Things you may find useful to know when visiting Malaysia

ATM machines and money-changer

The ATM machines in Malaysia use 6-digit pin numbers but will accept 4 digit pin numbers. Make sure you choose the ATM with VISA, MAESTRO or whatever logo is on your card. Just key in your 4 digit pin number and press enter. To be extra secure, use an ATM machine attached to the bank during office hours just in case you experience any problems like the ATM 'swallowing' your card.

There are money-changers in all shopping complexes and shopping areas.

WIFI and internet
There are WIFI hot spots all over the city especially in shopping centres and malls. You will see people with their lap-tops sitting down having a drink and checking their emails.

Looking for bargains
Tourist spots are very expensive. Locals will grab bargains from places like 'pasar tani' - a weekly make shift market normally at the weekends at various locations. There, you can buy anything from fruits, vegetables, meat, dried condiments, household items, toys, clothes, CDs, plants, pet-rabbits and even a car!!! Pasar Tani is the best place to get local fruits. It is cheap, tasty (much better than buying from supermarkets). I bought a watermelon and papaya from Pasar Tani and it was hmmm...mouth wateringly juicy and sweet. Nothing like I've tasted before in the UK and it is cheap, cheap, cheap e.g. whole large papaya for less than RM3.00; get the picture????

For materials, best to go to places like Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman; not those big shops but the little shops known as 'Aked'

For hijaab and jilbabs PKNS is a good place; you get get nice jilbabs for around RM50 - RM70.

Buying or renting a car
There are many loan schemes from Banks and some claim to be "Islamic". However, to avoid Riba completely and stay away from the syubhah you can rent a car for a reasonable price. If you wish to buy cash...you will need around RM45.000 to RM65.000 depending on what car you want. Local cars are much cheaper than foreign cars; some foreign cars will cost you around RM150.000. It is cheaper to rent a car long term than short term rent; depending on who you know...a year rental will be around RM600 - RM1000 per month. If you go to established rental companies, they will charge you around RM1400 - RM2000 depending on the car.

My advice is if you could get an AP (don't know what the procedure is); it would be better to bring back a car from the UK. You need to apply for AP first otherwise you will have to pay a tax of 150% value of the car. With an AP you only pay for shipping and some extra cost.
Hmm...what else would be useful to know? Can't think of it right now but all I can say is that shopping is wonderful in Malaysia (depending on where you go) but wherever you go, it is always full of people!