Asia

Malaysia

Malaysia has a Work and Holiday Programme with Australia (small quota) and a 90-day visa-free tourist entry. KL, Penang and Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak) are the typical Aussie circuits.

Currency

MYR

1 AUD = 3.05 MYR (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

45% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

Work and Holiday Programme (subclass 462 reciprocal)

Age 18-30 | up to 12 months

Smartraveller

Check live advisory

Emergency: 999

Working Holiday Visa

Scheme: Work and Holiday Programme (subclass 462 reciprocal)
Visa class: Work and Holiday visa
Eligible age: 18-30
Max stay: 12 months

Source: www.imi.gov.my

Tourist or short-stay entry

Visa-free entry

Up to 3 months. Work rights: none.

Australians can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days.

Source: www.imi.gov.my

Highlights

90-day visa-free tourist stay; long trips possible without a visa.
Hawker food culture; meals from AUD 3-6 are excellent.
English is widely spoken; navigation is easy.
Borneo (orangutans, Mount Kinabalu) and Perhentian Islands are top-tier diving.

Watch outs

Alcohol is taxed heavily (not duty-free at restaurants); budget more for drinks.
Sabah east-coast islands carry Smartraveller "reconsider need to travel" advice.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and conservative areas (Kelantan, Terengganu).
Public displays of affection can attract attention.

Money tips

Maybank and CIMB have the widest ATM network; Touch n Go ewallet dominates payments.
Carry cash for hawker stalls and rural areas.
GST replaced with SST in 2018; menu prices include all tax.
Tipping is not customary outside upmarket restaurants where a 10% service charge is automatic.

Typical costs (AUD)

Hostel bed per night: $20
Budget meal: $6
Mid-range meal: $18
Beer (bar): $8
Public transport day pass: $4

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Practical basics

Power plug: Type G
Drives on: Left (same as AU)
Emergency number: 999

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-21.