Depending on activity. Generally you can't go wrong with clothes made of light cotton or other moisture absorbing fabric. Swim wear, sunglasses and sun block will come in handy for days on the beach. Flip flops and strappy sandals are the most comfortable footwear for walking and sightseeing. Unless you can afford to launder your clothes daily, don't bother with socks. Some classy establishments in Penang observe a dress code, so if you plan on dining there, don't leave that designer gown, suit and shoes behind.

Please note that there are NO nude beaches in Penang. Public nudity, in general, is frowned upon by the locals.

Visitors to Malaysia must possess a national passport or other internationally recognised travel documents such as Certificates of Identity and Emergency Certificates of Affidavits. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of allowed stay in Malaysia. Those who are in possession of passports which are not recognised by Malaysia must apply for a document in lieu of a passport and visa which is issued by Malaysian missions abroad. For citizens of most countries, no visa is needed for short social visits.

Working papers are required for temporary employment in Malaysia. Visitors wishing to extend their stay may apply at the Immigration Office in Lebuh Pantai, two days before the visa expires. It is an offence to overstay the validity of the visit passes -- therefore read carefully the visit passes endorsed on your documents.

Please ask the Malaysian embassy in your country for more information.

Smallpox and Yellow Fever vaccinations are not required for travellers entering Malaysia, except for those who have visited endemic zones 14 days (for smallpox) or 6 days (for yellow fever) prior to arriving in the country. Children are exempted form this ruling, for yellow fever if they are under 12 months old, and for smallpox if they are under 6 months old.

Items such as cameras, watches, pens, lighters, cosmetics, perfume and portable cassette players are duty free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods such as video equipment may have to pay a deposit of up to 50% of the value for temporary importation, refundable when they leave. You are advised to carry the receipt of purchase. If you pay any tax or deposit, please ensure that you are given a receipt.

Tourist whose stay in Malaysia in excess of 72 hours are exempted from paying taxes on the following:
•  one quart bottle of liquor,
•  25 gms of tobacco or 200 sticks of cigarettes,
•  a pair of new shoes,
•  electrical and battery-operated personal appliances,
•  foodstuff to the value not exceeding RM 75.00,
•  and souvenirs and gifts to the value not exceeding RM 200.00

The Malaysian Ringgit used to be pegged at RM3.80 per USD but now the currency exchange rate shifts slightly according to market conditions. For other currencies, please ask the local money changers or banks. 

Licensed money changers operate all over Georgetown, particularly in Lebuh Pantai and Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling. They provide a convenient means of exchanging foreign currency. Rates are usually displayed on a board and are often better than the bank rates.

Getting there:

By Air – The Penang International Airport is about 10 kilometers from George Town, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Southern China Airlines, and Thai International offer direct and connecting flights.

By Rail – Butterworth is a major station on the north-south railway from Singapore to Bangkok. The ferry terminal to Penang island is within walking distance from the station.

By Driving – The North-South Expressway is an excellent freeway linking Alor Setar, in the north of Peninsular Malaysia, through Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru in the south.

RapidPenang
Launched on 31 July 2007 by the Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Rapid Penang marked a definite improvement to the public transport system. Easy-to-read signoards were put in place. A manned helpdesk distributing maps and schedule booklets was set-up. RapidPenang reps were seen answering queries. Buses came on time! Better yet, the 'soft-opening' provided free rides to all commuters. What better way than to endear yourself to the locals?

RapidPenang's fleet of comfortable and clean buses will definitely help bring back the shine to the Pearl of the Orient. It will also play a major role in the logistics and transportation hub of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) initiative and complement the several mega projects such as the RM2.7 billion second Penang Bridge, the estimated RM1.6 billion monorail and RM1.2 billion Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR). It is also linked to the upcoming major infrastructure projects here such as the RM2 billion integrated terminal for rail, road and sea known as "Penang Sentral" in Butterworth.

Miscellaneous

In general, Malaysians are gentle and discreet people. Please be considerate to your hosts. Blatant displays of affection like French kissing, groping, fondling, caressing etc in public are a definite no-no. What you do in private is entirely up to you. In the open, go easy on that smooch.

•  If you visit a mosque or temple that is not usually on the tourist maps, it is a good idea to  request permission from the caretaker on the premises. Moreover, they will often be able to tell  you more than any tourist book.
•  Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants, but if you travel away from the cities,  you will need cash.
•  Many banks have ATMs that are connected to international networks such as Cirrus and will issue cash in the Malaysian currency (the Ringgit).
•  Smoking is prohibited in air conditioned public places by federal law. You will risk fines of up to RM 500.00 (not to mention the ire of non-smokers) if caught.
•  Keep your passport handy, but in a safe place. It is your only form of identification and is also required when changing money at banks.
•  International driving licences are required should you desire to rent an automobile to drive in Malaysia.
•  Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a major offence and can involve steep fines as well as detention.
•  The wearing of seatbelts while driving are compulsory.
•  When it comes to motorbikes, expect the unexpected from the drivers.
•  Crash helmets are compulsory while riding motorbikes.
•  Malaysia's traffic system still consists of "roundabouts" (traffic circles) and they are found almost everywhere.
•  Medical assistance is available in every town and city at clinics, or at local hospitals.
•  Local pharmacies can often provide assistance for minor illness or the proper material needed for minor injuries. You will need a doctor's prescription for any purchase of antibiotics.

Economy

The economy of Penang is multifaceted, diverse, vibrant, thriving and growing. Not depending on any one sector for its growth, Penang's economy continues to thrive even during economic slowdowns. This can be attributed in part to the excellent infrastructure and transportation facilities. With an international airport, an excellent port for ships, access to the North-South highway and the railroad, Penang is an ideal location for the manufacturing sector as demonstrated by the presence of several international companies.