Everyone entering Malaysia must possess national passports or other internationally recognised travel documents and these must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.

New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Business travellers and tourists will be issued with a three-month visa upon arrival.

If you are going to be a regular visitor, it will pay to have a look at getting an APEC Business Travel Card which provides accredited business people with streamlined access to participating APEC countries. Immigration New Zealand has more information.

The climate in Malaysia is tropical with the hottest months being April and May when the average daily maximum is 33°C and the minimum 23. The coldest month is December, the wettest April.

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Ethnic groups also have their own languages and dialects.

Malaysia is four hours behind New Zealand except during daylight savings (October-March) when it is five hours behind. To find out the current time in Malaysia, go to www.timeanddate.com. 

It is not recommended to schedule meetings with government officials on Friday afternoons - Friday is the holy day for Muslims.

Government offices are closed from noon-2.30pm on Fridays. It can also be difficult to arrange meetings with business people on Friday afternoon.

Banking hours – most states: Monday – Friday: 9.30am to 4.30pm. Saturday and Sunday: closed (some banks and their branches open on first and third Saturdays). Kelantan and Terengganu: Sunday - Wednesday: 9.30am to 4.30pm. Thursday: 9.30am to 4.00pm. Friday/Saturday/Public Holidays: closed.

Public holidays:

• New Year (national)
  
• Hari Raya Aidiladha (national)
  
• Federal Territory Day (Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan only)
  
• Chinese New Year (national)
  
• Awal Muharam (national)
  
• Maulidur Rasul National)
  
• Labour Day (national)
  
• Wesak Day (national)
  
• DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong's Birthday (national)
  
• National Day (national)
  
• Deepavali (Except Labuan and Sarawak)
  
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (national)
  
• Christmas (national)

World Travel Guide has the dates these holiday fall on.

Under current Malaysian exchange control rules, you may import or export up to 1000 Ringgit per person without prior approval. There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency (notes and or travellers' cheques) you may import.

Non-residents may export foreign currency (notes and or travellers' cheques) up to the amount they previously imported, provided they have documentary evidence of the amount they imported. All travellers must complete travellers' declaration forms on entering Malaysia.

Presentation and status are important for winning credibility in the Malaysian market. Business people are judged on their appearance and also on the way they present their company. A casual approach is likely to be interpreted as a lack of respect for the company being visited.

If you are planning to visit Malaysia, consult the New Zealand Government’s travel advisory website for travel updates.

New Zealanders are advised to conform to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities to contain the spread of the influenza A (H1N1)virus.

Malaysia is currently free from bird flu.

A number of Asian countries appear to be facing a dengue fever epidemic. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is among the worst hit areas.

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by certain types of tropical mosquitoes (distinguished by their black and white stripes) which are active in the day time. It is prevalent in tropical urban areas after rainfall. One strain causes severe internal bleeding which is fatal if not treated.

The incubation period is about a week after being bitten. Symptoms are very painful and include severe headaches, rashes, cramps, and bone and muscle pains. (For this reason, dengue is sometimes called "break bone fever".) Fatalities usually occur when people mistake dengue fever for flu, and fail to seek early medical advice.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise advises exporters to Asia to be particularly aware of the symptoms of dengue fever, and to wear insect repellent when outdoors in any area where there may be sources of still water (even as apparently innocuous as water saucers around pot plants).

Get general advice on how to start to export in the Export guide.