, which we noticed is very common in many countries in Asia. That means if you want to save time and avoid headaches you should make sure that everyone in your group has the required information and is aware of the plans for your stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Transport Apps: Getting Around Kuala Lumpur

Public transport in KL is decent and sometimes faster, but rideshare apps like Grab are the easiest way to get around, especially when you're fresh off a long flight. AirAsia Ride and InDrive are other options, but Grab is the most widely used.

Getting from KLIA to KLCC

Your main transport options from the airport are:

Grab or Taxi: Expect to pay around RM75–RM100 ($17–$22) for a ride to central KL, plus toll fees (which are automatically added to your fare).
KLIA Ekspres Train: A fast and hassle-free way to reach KL Sentral in 28 minutes (RM55 / $12 one-way).
Airport Buses: The budget-friendly option (RM15 / $3), but much slower around 1 hour 30 minutes.

If you're heading straight to KLCC (where the iconic Petronas Twin Towers are), Grab is usually the most convenient option, but the train can be quicker if you want to avoid potential traffic (heavy traffic is common in KLCC during rush hour around 8am to 9am and 6pm to 7pm).

Currency Exchange: Where to Get the Best Rates

The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM), and while many places accept card payments, cash is still widely used. Especially for smaller restaurants, street food vendors, and local markets.

Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as rates tend to be poor.
Instead, head to Mid Valley, Bukit Bintang, or Central Market for some of the best exchange rates in town.
If you prefer using ATMs, Maybank, CIMB, and HSBC are reliable options. Just check for international withdrawal fees with your bank.

Staying Connected in Kuala Lumpur

Having data from the moment you land makes everything so much easier in our opinion, whether it’s booking a Grab, checking currency rates, or finding your hotel. Instead of searching for a SIM card shop at the airport, we use iRoamly Travel eSIMs for instant and simple eSIM setup.

With iRoamly, there are many flexible data plan options to suit the duration of your trip and your budget. If you mainly need data to stay in touch with your family, book Grabs and post your amazing photos on social media we recommend the plan below with 10GB for only $10 (depends on how many service days you choose).

However, if your trip involves visiting other places in Malaysia, outside of Kuala Lumpur we would recommend an unlimited data plan. This is because the Wifi connection is pretty good in Kuala Lumpur, but if you go to more remote areas and islands you may not have Wifi in your hotel and therefore require more data. We visited Pangkor island and our hotel did not have Wifi in the room but we were able to hotspot our devices with our iRoamly eSIMs. A plan with unlimited data does cost more but at least you have the freedom to browse, watch videos and hotspot other devices.

The setup is quick, and there’s no need to swap out your physical SIM card (this means you can keep your phone number active to make sure you don’t miss any important messages). Just download, activate, and you’re good to go!

Must-Visit Locations in Your First Few Hours

If you have time before/ after checking into your hotel, here are a few places worth stopping by:

Petronas Towers & KLCC Park – Get your first glimpse of KL’s famous skyline.
Chinatown (Petaling Street) – Great for cheap souvenirs and street food.
Batu Caves – If you’re feeling adventurous, visit this colourful Hindu temple just outside the city.

For a quick cultural intro, Chinatown and Merdeka Square are easy to explore within an hour or two.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Rumah Kuning Local Malaysian Food Kuala Lumpur.png

You can’t visit KL without trying the local food. If you’re arriving hungry, here’s where to go:

Mon Chinese Beef Roti – Flaky, crispy roti (flatbread) stuffed with flavourful Chinese-style beef or chicken.
White Burger – A local favourite serving up juicy burgers with signature white buns.
Rumah Kuning – A cosy spot for authentic Malaysian comfort food.

For something truly local, order Teh Tarik (pulled tea) and a plate of Roti Canai, a traditional Malaysian breakfast that you’ll probably want to eat every day!

Pro Tip:

We’ve done the hard work for you! After 3 months exploring, we’ve put together an epic list of over 95 must-visit spots in KL! 👉Find out straight away which are the best landmarks, local food spots, rooftop bars and more.

Kuala Lumpur Exclusive Google Maps Locations Cover Page — 95+ Must Visit Locations in Kuala Lumpur - Ultimate Google Maps Guide

Final Thoughts

Your first hour in Kuala Lumpur doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right apps, a good data plan, and a little knowledge about transport and currency exchange, you’ll be ready to dive into everything this incredible city has to offer.

If you’re looking for more Malaysia travel tips, stay tuned, we spent 3 months in Malaysia so we’ll be sharing more insider blogs soon! 🚀

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