While you’re there · Kuala Lumpur
Local customs in Kuala Lumpur: anything to know?
Anything goes in malls and Bukit Bintang.
Mosques lend robes and headscarves, temples want covered shoulders and knees, shoes off.
Kuala LumpurLocal customs
Mosques lend robes and headscarves, temples want covered shoulders and knees, shoes off.
Not expected — restaurants add 10% service; round up Grab fares, RM 5–10 for a helpful driver.
Do
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat
- Take shoes off at homes, temples and many small shops
- Point with your thumb, not your index finger
- During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in daytime around Malay areas
Don’t
- Never touch drugs — trafficking carries the death penalty
- Don't enter a mosque's prayer hall or visit during prayer times
- Don't touch anyone's head or step over people seated on the floor
- Don't assume 'Indian' means Hindu — much of KL's Indian community is Muslim or Christian; ask before offering prasad
Every detail we holdThe local customs facts, as checked
- Dress
- Anything goes in malls and Bukit Bintang; mosques lend robes and headscarves, temples want covered shoulders and knees, shoes off.
- Tipping
- Not expected — restaurants add 10% service; round up Grab fares, RM 5–10 for a helpful driver.
Dos
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat
- Take shoes off at homes, temples and many small shops
- Point with your thumb, not your index finger
- During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in daytime around Malay areas
Donts
- Never touch drugs — trafficking carries the death penalty
- Don't enter a mosque's prayer hall or visit during prayer times
- Don't touch anyone's head or step over people seated on the floor
- Don't assume 'Indian' means Hindu — much of KL's Indian community is Muslim or Christian; ask before offering prasad