Hi again folks, more questions that will be answered on here quickest no doubt......
I'm headed away at the end of Nov, 4 nights Bangkok, 3 in KL and 10 on Langkawi. From experience, does anyone know if it's really necessary to get the jabs? I booked through BA, and all the people in there reckoned that unless we're headed into the wilderness, there really is no point. Any views would be appreicated.
Also, being a Jock, I have to ensure that I obtain proper English money to change over there and no one in the world believe Jockanese money to be Sterling. Again, does experience say it's better to live on the credit card and take minimal cash or vice versa in that part of the world? Is it better to change here before arrival. Again, any tips welcomed.
I remember looking into this at the time, but can't remember the outcome. Someone please tell me I don't need any visa's.......I fancy if we do, the honeymoon may not take place! That was the one thing I had to deal with.....
Sorry it's so long.
We always change money when we arrive..the rate of exchange especially for Thailand being much better. There are exchange counters at Bangkok Airport. Also most banks have ATM's you can use. We usually take sterling travellers cheques.
In Malaysia we usually go to authorised money changers - banks are OK but I've wasted over an hour in some of them as the paperwork takes time. If your hotel in Langkawi is isolated than it might better to have cash changed at airport ot KL.
I always have the jabs, but then I go to some remote areas.
on my way to Australia and have been told I don't need jabs. I will be spending time in Penang on the way out and KL on the way back. Last time I visited Bangkok I didn't need any, but normally like sunbear I go to way out places/jungles etc., in SE Asia and wouldn't dream of going there without all the necessary innoculations. You may consider having a tetanus jab, you really need that anywhere in the world.
Normally I'd venture off as well, but this being our honeymoon, I think it's going to be the hustle bustle of the cities, and then TOTAL R&R in Langkawi. Besides which, most of our jabs are up to date as we've been to Cuba & Kenya in the last two years.
Cheers again
Pierre
Personally, just for convenience, I'd use ATMs to get cash in Bangkok and KL - they are all over the place - and make sure you withdraw enough in KL to last your first few days in Langkawi, which might be a bit more difficult, depending on where you're staying. Having said that, after 7 nights tearing around cities, you probably won't want to move from the hotel pool for the first few days! We've always found that we get the best exchange rates and no extra fees by using credit cards, so in Langkawi your best bet is to charge everything possible to your hotel room and settle the bill with your credit card at the end of your stay. Credit card cloning is sadly quite common in Malaysia (I speak from bitter experience), so be VERY careful where you use them in KL and Langkawi - I'll always use cash outside my hotel on any future trips to Malaysia.
Xenosuk is right about using your cards in Malaysia. KL airport is particularly bad so be careful. Some banks here in UK give free currency exchange/travellers cheques, as do some travel agents, post offices and supermarkets and then that works out cheaper than using ATMs. As it doesn't cost me anything I always take a small amount of local currency for each country I'm visiting so I've got cash for drinks, taxis, etc.
I have been to KL lots of times and always take a mixture of cash and STIRLING travellers cheques. I change £100 worth before I leave the UK to use on arrival and change the rst when I get to KL I always use the money changer outlets in the shopping centres as they offer better deals than the bank (they will also change the travellers cheques as long as you show them your passport). I only use credit cards if I make a very large purchase and want the protection, and of course in the hotel when I book in as they swipe it in leiu of a security deposit.
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