Kuala Lumpur is an international city, multicultural and popular with tourists from all over the world, so it is a city that is quite accepting when it comes to visitors from other countries. While you won’t run into as many cultural restrictions in KL as you might in lesser visited cities in Malaysia, there are still some things that you need to know before visiting. By knowing the city’s cultural customs and what to look out for, you can be prepared for a more immersive travel experience. Avoid these travel and etiquette mistakes in Kuala Lumpur.

Dressing inappropriately

While you’re not going to get arrested for dressing inappropriately in KL, it is respectful to the local culture to cover up. Malaysia is a multicultural country; however, its majority is Muslim. As such, clothing items such as short skirts and singlets should be avoided. Women should make sure that their shoulders are always covered and pants or skirts go below the knee. Long sleeves are even better. Head scarves are not required in Malaysia and non-Muslim women certainly do not have to wear one, apart from in places of religious worship. Men should wear shirts with sleeves and pants that go down to the knee – long pants are preferred. Things get a bit more relaxed when it comes to nightlife, however provocative clothing should still be avoided.

Public affection

While public affection between partners is normal in Western society, it is considered inappropriate in Malaysia. In fact, it is not uncommon to see signs in public places that forbid it. A small hand hold or kiss on the cheek is fine, but avoid too much kissing, hugging and touching in public places. It is not only considered rude, but will also make the locals feel uncomfortable.

Wearing shoes into homes and religious places

If you get invited into someone’s home in KL, it is polite to take your shoes off before entering. Wearing shoes inside a place of religious worship is also offensive and highly forbidden, and you will be asked to leave. This includes all mosques and temples in the city. When you visit a mosque, full robes will usually be provided and you should wear these at all times while inside the mosque. Non-Muslim people are welcome to visit mosques, however only outside of prayer times, so make sure to check before entering.

Taking a touted taxi

Kuala Lumpur has a good metered taxi service and you won’t have any trouble finding one throughout the city; however, taxi touts are common and will try to get you to pay a fixed price. Avoid non-metered taxis as you will pay a lot more for your ride, and the taxi itself may not be an official taxi. When taking a taxi, ask them to put the meter on, and if they refuse or offer a fixed price, just move on and find another taxi. Kuala Lumpur also has an excellent public transport system, so you can often avoid taxis altogether by hopping on the light rail or monorail network.

Avoiding street food

Kuala Lumpur is one of the great food cities of Asia and it makes an important part of your stay in the city. One thing you definitely shouldn’t do is avoid the local street food vendors. Hawker food still thrives throughout the city, particularly in popular street food spots such as Jalan Alor and Chinatown. You may feel uncomfortable or worried about the hygiene at these street food stalls, but these are very clean places to eat, the food is super fresh, and it is some of the best food that you will try in the city. The food is also cheap, so don’t be afraid to join the locals, sit down at the plastic tables and chairs on the street and dive into some delicious KL hawker food.

Drinking alcohol outside of bars

Due to Malaysia’s mix of cultures, alcohol is legal in the country and is not frowned upon, particularly with foreigners, however drinking alcohol should be reserved for bars and restaurants that serve it. Drinking alcohol in public spaces is looked down on and should be avoided. Loud, drunken behaviour is also considered rude and offensive, so try to consume alcohol moderately and behave conservatively when out and about in the city.

Inappropriate body language

Differences in body language customs is often one of the easiest things to get wrong when visiting another country. Like most places in Asia, touching the top of someone’s head is considered inappropriate in KL, as the head is considered sacred. Handshakes between men is an accepted greeting, however it should be avoided between opposite sexes – a polite nod and eye contact is sufficient. Avoid pointing with your index finger or with your feet. The custom here is to point with your thumb from a closed fist. When eating, particularly around Muslim and Indian people, never eat or give gifts using your left hand.

Bargaining

Fixed pricing is becoming more and more common throughout Kuala Lumpur and bargaining is not accepted in most shopping malls and stores. Bargaining for food and basic items is also inappropriate. There are still some places in KL where bargaining is expected, however, mostly in busy market places such as the Petaling Street Market in Chinatown. This is the sort of place where you should not accept the offered price as the seller will expect you to bargain. The price offered will usually be exorbitant so have some fun and try to bargain them down to a better price.

Neglecting the climate

Kuala Lumpur has a hot, wet and humid tropical climate and it can rain at any time of the year. Sudden and heavy downpours are the norm here and it is easy to get caught out and drenched within minutes. It is always a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat around with you to avoid getting drenched. The hot, humid climate may also be very different for you if you come from a more temperate climate, and this change can dehydrate you and cause heat stroke. Make sure to consume more water than usual, as well as hydrolytes to replace fluids and salts lost through sweating. Also, try to avoid being out in the sun during the middle of the day as you are more prone to heat stroke.

Kuala Lumpur is an exciting and interesting city to visit, and by avoiding these travel and etiquette mistakes, you are sure to enjoy an immersive and unforgettable trip.