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Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants
A 10% tip is included; locals round up the bill and leave the change; you can do the same or leave 10-15% more.

Hotels
Bellboys - $1/bag; no need to tip anyone else unless you really want to; can leave $1/day for the cleaning staff.

Guides & Drivers
Private guides and/or drivers should get $5-10/person/day.

Dollars Accepted?
Yes, but it's easier for locals to trade in ringgits, the local currency.

Listen Up

Basic Phrases Essential For Your Travels


Hello

Formally, particularly among Muslims: assalamualaikum (with the response, wassalamualaikum), but more commonly selamat pagi (morning); selamat tengah hari (afternoon); selamat petang (evening); or more casually, apa khabar (with a hard h), literally “how are you?” The answer is khabar baik (“I’m fine”). Or, for the lazy or informal, there’s always hello or hai, borrowed straight from English. Malays have a first name followed by bin or binti and then the name of their father. Address Malays by Mr. followed by the first name, not the last.

Good-bye

Selamat tinggal, if you’re leaving; selamat jalan, if you’re staying; or just jumpa lagi, for “see you later.” Or casually: bye.

Thank You

Terima kasih (sama sama is “you’re welcome”).

Excuse Me

Maafkan saya, for apologies; saya minta maaf, to beg someone’s pardon.

Help Me

As a preface to a question, start with boleh tumpang tanya (meaning, “May I ask . . .”). As an exclamation: Tolong!

Please

Silakan or, with a request, tolong.

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